Party Wall Surveyors and Boundaries

Posted by Adamo Surveyors on 13th August 2020 -

Under the Party Wall etc Act 1996 the party wall surveyors have no remit with regards to getting involved in boundary positions or determining boundaries.

At times it may be prudent to ascertain the status of the wall to clarify whether it is party wall (wall astride the line of junction) or not. If it is a party wall then the building will have certain rights in relation to what they may be able to do with that wall.

I recall in one instance the status of the walls separating the two properties was unclear; the Adjoining Owner was adamant that the walls were not party, she also did not want the Building Owner to enclose upon the walls as it would change the status of her property from a semi-detached to terraced which would diminish the value of the Adjoining property.

The designer clarified the status of the wall by carrying out a measured survey and the Building Owner had to build a separate wall wholly on his land.

In other occasions when the boundary is unclear and the status of a particular wall uncertain; an independent boundary expert would be commissioned to determine the status of wall. Once this matter is resolved the surveyors can resume their duties as serve Awards as necessary.

Written by Murad Bokhari [email protected]