At Martin Arnold, we understand that Party Wall and Neighbourly Matters can be complex and often misunderstood. That’s why we adopt a personable and proactive approach to ensure our clients and their neighbours feel informed, supported and protected throughout the process.

Our experienced team of Party Wall Surveyors work closely with Building Owners, Adjoining Owners and developers to provide clear, practical advice from the earliest stages of a project. We believe early engagement is key to avoiding disputes and ensuring compliance with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.

Whether you’re planning a new development, undertaking structural alterations or simply maintaining your property, our team is here to help you navigate the legal requirements and minimise risk.

What We Offer

Our Party Wall and Neighbourly Matters services include:

• Party Wall Advice
• Building Owner, Adjoining Owner and Agreed Surveyor Appointments
• Schedules of Condition
• Preliminary Assessments / Neighbourly Matters Reports
• Access, Oversail and Scaffold Licensing
• Access to Neighbouring Land
• Boundary Reports and Advice
• Neighbourly Liaison

We provide tailored assessments to identify affected properties, advise on required notices and manage the process of serving Notices and agreeing and serving Party Wall Awards. Our tailored Neighbourly Matters Assessments also help clients understand potential risks and liabilities, ensuring these are captured within project risk registers at the outset of a project.

Understanding the Party Wall etc. Act 1996

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 enables Building Owners to carry out certain works while protecting the interests of Adjoining Owners. It does not prevent development; it enables it.

Typical scenarios where the Act applies include:

• Building on or near a boundary
• Excavating close to neighbouring foundations
• Altering or repairing shared structures

Our team ensures all notices are correctly served and that the rights and responsibilities of both parties are clearly defined and respected.

The Role of the Surveyor

Surveyors play a vital role in safeguarding both Building and Adjoining Owners. Once appointed, they prepare a Schedule of Condition, agree the Party Wall Award and assist the owners in any disputes that may arise during the works.

Surveyors may act as:

• Agreed Surveyor (appointed by both parties)
• Building Owner’s Surveyor
• Adjoining Owner’s Surveyor

In cases where two Surveyors are appointed, a Third Surveyor is selected to resolve any disputes that may arise between either the Surveyors or the Owners and their Surveyor.

Costs and Fees

Fees for Party Wall Matters vary depending on the complexity of the works and the number of parties involved. Typically, the Building Owner covers the cost of all Surveyor appointments, including any additional consultants that may be required to assist or advise on the matter.

At Martin Arnold, we offer competitive rates for senior professionals and provide tailored quotations based on the specific requirements of each project. We encourage early engagement to ensure clarity and cost efficiency.

For further information on our services, or to arrange a CPD on the topic of Party Wall Matters for your team, please contact us at ma@martinarnold.co.uk. You can also view our capability statement which is available on our website: https://www.martinarnold.co.uk/services/professional-services/party-wall/.