Development appraisals
Early party wall advice for developers, architects and contractors, before the design is fixed.
- Free initial consultation
- 5.0 from 15 Google reviews
In short
A development appraisal identifies, at design stage, which neighbouring owners are affected, which notices you'll need, the programme implications of each, and the likely professional costs. It lets you design out party wall risk and serve notices early.
What you get
- A schedule of adjoining owners and their interests
- Which sections apply to each boundary
- A notice and award programme aligned to your construction programme
- Risk items: deep excavation, piling, fragile neighbours, listed buildings
- Items outside the Act that need separate agreements, such as crane oversail and scaffold licences
Why early advice saves money
Foundation design, boundary details and construction sequence all affect which notices you need and how long awards take. Small design changes at the start, such as moving a footing or changing a piling method, can remove a notice altogether or reduce the risk to a neighbour.
How it fits your programme
| Stage | Party wall action |
|---|---|
| Feasibility | Identify boundaries, adjoining owners and likely notices |
| Design | Review foundation and structural details against the Act |
| Pre-construction | Serve notices with enough time for awards |
| Construction | Schedules of condition, monitoring, dispute handling |
See our developer service.
What clients say
We’ve worked with Manchester Party Wall Surveyors on several projects and they’ve been great every time. Guy is efficient, clear, and easy to deal with. The process is always smooth and well-managed. Highly recommend.
Common questions
Can a party wall issue stop a development?
The Act doesn't give neighbours a veto, but late notices can delay a start on site by months. Early appraisal avoids that.
Do you work with architects and engineers?
Yes. We review drawings with the design team so notices go out with the right information first time.
Source: Party Wall etc. Act 1996 (applies in England and Wales).
Written by Guy Crouch BSc (Hons) MRICS, Director and Chartered Building Surveyor at Manchester Party Wall Surveyors. Last reviewed 26 October 2026. This page is general guidance, not legal advice. About our team
Planning work near a neighbour?
Speak to a chartered surveyor before you start, not after.