Short answer: yes—you can. Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 this is called appointing an Agreed Surveyor. Instead of each owner appointing their own surveyor (who then select a third surveyor as a back-stop), both neighbours jointly appoint one impartial surveyor to administer the Act and issue the Party Wall Award.
Below, we explain how an Agreed Surveyor differs from appointing your own surveyor, the pros and cons of each route, and when we recommend going single-surveyor versus two-surveyor.
What is an Agreed Surveyor?
An Agreed Surveyor is a single, impartial professional appointed jointly by the Building Owner (the one doing the works) and the Adjoining Owner (the neighbour). Their job is to administer the Act fairly to both sides and produce a legally binding Award that sets out what works may proceed and how they must be carried out.
Key implications:
- There’s no third surveyor in the background because there aren’t two party-appointed surveyors to disagree.
- The Agreed Surveyor must act even-handedly; they don’t “work for” either neighbour once appointed—they work for the Act.
How is that different from appointing your own surveyor?
With the two-surveyor route, each neighbour appoints their own surveyor. Those two surveyors then select a third surveyor at the start, who only steps in if the first two can’t agree, or if an owner refers a specific dispute. This structure adds checks and balances, which can be helpful where risk, complexity or tension is higher.
Pros and cons at a glance
Agreed Surveyor (one surveyor for both neighbours)
Pros
- Simpler and faster: One point of contact; fewer moving parts; decisions often come together sooner.
- Lower overall fees: Usually the most economical route because there’s only one professional to pay.
- Neighbourly tone: Signals cooperation and can set the project up for smoother progress.
Cons
- No third-surveyor safety net: If an owner disagrees with the Agreed Surveyor’s approach, there isn’t an internal escalation path—appeal is to the county court (within 14 days), which is slower and costlier than a third-surveyor referral.
- Best for conventional work: Where design, method or site conditions are unusual, a single viewpoint can be limiting.
Two-Surveyor route (each neighbour appoints one)
Pros
- Checks and balances: Two independent professionals test each other’s reasoning; a third surveyor can determine sticking points without going to court.
- Helpful on complex jobs: Basements, deep adjacent excavations, party wall rebuilds, stacked freeholds/leases, or strained relationships benefit from the extra scrutiny.
Cons
- Higher cost and admin: Two professionals, two fee streams, more correspondence, potentially more time to agree details.
So… which route should I take?
Our rule of thumb:
- Use an Agreed Surveyor when works are conventional and low-risk (typical loft steels, modest rear/side extension foundations within common depths, minor party wall cut-ins), designs are clear, and relations are friendly.
- Use two surveyors where there’s technical complexity (basements, significant underpinning, unusual sequencing or piling), multiple titles/leaseholders, or any sign of friction between neighbours.
If you’re unsure, we’ll give you straight advice on risk level in your specific plans and the likely fee/time impact of each route—before you spend a penny.
Our transparent pricing (UK-wide)
- Party Wall Notice service: £25 per adjoining ownership
(multi-notice bundles discounted) - Act administration as Agreed Surveyor (single surveyor): typically £300 fixed-fee
(depends on complexity and number of notices/owners) - Two-surveyor route (we act for the owner doing the works): fixed-fee proposals from £325 for our side
(we work to keep your neighbour’s surveyor’s hourly fees reasonable and contained)
You get RICS-qualified surveyors, clear scopes, and no fee creep. If the job genuinely needs the two-surveyor structure, we’ll say so; if it doesn’t, we won’t sell you the expensive option.
FAQs we’re asked daily
Will an Agreed Surveyor “side” with my neighbour?
No. Once appointed, an Agreed Surveyor is statutorily impartial. Their duty is to the Act and to fairness, not to the appointing individual.
Can we switch from Agreed Surveyor to two surveyors mid-process?
Once appointed, an Agreed Surveyor can’t be “sacked” by an owner. If you think two surveyors would be safer, decide before making a joint appointment.
What if we need a tie-breaker with an Agreed Surveyor?
There isn’t a third surveyor. The formal recourse is a county court appeal within 14 days of service of the Award. That’s why we recommend the Agreed route only where it truly fits.
Ready to move forward—safely and cost-effectively?
Email your drawings and address to team@simplesurvey.co.uk for a free first look. We’ll:
- Flag whether Agreed Surveyor or two-surveyor best protects you,
- Confirm a fixed fee,
- Serve valid notices promptly, and
- Keep your project compliant and moving.
Simple Survey — the most cost-effective party wall surveyors in England & Wales. Fast notices. Fixed fees. RICS-qualified professionals.