Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, a Party Wall Surveyor is defined as “any person not being a party to the matter appointed or selected under section 10 to determine disputes.”
In practice, this means the surveyor is an independent professional appointed to oversee the Act’s procedures and ensure the rights of both the Building Owner and Adjoining Owner are protected when works affect a shared wall, boundary, or nearby structure.
Key Responsibilities of a Party Wall Surveyor
The surveyor’s duties are impartial and designed to balance the interests of all owners. These include:
- Advising owners — explaining rights, responsibilities, and the correct legal process.
- Reviewing proposals — checking drawings, calculations, and construction details to confirm compliance and minimise risk.
- Liaising with another surveyor — where both parties appoint their own surveyors, they work together to resolve issues.
- Preparing the Party Wall Award — a binding agreement that sets out how and when the works can proceed, while safeguarding the adjoining property.
Why This Role Matters
The Party Wall Surveyor’s role is not to block or promote the works but to ensure they are carried out fairly and safely. This impartial position helps projects progress smoothly while reducing the risk of disputes, claims, or costly delays.