Party wall surveyor costs vary by scope and location, but typical figures are:
- Hourly rates: ~£120–£350/hour
- Project totals: ~£800–£2,500 per appointment (straightforward to moderately complex matters)
- Our Approach: £25.00 for Notices, £300 for Awards! Yes, they really are as simple as that!
What Drives the Fee?
1) Location
London and major cities usually command higher fees (office overheads, travel time, demand). Expect lower rates in many areas outside the capital.
2) Project Complexity
The more technically involved the works, the more surveyor time you’ll need.
- Higher complexity (e.g., basements, piled foundations) → more reviews, liaison with engineers, robust protections.
- Lower complexity (e.g., simple loft conversions) → fewer hours, lower cost.
3) Appointment Model
- Agreed Surveyor (single surveyor for both owners): generally cheaper and faster.
- Two Surveyors (one for each owner): broader scrutiny but usually higher total fees.
How Fees Are Structured
Hourly (common for Adjoining Owner surveyors)
- Typical band: £150–£350/hour
- Used when the surveyor’s time input is hard to predict in advance.
Fixed Fee (common for Building Owner surveyors)
- Typical band: ~£600–£1,900+
- Scales with complexity and document quality (good plans and methods = fewer queries).
Plus VAT: Most surveyors charge VAT at 20% on fees and disbursements.
Additional/Related Costs to Budget For
- Advising Engineer (often requested on complex schemes, e.g., basements): ~£600–£3,000+.
- Damage Resolution (if issues arise): investigation, making good, or compensation can add costs comparable to (or beyond) initial surveyor fees.
Who Usually Pays?
In most residential scenarios, the Building Owner (the party doing the works) is responsible for both sides’ reasonable surveyor fees—because their project introduces the risk.
Cost-Control Tips for Building Owners
- Engage early & submit complete drawings (plans/sections, details, method statements where appropriate) to reduce back-and-forth.
- Consider the Agreed Surveyor route where appropriate to streamline time and cost.
- Sequence works sensibly (phased info can avoid over-specification and unnecessary disputes).
- Be responsive—delays and late information increase hours.
Want clear, fixed, low-cost fees?
Email team@simplesurvey.co.uk. Simple Survey are the lowest-cost party wall surveyors in England & Wales—we’ll confirm what you actually need, quote transparently, and keep your project moving.