If your building work involves a party wall or a shared boundary, it is highly recommended that you appoint an RICS-regulated party wall surveyor. But what does the term actually mean?
In this article, we explain what a RICS party wall surveyor is, what the role involves, when one may be required, and why James Lewis Surveyors is a trusted choice for party wall matters across London and Surrey.
Key Takeaways
- An RICS party wall surveyor is a qualified professional regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) who deals with matters under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
- An RICS party wall surveyor manages the full party wall process, including advising on whether the Act applies, serving notices, handling neighbour responses, and preparing formal documentation to ensure legal compliance and reduce the risk of disputes or delays.
- James Lewis Surveyors provides RICS-regulated party wall services across London and Surrey, offering experienced, impartial guidance to help ensure building works are carried out correctly and in line with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
What Is a RICS Party Wall Surveyor?
An RICS party wall surveyor is a party wall specialist who is regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), a professional body that sets strict standards for training, ethics, and ongoing professional development. They deal with matters arising under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
This means they have the qualifications and professional oversight required to advise on building works that affect shared walls, boundary structures, and neighbouring properties.
Also read: What Is the Law on Walls Between Houses?
What Does an RICS Party Wall Surveyor Do?
An RICS party wall surveyor oversees the party wall process to ensure the correct procedures are followed and that both property owners are protected throughout the works.
Their responsibilities typically include:
- Advising whether the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies to your proposed building work.
- Preparing and serving Party Wall Notices on adjoining owners in the correct format and within the required timescales.
- Managing responses from neighbours, including situations where consent is withheld or no response is received.
- Preparing Party Wall Awards and other formal documentation where required.
- Recording the condition of neighbouring properties before work begins to help avoid disputes over alleged damage.
- Providing impartial guidance to ensure the process is handled correctly from start to finish.
By managing these steps, an RICS party wall surveyor helps homeowners comply with their legal obligations, reduce the risk of delays, and minimise the potential for disputes with neighbours.
When Do You Need a RICS Party Wall Surveyor?
Not every building project requires an RICS party wall surveyor, but many common home improvement works do. For instance, you may need to appoint one if you are planning:
- A loft conversion that involves work on a shared wall.
- A rear or side extension close to a neighbouring property or boundary.
- Basement or excavation works near adjoining structures.
- Structural alterations, such as removing a chimney breast or inserting steel beams into a party wall.
- New walls built on or up to the boundary line between two properties.
In general, an RICS party wall surveyor becomes relevant when your proposed works fall under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 or affect neighbours structurally. For further information, read our article on Party Wall FAQs.
If you are unsure whether the Act applies to your project, seeking professional advice at an early stage is recommended to help you avoid delays and ensure the correct procedures are followed from the outset.
Why Is It Important to Use a RICS Party Wall Surveyor?
When appointing a professional to deal with party wall matters, experience and qualifications are key. Choosing an RICS party wall surveyor provides added reassurance that your project is being managed in accordance with recognised professional standards.
For homeowners, this offers several important benefits, as shown in the table below.
| Benefit | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Professional Competence | RICS surveyors must meet strict requirements for education, training, and ongoing professional development. |
| High Ethical Standards | They are required to follow clear rules of conduct and act with integrity. |
| Independent Oversight | RICS-regulated firms are subject to professional regulation and accountability. |
| Formal Complaints Procedures | Firms must have a complaints handling process in place, with access to alternative dispute resolution (ADR) if needed. |
| Reduced Risk of Disputes | Accurate advice and properly prepared documentation help minimise misunderstandings between neighbours. |
| Fewer Delays And Costly Mistakes | Ensuring notices and other documents are prepared correctly helps reduce the risk of objections, delays, or invalid notices. |
| Greater Peace Of Mind | You can be confident that the party wall process is being managed correctly from start to finish. |
In essence, by choosing an RICS party wall surveyor, you are appointing a qualified professional who is committed to maintaining high standards of service, professionalism, and client care.
Why Should You Choose James Lewis Surveyors?
If you’re planning building work that may fall under the Party Wall Act, it’s best to speak to a qualified RICS party wall surveyor early on in the process.
At James Lewis Surveyors, party wall matters are handled by experienced professionals led by Managing Director James Lewis BSc (Hons) MRICS FFPWS. James is a Chartered Building Surveyor and a member of the RICS, bringing regulated expertise, independence, and professional oversight to party wall matters.
The practice specialises in party wall surveying across London and Surrey, supporting homeowners, developers, and property professionals with clear, practical guidance throughout the process.
“As an RICS-regulated practice, we ensure party wall matters are handled with professionalism, independence, and full compliance with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996,” says James Lewis, Managing Director.
If you need advice or are planning works that may be affected by the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, early guidance can help prevent delays and avoid unnecessary disputes.
Contact us at James Lewis Surveyors today to speak with a RICS-regulated party wall surveyor in London and get clear advice tailored to your project.
