01.
Party Wall etc. Act 1996
Our Party Wall services are focused on helping property owners comply with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 and manage works affecting neighbouring properties properly.
The Act may apply where works involve party walls, shared structures, boundary walls, building on or near the line of junction, or excavations within 3 or 6 metres of a neighbouring structure. These requirements are often overlooked, but failure to follow the correct process can lead to delays, disputes, access issues and potential legal complications.
Magna Surveying assists Building Owners and Adjoining Owners throughout the process. We can review proposed works, identify whether notice is required, prepare and serve Party Wall Notices, respond to notices, arrange Schedules of Condition, liaise with neighbouring owners and surveyors, and prepare or agree Party Wall Awards where required.
Our aim to ensure that the works are properly regulated, that neighbouring properties are appropriately protected, and that matters progress as smoothly as possible.
02.
Building Surveys
Magna Surveying provides clear and practical condition reports for both new and older buildings. A condition report records the visible state of a property at a particular point in time, helping owners, purchasers, landlords, tenants, developers and adjoining owners understand the current condition of the building and identify any obvious defects or areas of concern.
Our reports can be useful before building works commence, before or after occupation, during property transactions, in relation to lease or rental matters, or where there are concerns about cracking, damp, movement, deterioration, poor workmanship or damage. We inspect relevant areas of the property and provide a written and photographic record of our observations.
For older buildings, we consider visible signs of age, wear, historic movement, cracking, damp, weathering, defective repairs and general deterioration. For newer buildings, we can record issues such as cracking, settlement, water ingress, poor finishes, incomplete works, damage, or defects that may need to be raised with a builder, developer, landlord or contractor.
Our aim is to provide a clear record of condition, supported by photographs and written observations, so that clients have reliable documentation if issues develop, disputes arise, or further specialist advice is required. Where necessary, we can also recommend whether additional input is needed from a structural engineer, damp specialist, contractor or solicitor.
03.
Boundary Reports & Land Surveying
Magna Surveying provides boundary reports, measured land surveys and Land Registry compliant plans for property owners, developers, solicitors and professionals who require clear, accurate and properly presented information about land, boundaries and site features.
Boundary issues can quickly become difficult, particularly where fences, walls, driveways, access routes, extensions or areas of land do not appear to match the title documents or the understanding of the owners. We can review available Land Registry title plans, conveyance plans, photographs, site evidence and visible boundary features, and where appropriate attend site to inspect, measure and record the relevant area.
Our boundary reports are evidence-based and clearly explained. They can assist where there is a neighbour dispute, concern over encroachment, uncertainty before sale or purchase, a need to record the current boundary position, or where further legal advice may be required. The aim is to provide a clear written and photographic record of the physical position on site and how it appears to relate to the available documents.
We also prepare measured plans and Land Registry compliant plans for applications, transfers, leases, easements, possessory title claims, adverse possession matters, boundary agreements and other property transactions. Plans can be prepared to show the relevant land, buildings, boundaries, access routes, rights of way, areas to be transferred, retained land or other required features.
Where a formal legal determination of a boundary is required, we can provide survey evidence and plans to assist, but legal advice should be obtained from a suitably qualified solicitor.
