Are you about to start your journey into the Party Wall procedures? Perhaps you’re gearing up for construction—or your neighbour is? Either way, you’ll want sound, accurate, level-headed and factual Party Wall advice. Here’s how to make sure you get exactly that.
Why “Party Wall Surveyor” can be a minefield
Unlike protected professional titles such as barrister, solicitor or architect, the title “Party Wall Surveyor” is not protected. The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 defines what a surveyor does under the Act, but it doesn’t prescribe the surveyor’s skills, qualifications or experience.
Section 20 (Interpretation) of the Act states:
“surveyor” means any person not being a party to the matter appointed or selected under section 10 to determine disputes in accordance with the procedures set out in this Act.
In practice, that means anyone can call themselves a party wall surveyor. Some will be excellent; others may be inexperienced. Your job is to filter for competence.
How to guarantee robust, reliable advice
1) Start with recognised professional credentials
Prioritise surveyors who hold genuine professional qualifications and belong to bodies with independent standards and regulation, for example:
- RICS – Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
- CIOB – Chartered Institute of Building
These institutions vet education, experience and ethics, and provide complaint/disciplinary routes—your safety net.
You may see letters like FPWS/MFPWS (Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors) or MPTS/FPTS (Pyramus & Thisbe Society). These indicate interest and CPD in party wall matters, but they are not professional qualifications in themselves.
2) Insist on broad, practical building expertise
Party wall work is not just legal procedure—it’s building pathology. Your surveyor should:
- Understand structures, foundations, damp, movement and temporary works
- Translate drawings into site methods and risk controls
- Spot when design or sequencing could increase damage risk to neighbours
3) Check real Party Wall experience (not just general surveying)
Ask for:
- The volume and variety of party wall instructions (lofts, basements, extensions, chimney removals, boundary walls, etc.)
- Experience with advising engineers and third surveyor referrals (and how they try to avoid them)
4) Demand clarity and references (to the Act, guidance and case law)
Good advice is traceable. If a surveyor states a position, they should be able to reference:
- The Act (relevant sections)
- Recognised guidance (e.g., RICS practice material)
- Case law where appropriate
If a position can’t be traced back to law or guidance, treat it cautiously.
5) Expect practical communication and fixed, transparent fees
- Plain English explanations (no jargon-fog)
- Fixed fees and clear scope (what’s included, what triggers extras)
- Proactive timelines and reminders (notice periods, appeal windows, access dates)
What “good” Party Wall advice feels like
- You understand if your works are notifiable (Sections 1, 2, 6)
- You know who must be notified and how (Section 15 service)
- You have a clear picture of response options (consent / agreed surveyor / two surveyors)
- You see the likely protections your Award will include—and why
- You know cost liabilities, typical ranges, and how “reasonable” is assessed
- You feel timelines are managed, not sprung on you late
Get Calm, Qualified Party Wall Advice
Simple Survey delivers clear, practical guidance from RICS-qualified building surveyors who do Party Wall work every day. We blend legal compliance with construction reality—so your project moves, and your neighbour sleeps at night.
Email: team@simplesurvey.co.uk
Fixed fees. Nationwide. RICS-qualified. Basement, loft, extension & structural specialists.
Simple Survey — Fixed Nationwide Cost Chart (Guide)
| Service | What’s Included | Fixed Fee (incl. VAT) |
|---|---|---|
| Party Wall Notice (per Adjoining Owner) | Validity check, compliant drafting, service & tracking | £25 |
| Agreed Surveyor Award | One impartial surveyor acting for both owners | £300 |
| Building Owner’s Surveyor Award | Acting for Building Owner in a two-surveyor appointment | £300 |
Our fees are always fixed. We’re nationwide. We’re experienced and RICS-qualified.
FAQ
Q1: I’ve found a very cheap “party wall surveyor”. Is that risky?
A: Low fees can be fine—but only if competence is there. Check for RICS/CIOB membership, robust examples of recent Awards, and clear references to the Act/guidance. The wrong advice can cause invalid notices, delays and extra cost.
Q2: Are FPWS/PTS letters the same as RICS?
A: No. FPWS and PTS demonstrate interest and CPD, but they are not regulated professional qualifications like RICS/CIOB.
Q3: Do I need a surveyor if my neighbour says they’ll consent?
A: Not legally—but many owners still use a surveyor for correctness and diplomacy, to ensure valid service, sensible timings and to answer neighbour queries before issues arise.
Q4: My surveyor’s advice differs from another’s—who’s right?
A: Ask both to cite the Act/guidance/case law. Party Wall work includes judgment calls; choose the advisor who is clear, traceable and practical, with building-pathology depth.
Q5: Will a good surveyor keep my build on programme?
A: They can’t remove statutory periods, but good sequencing, early notice, and complete drawings/methods reduce negotiation time and avoid re-service or redesign.
Ready to get Party Wall advice you can trust?
Email: team@simplesurvey.co.uk — we’ll keep it simple, lawful and build-ready.