The cost of obtaining a Party Wall Agreement (legally referred to as a Party Wall Award) varies depending on the complexity of the works and the surveyors involved.
For straightforward matters, costs are usually modest, particularly when surveyors work proactively to secure agreement between the parties at the outset. However, some practitioners adopt an unnecessarily adversarial approach, which can escalate both disputes and costs.
Most surveyors charge a reasonable fee to prepare and serve valid Party Wall Notices or Party Wall Act letters. This is highly recommended, as a properly drafted notice helps prevent later disputes.
Where disputes arise, surveyors generally charge an hourly rate, which can vary significantly. Some surveyors advertise a fixed fee, but this is often regarded within the profession as a false economy. Typically, such arrangements only cover a limited number of hours, after which the adjoining owner’s surveyor may be left to complete the process—leading to higher overall costs and slower resolution.
Who Pays for a Party Wall Agreement?
In almost all cases, the building owner (the party carrying out the works) is responsible for the costs of the Party Wall Act process, unless the adjoining owner requests additional or alternative works for their own benefit.
Typical costs may include:
- Serving compliant Party Wall Notices.
- Drafting and issuing the Party Wall Agreement (Award), where both parties agree from the outset.
- Fees for an Agreed Surveyor, where one impartial surveyor is jointly appointed by both parties.
- If separate surveyors are appointed, the costs of two surveyors, and potentially a Third Surveyor (who only becomes involved if the first two cannot agree).
Why These Costs Are Worthwhile
Although the process can appear expensive, compliance with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is a legal requirement, just like planning permission or building regulations approval. Attempting to bypass it risks disputes, costly delays, and potential court proceedings.
In comparison, the costs of engaging professional surveyors are modest and provide peace of mind, legal protection, and a clear pathway for your project to proceed without unnecessary disruption.