The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has launched a consultation on the draft 8th edition of Party Wall Legislation and Procedure, inviting feedback from surveyors, legal professionals, dispute resolution practitioners and other stakeholders involved in party wall matters in England and Wales.
The consultation will run for approximately eight weeks across April and May and seeks views on updated practice guidance designed to support competence and consistency in this important area of professional work.
The draft 8th edition replaces the 7th edition and provides best-practice support for RICS members who accept instructions where the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 may apply, explaining when the Act is engaged, the procedures that follow, and the professional standards expected of members.
The updated draft includes enhanced appendices, revised letters of appointment and terms, and an updated draft award. It also strengthens guidance on regulatory and conduct matters, including fee practices, use of the Third Surveyor, service of notices and public engagement.
The consultation comes at a time when clarity and professional rigour are especially important, RICS said.
“This a complex area of practice and recent challenges and appeals have highlighted the need for greater clarity and rigour,” the organisation explained. “Your views will help us test whether the guidance supports competence, consistency and confidence for practitioners, reinforces the personal and statutory nature of the surveyor’s role, and appropriately addresses risks arising where the Act is misapplied.”
The draft guidance emphasises that a party wall surveyor’s appointment is personal and statutory, independent of client instruction, and highlights concerns arising from cases where awards have been challenged because surveyors acted without proper jurisdiction, including circumstances where no genuine dispute existed between the parties.
James Kavanagh, RICS head of professional practice (Land & Development), said: “This consultation is an opportunity to help shape updated guidance for professionals working under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. The draft 8th edition is intended to support high standards of competence, conduct and consistency, while also helping practitioners navigate the statutory process with greater clarity and confidence.”
The consultation is open until 5th June and responses will be published in November.
