The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 can feel like a minefield—especially because anyone can call themselves a “party wall surveyor.” The result? Patchy advice, inflated bills, and avoidable delays. Here’s how to stay compliant and keep costs down without risking invalid notices or messy disputes.
1) Get Several Like-for-Like Quotes
Prices vary—sometimes wildly. Ask at least 3 firms for written quotes and make sure they’re like-for-like:
- Are they quoting per notice or a bundle price?
- Are they including all statutory notices you’ll need (Section 1, 2, and/or 6 if relevant)?
- Will they handle service under Section 15 correctly (post/hand/email/affix) so your notices are actually valid?
- If a dissent arises, do they outline the Agreed Surveyor option vs Two-Surveyor route and the cost implications of each?
2) Insist on a Fixed Fee for the Building Owner Side
If you’re the Building Owner, you carry most of the cost risk. Control it by demanding a fixed fee for your side’s party wall administration. Fixed fees:
- Remove the anxiety of open-ended hourly billing.
- Incentivise efficiency (not delay).
- Make it simpler to budget, particularly if several Adjoining Owners are involved.
For the neighbour’s surveyor (if they appoint one), ask your surveyor to challenge excessive time charges and keep them proportionate to the risk and complexity. You’re responsible for reasonable costs—not a blank cheque.
3) Choose a Qualified, Experienced, Insured Surveyor
This is where most false economies happen. Remember: the Act’s definition of “surveyor” doesn’t require qualifications—so unqualified operators abound. The cheapest day rate can become very expensive if:
- Notices are invalid (wrong recipients, missing Section 6 drawings, incorrect service).
- Awards are poorly drafted, exposing you to disputes or appeals.
- Timelines drag, pushing your build back and raising contractor costs.
Prioritise surveyors with RICS accreditation (and professional indemnity insurance) who understand both the law and building pathology. That blend is what keeps projects safe, neighbourly, and cost-controlled.
Bonus Cost-Control Tips That Actually Work
- Talk to your neighbour early. A friendly heads-up reduces suspicion and helps achieve consent or a smooth Agreed Surveyor appointment.
- Provide clear drawings. For Section 6 notices (adjacent excavation), plans and sections are mandatory. Crisp drawings avoid re-serving (and re-paying).
- Keep variations tight. Design changes mid-project can trigger new notices or further awards. Finalise details wherever possible before service.
- Pick hand tools for party elements. Many awards will require non-percussive methods at the party wall anyway—this lowers damage risk (and the downstream cost of damage claims).
Our Simple, Low-Cost Pricing (no surprises)
- 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 Building Owner): fixed-fee proposals from £325 for our side (we work to keep your neighbour’s surveyor’s hourly fees reasonable and contained)
With Simple Survey, you get qualified, RICS-accredited surveyors, clear scopes, and fixed fees. No fluff, no games—just compliant paperwork, valid service, and tidy awards that keep your build moving and your budget intact.
Slash your Party Wall spend—without risking invalid notices.
Email your drawings and address to team@simplesurvey.co.uk for a same-day quote and a quick plan of action.