A party wall surveyor becomes necessary when your neighbour doesn’t agree to your party wall notice. Here’s what they do, how much they cost, and how the Party Wall Award process works from start to finish.
You need a party wall surveyor when your neighbour dissents to your party wall notice — or when they fail to respond within 14 days (which is treated as dissent).
You do not need a surveyor if your neighbour gives written consent. In that case, you can proceed with the work once the notice period has expired.
A surveyor is only needed if your neighbour objects to or ignores your party wall notice. If they consent in writing, no surveyor is required and you can proceed after the notice period expires.
When a dispute arises, there are three ways surveyors can be appointed:
Both parties agree on a single surveyor to act for both of them impartially. This is usually the quickest and cheapest option. The surveyor must be agreed in writing by both parties.
Each party appoints their own surveyor. The two surveyors then work together to produce the Award. If they can’t agree, they appoint a Third Surveyor (named in advance) to make a binding decision.
Selected in advance by the two party-appointed surveyors to resolve any disputes between them. The Third Surveyor’s decision is binding on both parties.
| Appointment Type | Cost Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Agreed Surveyor | £700–1,500 | Straightforward projects; cooperative neighbours |
| Two Surveyors (combined) | £1,500–3,000+ | Complex projects; contentious situations |
| Third Surveyor (additional) | £500–1,500+ | Disputes between the two appointed surveyors |
A party wall surveyor’s role is to act impartially to resolve the dispute and protect the interests of both parties. Their main tasks are:
Once surveyors are appointed, the Award process typically takes 4–8 weeks, though it can be shorter for straightforward projects. Here’s how it works:
Costs vary depending on the complexity of the project and the location. As a rough guide:
London and the South East tend to attract higher fees. Complex projects involving multiple adjoining owners, deep excavations, or unusual structural issues will also cost more.
The default position under the Act is that the building owner (the person doing the work) pays the reasonable fees of both surveyors. This is because the building owner initiated the work that triggered the Act.
However, the Award can apportion costs differently if there are special circumstances — for example, if the adjoining owner is also benefiting from the works, or if they have acted unreasonably in escalating costs.
You can find a qualified party wall surveyor through:
When selecting a surveyor, check their experience with residential party wall matters specifically, and ask for an estimate of fees before appointing them.
Yes, but the surveyor must not be the same person or firm as the building owner’s surveyor (unless it’s an agreed surveyor appointment). In practice, any suitably qualified and impartial professional can act as a party wall surveyor.
Technically yes, if you are a qualified surveyor. However, you cannot act as agreed surveyor for both parties — each party must be independently represented if they choose separate surveyors.
Most Awards are produced within 4–8 weeks of the surveyors being appointed. Simple projects with cooperative parties can be resolved in 2–3 weeks. Contentious situations or complex projects can take longer.
The Act does not specify formal qualifications, but in practice most are RICS Chartered Surveyors or members of the Pyramus & Thisbe Club. Look for someone with specific experience of residential party wall matters in your area.
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