If you are planning structural works to a shared wall with your neighbour, Section 2 of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is likely to apply.

This most commonly affects loft conversions, steel beam installations, chimney breast removals and underpinning works.

At Christopher Anthony Surveyors, we regularly act for both Building Owners and Adjoining Owners across North London and Hertfordshire in relation to Section 2 Party Wall Works.

What Are Section 2 Party Wall Works?

Section 2 applies where works are carried out directly to an existing party wall or party structure.

This includes:

• Cutting into a party wall to insert steel beams
• Loft conversion steel beams bearing into the wall
• Removing a chimney breast attached to a party wall
• Raising, thickening or altering a party wall
• Underpinning a party wall
• Exposing the wall to the weather (i.e removing your roof)
• Demolishing and rebuilding part of a party wall

If your project involves structural alterations affecting a shared wall, you should assume Section 2 applies unless advised otherwise.

When Is A Section 2 Notice Required?

A Section 2 Party Wall Notice must be served at least two months before works commence.

The notice should:

• Clearly describe the proposed works
• Include relevant drawings
• Be served on all adjoining owners

Failure to serve notice properly can expose a Building Owner to injunction risk and unnecessary delay.

Early advice prevents problems.

What Happens After Notice Is Served?

The Adjoining Owner has three options:

1. Consent to the works
2. Dissent and appoint their own surveyor, or;
3. Agree to use a single Agreed Surveyor

If a dissent arises (or no response is received within 14 days), a dispute is deemed to exist under the Act.

Surveyor(s) are then appointed and a Party Wall Award is prepared.

The Award sets out:

• The scope of works
• Method and timing
• Protection measures
• Access arrangements
• A Schedule of Condition
• Who pays the surveyors’ fees

Common Section 2 Scenarios

We regularly deal with:

Loft Conversions

Steel beams bearing into the party wall are one of the most common Section 2 triggers.

Chimney Breast Removal

Even partial removal requires careful consideration of structural support and neighbour protection.

Raising Parapet Walls

Often associated with rear extensions or roof alterations.

Underpinning

Where excavation or basement works affect the structural integrity of the party wall.

Each scenario requires slightly different handling, which is why proper professional advice is important.

Acting for the Building Owner

If you are proposing the works, we can:

• Review drawings before notice is served
• Prepare and serve valid Section 2 Notices
• Act as Agreed Surveyor where appropriate
• Prepare a comprehensive and clear Award
• Keep the process proportionate and practical

The objective is to allow works to proceed lawfully while minimising neighbour tension.

Acting for the Adjoining Owner

If you have received a Section 2 Notice, you are entitled to:

• Independent professional representation
• A full Schedule of Condition
• Protection of your structural integrity
• Proper safeguards within the Award

We act solely in your interest when appointed.

Why Early Advice Matters

We frequently see issues where:

• Notices are incorrectly drafted
• Works are misclassified
• Structural details are unclear
• Architects incorrectly advise that no notice is required

Addressing matters properly at the outset prevents escalation and avoids unnecessary cost.

Section 2 Party Wall Works – Speak to a Surveyor

If you are planning structural alterations or have received a Section 2 Party Wall Notice, we can quickly advise on your position and next steps.

Contact Us for a Quote

For a quick online quote for Party Wall advice, send us the details of your project.

Or need advise straight away, please call us and one of our team will be pleased to assist you.

Areas We Cover
Christopher Anthony Surveyors provide professional Party Wall Surveyor services across London and the surrounding areas, including Hackney, Islington, Camden, Haringey, North London, East London, South London, West London, Bexley, Essex, Hertfordshire, Surrey, and Kent.

Our coverage also extends to Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Enfield, Barnet, Southwark, Greenwich, Lewisham, Bromley, Croydon, Lambeth, Hammersmith & Fulham, Wandsworth, Merton, Kingston upon Thames, Ealing, Brent, Harrow, Hillingdon, Richmond upon Thames, and Sutton.

We continue to expand our reach — explore your local area page to learn more about Party Wall services near you.