The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 uses specific terms that can be confusing. Here’s an A–Z glossary of the most important party wall definitions and terms, explained in plain English.
Adjoining Owner - The neighbour whose property shares a boundary or wall with the Building Owner carrying out the works.
Adjoining Owner’s Surveyor – The surveyor appointed by the Adjoining Owner to represent their interests in the party wall process.
Agreed Surveyor – A single surveyor jointly appointed by both owners to act impartially and make the Party Wall Award.
Building Owner – The person proposing to undertake the notifiable works under the Act.
Building Owner’s Surveyor – The surveyor appointed by the Building Owner to act on their behalf.
Consent – Written agreement from the Adjoining Owner confirming they have no objection to the proposed works.
Dissent – When an Adjoining Owner does not consent to the proposed works, triggering the Party Wall procedure.
Line of Junction – The boundary line where two properties meet.
Notifiable Works – Works that fall under the Act, such as extensions, loft conversions, or excavations near a neighbouring structure.
Occupier – The person living in or using the property, who must also receive notices under the Act.
Owner – Includes both freeholders and leaseholders (with leases exceeding one year).
Party Structure – A shared wall, floor, or other structure separating two properties.
Party Wall – A wall separating two properties that stands on the boundary line.
Schedule of Condition – A photographic and written record of the property’s condition before works begin.
Security for Expenses – A payment that may be requested by an Adjoining Owner to cover potential damage or reinstatement costs.
Surveyor (The) – A person appointed under the Act to resolve disputes and issue the Party Wall Award.
Third Surveyor – An independent surveyor selected by the two appointed surveyors to make a binding decision if they disagree.
If you are unsure about any of these terms, our team at Christopher Anthony Surveyors is here to help. Contact us today for free initial advice.
020 3727 5195
info@christopheranthony.org.uk
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.
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