The moment a neighbour doesn’t consent, homeowners often feel like they’ve “lost control.” In reality, the Act provides clear appointment routes—and choosing the right one can make the process faster and calmer.
At Simple Survey, we’re big on one thing: use the route that best fits the relationship, the works, and the realities of your project—not the route that creates the most cost.
The two appointment options (in real terms)
When the formal procedure applies, you’re typically looking at:
Option A: One agreed surveyor
Both owners jointly appoint a single surveyor to act impartially.
Option B: Two surveyors
Each owner appoints their own surveyor. Those surveyors then operate under the Act’s framework.
Neither option is “right” all the time. The goal is to select the path that reduces friction and keeps the project moving.
When an agreed surveyor is a great fit
Agreed surveyor appointments tend to work well when:
- communication is reasonable
- the works are easy to understand
- both owners want efficiency
- no one is trying to “lawyer” the build
An agreed surveyor isn’t “your surveyor.” They act impartially under the Act. That impartiality is exactly why the process can be smoother.
When two surveyors may be better
Two surveyors can be the smarter route when:
- the neighbour feels more comfortable with their own adviser
- the relationship is tense
- the works are more complex
- there are multiple adjoining owners with different views
Two surveyors can still be efficient, but it often increases overall cost because two professionals are involved rather than one.
What about the neighbour who ignores everything?
Silence is common. People are busy, worried, or avoiding paperwork. The Act anticipates this, and provides next steps. Our approach is to remain calm and procedural: clear communications, correct steps, and a route that doesn’t escalate the situation unnecessarily.
Get Cost Saving Pro Advice Now
If you want clarity on whether an agreed surveyor approach is realistic—or whether two surveyors is the better fit—get in touch with Simple Survey. We’ll help you choose the simplest lawful route and keep costs transparent from the start.