A party wall surveyor is a specialist who helps neighbours follow (and benefit from) the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 whenever building works could affect a shared or nearby structure—think terraced or semi-detached homes, flats with shared floors/ceilings, garden walls on the boundary, or excavations close to another property. The surveyor’s job is to keep projects lawful, proportionate, and moving—while protecting both sides’ rights.
Below is a clear, jargon-free overview of the role, when you need one, and how to keep the process efficient and low-cost.
Core responsibilities (in plain English)
1) Getting the paperwork right
Surveyors prepare and serve valid Party Wall Notices under Sections 1, 2 and/or 6, making sure content, timings and recipients comply with the Act (including freeholders and long leaseholders where relevant). Correct notices save weeks later.
2) Assessing proposals against the Act
They review drawings, methods and sequencing to confirm which parts of the project are notifiable, what rights apply (e.g., access, working hours, temporary protection), and what’s proportionate for the site and neighbours.
3) Agreeing a Party Wall Award
If a neighbour dissents—or there’s deemed dissent—the surveyor(s) draft a Party Wall Award (sometimes called an agreement). This legally binding document sets out:
- what works are authorised and how/when they’re done;
- sensible conditions to minimise unnecessary inconvenience;
- access arrangements and logistics under Section 8;
- any security for expenses (Section 12) where appropriate;
- who pays which costs (the Act usually places reasonable costs on the person doing the works).
4) Resolving issues—without drama
Good surveyors reduce friction. They keep discussions focused on the Act, narrow any points of difference, and—if the two-surveyor route is in play—select a third surveyor “forthwith” and use referrals sparingly and precisely when needed.
5) Staying impartial
Whether acting as the Agreed Surveyor (one surveyor for both owners) or as one of two surveyors, the duty is always to act independently and impartially. The outcome should be fair, lawful and proportionate—not a wish list for either side.
When should you appoint a party wall surveyor?
- As soon as designs are settled enough to describe the notifiable elements (e.g., new wall at/near the boundary; cutting into or raising a party wall; excavations within 3m/6m and deeper than neighbouring foundations).
- Before your planned start date—remember statutory notice periods (often 1 or 2 months) and time for responses.
- Whenever you’re unsure whether the Act applies or how to serve notices correctly.
Tip: Early engagement avoids invalid notices and unnecessary re-serving, which can derail programmes.
Choosing the right professional
- Competence: Look for surveyors with a strong Party Wall caseload, up-to-date knowledge of case law, and clear written outputs.
- Impartiality: They must be able to act independently—even if you’re the one paying.
- Transparency: Fixed fees and a defined scope reduce risk.
- Professional standing: Many practitioners are members of RICS/CIOB or similar bodies and carry Professional Indemnity insurance.
Transparent, fixed pricing (Simple Survey)
- Party Wall Notice service: £25 per adjoining ownership (multi-notice bundles discounted).
- Act administration as Agreed Surveyor (single surveyor): typically £300 fixed-fee, depending on complexity and number of notices/owners.
- Two-surveyor route (we act for the works side): fixed-fee proposals from £325 for our side. (The other surveyor often bills hourly; we work to keep those costs reasonable and contained.)
- Complex works (deep excavations, multi-owner blocks): we’ll still offer fixed pricing as above.
No surprises, no creeping extras. You’ll know the number before we start.
FAQs
Do I always need a party wall surveyor?
Not always. If all neighbours consent in writing to valid notices, you may not need surveyors. But if there’s dissent (or no response), the Act requires the dispute-resolution procedure—that’s when surveyors must be appointed.
What’s the difference between an Agreed Surveyor and two surveyors?
With an Agreed Surveyor, one impartial surveyor acts for both owners—usually faster and cheaper. If either owner prefers separate representation, each appoints a surveyor; those two then select a third surveyor for any unresolved points.
Who pays the fees?
Typically, the person doing the works pays the reasonable costs of administering the Act—this can include the neighbour’s surveyor if they appoint one, and (where necessary) reasonable third-surveyor costs.
Does planning permission cover Party Wall?
No. Planning and the Party Wall Act are separate regimes. You often need both.
How long does it take to get an Award?
It depends on notice periods, responses, complexity and how quickly information is provided. Correct notices and clear drawings speed things up considerably.
Can a surveyor “side” with the person who hired them?
No. The duty is to the Act, not to the appointing owner. Impartiality is fundamental—and the third-surveyor mechanism exists to keep everyone honest.
The bottom line
A capable party wall surveyor keeps your project compliant, neighbours informed, and risk under control—without turning the process into a saga. Clear notices, proportionate conditions and focused problem-solving are the hallmarks of good practice.
Want the quickest, most affordable route to a compliant Party Wall outcome?
Email team@simplesurvey.co.uk for a fixed-fee plan that gets your notices out, your Award agreed, and your project moving—at a fraction of typical market cost.