Party Wall Expert Witness Reports: Lessons from Recent UK Litigation and RICS Best Practices
A mandatory injunction forcing a homeowner to demolish a newly built extension — that was the outcome in Ormiston Kilsby v Fattahi [2019], a landmark case that sent shockwaves through the UK construction and surveying world. The reason? Failure to serve the correct Party Wall Act notices before works began. [4] This case, and dozens […]
Thermal Imaging in Party Wall Surveys: Detecting Hidden Defects and Resolving Neighbour Disputes Under RICS 8th Edition
Over 40% of party wall disputes in England and Wales involve damage claims where the defect was invisible to the naked eye at the time of the original schedule of condition — a gap that thermal imaging technology is now closing with remarkable precision. As RICS launches its formal consultation on the draft 8th edition […]
Choosing RICS Chartered Surveyors for Party Wall Matters: Top UK Firms and What to Look for in 2026
Nearly one in three UK homeowners who undertake significant building work will trigger the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 — yet a surprising number still appoint surveyors without checking a single credential. With renovation activity rising sharply across England and Wales, and RICS currently consulting on a landmark 8th edition of its party wall practice […]
