If you’re about to trigger the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, you’ve probably discovered two things fast: prices are all over the place, and service quality varies even more. Here’s a clear, no-spin comparison of Simple Survey versus the typical market experience—so you can choose with confidence.
The Simple Survey difference
1) Fixed fees you can actually plan around
We publish fixed fees for all scenarios and hold to them. That keeps your build budget stable and avoids surprises.
2) Digital-first, Act-compliant delivery
We draft, exchange and (where permitted) serve documents electronically. That trims admin time, reduces delays, and eliminates postage guesswork—without cutting legal corners.
3) Proportionate, enforceable paperwork
Some surveyors ship boilerplate Awards that are bloated and vague; others undercook them so they don’t stand up. We aim for the sweet spot: tight, relevant, compliant—so works can proceed safely and efficiently.
4) Momentum as a service
We keep files moving. That means early clarity on Notices, recipients (freeholders/leaseholders where relevant), timings, and third-surveyor protocol “forthwith” when two surveyors are involved.
5) Cost control in the two-surveyor route
When the adjoining owner appoints separately, many firms simply accept spiralling time. We narrow issues, document positions clearly, and—if a Third Surveyor referral is unavoidable—keep the scope tight to contain costs.
6) National coverage, consistent standards
We operate across England & Wales.
Head-to-head: what clients tell us we do better
- Clarity at the start: We map which sections of the Act apply (1, 2, 6), who counts as an “owner”, and the lawful notice timings—so you don’t lose weeks to avoidable do-overs.
- Neighbour-ready comms: We make Notices readable and accurate. Clear information reduces knee-jerk dissents (and the time and cost that follow).
- Hands-on project shepherding: We don’t ping-pong emails for weeks. We set agendas, agree next steps, and keep everyone accountable.
- Appeal-resilient drafting: Our documents follow the Act and current case law—minimising challenges and delays.
Transparent, fixed pricing
- Party Wall Notice service: £25 per adjoining ownership (multi-notice bundles discounted).
- Act administration as Agreed Surveyor (single surveyor): typically £300 fixed-fee, depending on complexity and number of notices/owners.
- Two-surveyor route (we act for the Building Owner): fixed-fee proposals from £325 for our side. (The Adjoining Owner’s surveyor often bills hourly; we work to keep those costs reasonable and contained.)
- Complex works (deep excavations, multi-owner blocks): we’ll still offer the fixed pricing as above!
- No surprises, no creeping extras. You’ll know the number before we start.
Who pays? Under the Act, the Building Owner typically pays the reasonable costs of administering the procedures.
When “cheap hourly” becomes expensive
A lower hourly rate isn’t a bargain if it comes with:
- invalid or late Notices;
- missed owners (e.g., freeholder + long leaseholders in flats);
- over-engineered or under-engineered paperwork that invites disputes;
- sluggish case handling that knocks your programme off course.
Our model is built to reduce total cost: fewer detours, fewer escalations, faster resolutions.
FAQs
Are you really cheaper than other surveyors?
On a like-for-like basis, yes—that’s our whole operating model.
Can you act as the Agreed Surveyor?
Absolutely—if both owners are comfortable. It’s usually the quickest and most economical route to a compliant Award.
What if my neighbour ignores the Notice?
The Act anticipates non-response. We’ll run the Section 10(4) pathway correctly so matters progress lawfully.
Do you cover my area?
Yes—England & Wales.
How quickly can you start?
Fast. We’re set up to prepare Notices and kick off the process promptly, keeping statutory timelines on track.
Are there hidden costs?
No. We set out inclusions at the start and flag any optional extras (e.g., additional owners or further Notices) before proceeding.
What if the adjoining owner appoints a very expensive surveyor?
Costs must be reasonable under the Act. We manage scope tightly and keep issues narrow to contain the total.
Why clients switch to Simple Survey mid-research
- They want a clear number up front—not an hourly gamble.
- They need velocity—without sacrificing compliance.
- They prefer calm, impartial handling that keeps neighbour relations workable.
- They value modern, digital execution with traditional, Act-faithful rigour.
The bottom line
You don’t need premium theatre or bargain-basement risk. You need a lawful, proportionate, fast Party Wall process at the lowest sensible cost. That’s precisely what we deliver—consistently.
Ready to move with certainty (and keep costs down)?
Email team@simplesurvey.co.uk for a fixed-fee Party Wall proposal tailored to your project. We’ll keep your paperwork watertight, your neighbours informed, and your programme moving.