Tower Hamlets - Party Wall Surveyors
If you're planning to undertake work on a party wall, party structure or boundary on a property in Tower Hamlets, or have received a party wall notice from a neighbour and need professional advice, Easton Bevins can help.
With a dedicated team of qualified party wall surveyors, and offices in central London, we are well-placed to meet the needs of homeowners and their neighbours in Tower Hamlets.
Our expert surveyors are experienced in managing party wall projects and can guide you through process, ensuring all work complies with the Act.
We can also help resolve any issues that might arise ensuring minimal disruption to your project.
For expert advice and support relating to the Party Wall Act:
Call 0204 548 9835, email or complete
our enquiry form.
Party Wall Act
The Party Wall etc Act 1996 was introduced to help prevent or resolve disputes relating to work carried out on a party wall, boundary wall or party structure.
You can download the Government's explanatory booklet for further information.
Download booklet
Under the Party Wall Act, you must notify your adjoining neighbour before carrying out any work that falls under the Act.
If you fail to serve notice, you will not have the legal right to proceed with the work. Additionally, if you require access to your neighbour’s land or property to carry out any of the work you must obtain permission under the Act.
Although sometimes seen as an unnecessary hindrance, serving notice is a legal necessity. It also provides benefits not available under common law, such as the right to access for the work. In some cases you may even be able to oblige your neighbour to contribute to the cost of the work.
The Act is ultimately designed to protect both parties, allowing the person carrying out the work to proceed while safeguarding the neighbour from unnecessary disruption and potential damage. The process is straightforward - with consent the work can continue smoothly and, with the right documentation in place, any disputes can be usually be swiftly resolved.
If you have any questions about party walls, view our frequently asked questions or contact our London office.
Party wall disputes v. boundary disputes
Party wall disputes can be confused with boundary disputes but the two are very different. Boundary disputes are common in London due to the high value of property and land.
Find out more about party wall disputes:
Read more
If you think that someone has encroached on your land that would be classified as a boundary dispute and cannot be dealt with under the Party Wall Act.
Easton Bevins has boundary experts specialising in this complex area. We can also provide expert witness services if required.
For guidance on managing boundary disputes in Tower Hamlets, please contact our London office on 0204 548 9835.
Find out more about boundary disputes
Read More
the Party Wall process
Stage 1
If you are planning work on an existing party wall you need to give two months’ notice. If you are planning on excavating or building a new wall at the line of junction you need to give one month’s notice.
If you do not give notice your neighbour has the right to serve an injunction which will stop all work while a resolution is reached.
Stage 2
Once notice has been given, your neighbour will have three options.
i) consent to the works
ii) dissent to the works and you both agree to appoint one party wall surveyor to act for both parties to resolve the matter
iii) dissent to the works and appoint their own surveyor, so a separate surveyor working for each party
Stage 3
If the neighbour does not consent, this is a party wall dispute, which must be resolved by way of a party wall award.
What is a party wall award?
The award is a legal document that governs certain aspects of the works such as timings, working hours, and potentially detail of the works.
Pre-works condition schedule
A pre-works condition schedule is required as part of an award, and is considered good practice even in the event of consent. The schedule provides a record that can be referred back to in case of any damage during the works and serves to protect both parties - the person doing the work and the neighbour.
A party wall award is legally binding, however both sides will have 14 days to appeal the award in the County Court.
