Protecting building owners and neighbours across Essex, Kent, London, Surrey, Sussex and Hertfordshire. We handle every aspect of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 — from initial notices through to full awards — so your project starts right and stays on track.
▶ What is a Party Wall Agreement? — Watch our short guide
From serving the initial notice to completing a full party wall award, PWS SouthEast handles everything — keeping your project protected and on schedule across the South East.
Professionally drafted and served notices under Sections 1, 3 & 6. Includes Land Registry searches, cover letters and full compliance with the Act's serving requirements.
Full Party Wall Awards prepared when disputes arise or consent is withheld. We act impartially as Agreed Surveyor or represent your interests as your appointed surveyor.
Detailed photographic record of the adjoining property's condition before works begin — protecting both parties from unfounded damage claims at completion.
Planning an extension, loft conversion, basement, or boundary wall? We'll identify which notices are required, serve them correctly, and guide you through the entire process.
Your neighbour has served notice — what now? We represent your interests, review drawings, raise concerns and ensure your property is fully protected. Costs normally met by the building owner.
No surprises. Our fixed fee covers all notices for up to 2 adjoining owners, Land Registry searches, cover letters and more. Contact us for your confirmed fee structure upfront.
Answer a few quick questions and our checker will tell you exactly what your project may require under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
Takes less than 60 seconds — completely free, no registration needed.
Different works require different notices. Here's what each covers and how they apply to common home improvement projects across the South East.
Building on or at the boundary
Required when you intend to build a new wall on or astride the boundary line. Also applies to a wall built entirely on your land but up to the boundary.
Works to a shared wall, floor or ceiling
Needed when you intend to carry out works to an existing party wall, fence wall or party floor/ceiling shared between two properties.
Digging near a neighbour's structure
Required when excavating foundations within 3 or 6 metres of an adjoining owner's structure, depending on the depth of proposed foundations.
The Party Wall Act has a clear sequence. Here's exactly what happens from the moment you decide to build.
Call or email us. We review your plans and confirm which notices are required — no charge, no obligation.
We draft a valid, professional notice under the correct section of the Act — typically within days of receiving your drawings.
We serve the notice correctly on your adjoining owners with a detailed cover letter inviting them to respond.
If your neighbour consents — great. If they dissent or don't respond within 14 days, a Party Wall Award is drawn up.
A photographic schedule of the adjoining property's condition is recorded before works begin, protecting everyone.
With all notices and any Award in place, your builder can get started — with the legal framework protecting your project.
Party Wall matters take time. Here's a realistic timeline so you can plan your project from the outset.
You contact PWS SouthEast. We review your drawings, identify the required notices and provide a confirmed fixed fee. No cost, no obligation.
We prepare professional notices, carry out Land Registry searches, and serve them on your neighbours with a full explanatory cover letter.
Your neighbour has 14 days to respond. If they consent — great. If they dissent or don't respond, we move to a Party Wall Award.
We liaise with any Adjoining Owner surveyor or act as Agreed Surveyor. An impartial Award is drawn up within the statutory period.
With valid notices and/or a Party Wall Award in place, your contractor can commence on schedule.
Call us for a free, no-obligation discussion. We cover all of Essex, Kent, Greater London, Surrey, Sussex and Hertfordshire.
We cover Essex, Kent, Greater London, Surrey, Sussex and Hertfordshire. Click your town or borough for dedicated local party wall guidance.
PWS SouthEast are specialist party wall surveyors operating across Essex, Kent, Greater London, Surrey, Sussex and Hertfordshire. We focus exclusively on the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 — giving our clients access to focused expertise rather than a general practice approach.
Whether you are a homeowner planning a rear extension in Essex, a developer working on a terrace conversion in London, or a neighbour who has received notice in Surrey — we provide clear, expert guidance and handle the entire party wall process on your behalf.
Our office is based in Whitstable, Kent, and our surveyors operate throughout the South East from this base. We pride ourselves on rapid response times, transparent fixed fees, and professional, impartial service.
We act for building owners, adjoining owners, and as Agreed Surveyor where both parties consent — always with the same commitment to accuracy, efficiency and clear communication.
Everything you need to know about the Party Wall Act — answered plainly.
Not sure if your project needs party wall notices? Received a notice from your neighbour and unsure what to do next? Call or email us for a free, no-obligation initial discussion.