Party Wall Surveyor in Brighton
A party wall is the shared wall between your property and a neighbouring property. It can include a party structure such as floors and boundary walls. It also covers excavation work close to an adjoining owner’s building. The Party Wall etc Act 1996 came into force in July 1997 and applies to many types of building work in Brighton and Hove.
If you are planning proposed work that affects a party wall, you must follow the correct legal process. This often includes serving party wall notices to neighbouring property owners before work begins. The Act protects both the building owner and the adjoining owner during any construction projects.
Building work can affect the strength and support of a shared wall or structure. It may also risk damage to the neighbouring property. For this reason, the Party Wall etc Act requires formal notification and, in many cases, agreement between both parties. If you do not follow the process correctly, you may delay or stop the work and incur extra costs.
Southdown Surveyors
Southdown Surveyors are a trusted party wall surveyor in Brighton, offering professional advice across Sussex and the surrounding areas. With over 10 years of experience, we specialise in the Party Wall etc Act. Our aim is to support homeowners through every stage of the process with expert guidance.
We provide clear information on your obligations, helping you serve party wall notices correctly. This also includes assistance with preparing schedules of conditions where required. We make sure you carry out all procedures correctly, reducing the risk of disputes and costly delays.
Founded by Matthew Symmonds, Southdown Surveyors has a strong focus on party wall matters backed by years of experience. Matthew is a member of The Pyramus & Thisbe Club, which promotes best practice among party wall surveyors.
How Can We Help?
Unfortunately, disputes can arise when a building owner and an adjoining owner do not reach an agreement. In these cases, you may need a party wall award to authorise the work and set construction conditions. Surveyors prepare this legal document and it sets out how the work should proceed.
We act impartially and can represent either property owners or both parties as agreed surveyors. Our aim is to ensure fairness and compliance with the Party Wall etc Act while protecting all properties.
Get Professional Advice Before You Build
Before starting any building work, it is important to seek advice from experienced professionals. Understanding the processes and obligations that come with the Party Wall etc Act is crucial and ensures compliance. Early guidance can help you avoid costly mistakes and keep your project on track.
For more information, an explanatory booklet is available here and you can also find a Government overview here. If you need help with party wall notices, schedules of conditions, or a party wall award, our team is here to assist.
Contact Southdown Surveyors today to discuss your project and ensure full compliance with legal requirements and regulations. Call our friendly team on 01323 739183 or send an email to info@southdownsurveyors.com to arrange an appointment.
Helpful Information and Guidance
For general information on the Party Wall etc Act, the links below offer some useful guidance:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/party-wall-etc-act-1996-guidance – Guidance on preventing and resolving disputes in relation to party walls.
https://www.rics.org/consumer-guides/party-walls – A clear, impartial guide that provides everything you need to know about party walls.
