When an Adjoining Owner receives a Party Wall Notice, one of the most common questions we’re asked at Simple Survey is: Should I appoint my own surveyor, or use the Building Owner’s surveyor as an agreed surveyor?
Both routes are permitted under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, and each comes with its own advantages and drawbacks.
The Agreed Surveyor Option
If you have a good relationship with your neighbour and want to keep things straightforward, appointing a single Agreed Surveyor can be a sensible option. It often saves time and reduces overall costs, as the Building Owner avoids paying two sets of professional fees.
However, there are limitations. Once appointed, an Agreed Surveyor cannot be replaced if you become dissatisfied with their work. The only way to challenge their decision is by appealing the Party Wall Award in the county court within 14 days of its issue—a process some may consider too late.
Appointing Your Own Surveyor
As an alternative, you are fully entitled to appoint your own independent surveyor. This ensures that your interests are directly represented, with your surveyor working alongside the Building Owner’s surveyor to resolve matters.
The drawback is cost: under section 10(13) of the Act, the Building Owner is usually responsible for paying the reasonable fees of both surveyors. However, this option does provide an additional safeguard: under section 10(1)(b), both surveyors must select a Third Surveyor, who can step in to resolve disagreements between them.
Our Role at Simple Survey
Whichever option you choose, we provide clear, impartial advice to help you make the right decision for your circumstances. Our surveyors can act as:
- Agreed Surveyor
- Building Owner’s Surveyor
- Adjoining Owner’s Surveyor
We pride ourselves on delivering transparent, cost-effective services that keep projects compliant and neighbourly.
📩 Contact team@simplesurvey.co.uk, England and Wales’ most cost effective Party Wall Surveying team with Party Wall Notice fees from £25.00 and Party Wall Award fees capped at £325.00. We will not be beaten on price!