Party Wall Awards
We advise on all aspects of work under the Party Wall Act, which provides legal rights and safeguards to Building Owners and their neighbours.
Building Owners
As a Building Owner you must tell your neighbours in advance if you want to :
Build on or at the boundary of your two properties
Work on an existing party wall or party structure
Excavate below and near to the foundation level of their building or structure
Adjoining Owners
Under the Party Wall Act, an Adjoining Owner has the right to :
Appoint a surveyor to resolve any dispute.
Require reasonable necessary measures to be taken to protect their property from damage and for their security.
Not to endure any unnecessary inconvenience.
Be compensated for loss or damage caused by building works.
Request security for expenses before work starts under the Act. This is to guard against any potential loss, such as if works are not completed for instance.
Whether you are undertaking the work or have received a notice from a neighbour, we can help you navigate the process, reduce risk and protect your property.
At Sofito Consulting, we understand that dealing with party wall issues can be a complex and stressful process. That's why we're here to make things easy for you. Our team of highly qualified and experienced party wall surveyors are here to provide you with a comprehensive and professional service, ensuring that your party wall matters are dealt with smoothly and efficiently.
With years of experience in the field, our surveyors have the knowledge and expertise to assist you with all aspects of party wall matters. Whether you're a homeowner, developer, or a commercial property owner, we can provide you with the expert guidance you need to ensure that your party wall concerns are addressed in a timely and effective manner.
Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is second to none. We believe that every client deserves the best possible service, and we work hard to deliver just that. Our team of surveyors will take the time to understand your needs, and provide you with a tailored solution that meets your specific requirements.
If you're looking for a reliable and experienced party wall surveyor in London, look no further. Contact us today to find out how we can help you with all your party wall needs. Our friendly and knowledgeable team is always on hand to answer any questions you may have and to provide you with a no-obligation quote.
Take the first step towards a stress-free party wall experience. Get in touch with Sofito today.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Party Wall Award? A Party Wall Award is a legally binding document agreed between the surveyors acting for each party. It sets out the rights and responsibilities of the building owner, the method of working, working hours, and the protective measures to be put in place. It also typically includes a schedule of condition of the adjoining property before works begin.
Who pays for the party wall surveyor? In most cases, the building owner — the person undertaking the works — pays the reasonable fees of both surveyors. This is set out in the Party Wall Act itself.
My neighbour has served me with a notice — what should I do? You have 14 days to respond. If you consent in writing, no further action is needed (though we’d recommend a schedule of condition is prepared). If you do not respond or dissent, a dispute is deemed to have arisen and a surveyor must be appointed. Contact us and we can act as your appointed surveyor, at no cost to you.
How long does the party wall process take? From serving notice to having an agreed Award in place typically takes 6–12 weeks, depending on the complexity of the works and the cooperation of the adjoining owner.
Can I just speak to my neighbour and skip the formal process? A good neighbourly relationship is valuable — but it doesn’t remove the legal requirement to serve notices under the Act. Failing to follow the correct procedure can result in works being halted by injunction. The formal process protects both parties.