Security for Expenses—both its type and amount—is typically agreed by the two owners.
However, if they cannot reach an agreement, the surveyors involved will resolve the matter by issuing an award under section 10 of the Party Wall Act.
Where major works are planned, such as digging out a basement, it makes sense that the adjoining owner should not have to worry about the building owner’s ability (or inability) to cover any potential losses. This concern is particularly relevant if the building owner is a limited company with unknown, minimal or no assets, or is an offshore entity.
We have seen all sorts of different values, including: