What Is a Party Wall?
A party wall is a wall that sits on the boundary line between two properties, either forming part of a building or serving as a dividing structure, such as a masonry garden wall (not including wooden fences or hedges). It can also be a wall entirely on one owner’s land but used by multiple owners to separate their buildings.
How Much Does a Party Wall Surveyor Cost?
Party wall surveyors may charge a fixed fee for certain tasks like drafting the Party Wall Award or Photographic Schedule of Condition, but most work is billed hourly. Hourly rates vary widely—typically from about £80 to £400 plus VAT—depending on location and experience.
More experienced surveyors might charge higher rates but often complete work faster, potentially saving you money overall. Complex projects, such as basement excavations, generally require more time and therefore incur higher fees compared to simpler extensions.
Factors That Influence Party Wall Costs
Several factors can affect the overall cost:
- Property Size: Larger properties take more time to survey and document.
- Quality of Drawings: Clear, complete architectural plans reduce surveyor time.
- Number of Surveyors: Sometimes one, two, or even three surveyors are involved, increasing fees.
- Risk Level: More complex or risky works near a neighbour’s property may increase costs.
- Location: Local market rates and the surveyor’s proximity can impact fees.
- Neighbourly Relations: Potential disputes increase costs through negotiations and legal processes.
Who Pays for the Party Wall Surveyors?
Typically, the building owner carrying out the works pays for both their own and their neighbour’s surveyors. This is fair since they benefit from the works while the neighbour did not initiate the project.
Neighbours receiving a Party Wall Notice can dissent and appoint their own surveyor. Under the Act, the building owner covers these fees and any reasonable costs related to the Party Wall Award and any inspections or dispute resolutions.
Four Tips to Keep Party Wall Costs Down
1. Talk to Your Neighbours Early
Many disputes arise because neighbours feel blindsided when they receive formal notices without prior discussion. Building owners who communicate openly before sending notices often reduce the chance of dissent and delays.
We recommend discussing your plans early in the design process and delivering notices by hand where possible. This personal touch helps build trust, allows you to answer questions, and often encourages neighbourly consent.
2. Reassure Neighbours About Their Protection
Neighbours sometimes worry that consenting to a Party Wall Notice means losing their rights to compensation if damage occurs. Make it clear that consent does not waive their right to claim for any damage caused by your works. They can also appoint a surveyor later if disputes arise.
3. Offer a Photographic Schedule of Condition
Though it may seem like an added expense, commissioning a Photographic Schedule of Condition before work begins benefits both parties. It documents your neighbour’s property condition and protects everyone against false claims of damage, often making neighbours more willing to consent.
This proactive step is generally much less costly than having to resolve disputes later, which could require multiple surveyors and legal fees.
4. Use an Experienced Surveyor to Prepare Notices
While DIY templates for Party Wall Notices are available online, they’re often incomplete or inaccurate, leading neighbours to mistrust the notices and potentially appoint their own surveyor at your cost.
Professionally prepared notices inspire confidence, reduce the likelihood of dissent, and can streamline the process—saving you time and money in the long run.