INDEPENDENT ARTICLES, CLEAR INSIGHTS, STRAIGHTFORWARD ADVICE FOR INFORMED PROPERTY DECISIONS.

1930s semi-detached houses are the backbone of the UK property market, prized for their generous plots, solid walls and suburban charm. However, as we move through 2026, these homes are reaching a critical age where original components can begin failing...

Appointing a Party Wall Surveyor is often the moment the Party Wall process starts to feel “real”—especially if a neighbour has dissented or hasn’t responded to a notice. Done properly, appointing the right surveyor keeps costs proportionate, reduces delay, and helps...

A snagging list survey is one of the simplest, most cost-effective ways to protect yourself when you’re buying a new-build, taking handover of a newly converted property, or reaching the end of a refurbishment/extension project. It turns vague concerns like “that...

It depends on the risk level of the works, how clear the information is, and how comfortable you feel relying on goodwill alone. Dissenting isn’t “being difficult” — under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 it’s often just choosing a formal protection framework (Schedule of...

If you are unhappy with your Party Wall Surveyor, the right “action” depends on what you’re unhappy about. In party wall matters, surveyors are appointed under statute and are expected to act impartially, so the most effective route is usually to identify whether the...

In most cases, yes—offering a Schedule of Condition report to your neighbour before your works start is one of the most sensible and professional steps you can take. It protects your neighbour’s property, protects you from unfounded claims, and helps your project run...

In many situations, yes—asking for a Schedule of Condition report is a sensible, practical step. It is one of the simplest ways to protect your property (and your relationship with your neighbour) when building works are planned nearby. The request is not “aggressive”...

Schedule of Condition reports sit at the intersection of property, evidence, and dispute resolution. When a neighbour dispute escalates, or when a client needs to protect themselves against allegations of damage, the quality of the Schedule of Condition often...

Schedule of Condition reports are often viewed as something that happens “around” a project rather than a tool that actively supports it. In practice, a robust Schedule of Condition can make a measurable difference to project delivery—reducing neighbour anxiety,...