When a neighbour serves a valid Party Wall Notice and you dissent, you’re entitled to appoint your own party wall surveyor. A common question is: what will my surveyor cost—and who pays? Below is a clear, current overview so you can make an informed decision without any surprises.
Headline numbers (typical for England & Wales)
- Hourly rates: £120–£350+ VAT per hour (senior specialists can be higher).
- Typical total for straightforward domestic works: £700–£1,800 + VAT.
- Complex or multi-owner scenarios (deep excavation, basements, large blocks): £1,500–£3,500+ VAT.
In most residential cases, the building owner pays your surveyor’s reasonable fees under the Act, because they benefit from the work. “Reasonable” is the legal test.
What drives an adjoining owner surveyor’s fee?
- Complexity of the proposed works
Simple beam insertions or modest rear extensions sit at the lower end. Deep excavations, basements, or unusual structural schemes require more time and specialist input. - Number of affected ownerships next door
If the neighbouring property is split into freeholder/leaseholders, there’s more correspondence and drafting, which increases time. - How many sections of the Act are triggered
A single-section matter (e.g., only Section 2) will usually cost less than a combined Section 1/2/6 case. - Quality of information provided
Clear, consistent drawings and scope = fewer queries and leaner drafting. Vague or changing proposals increase time. - Dispute dynamics
Constructive dialogue saves time; entrenched positions or repeated revisions extend it. Third surveyor referrals increase cost further.
Typical cost bands (for the adjoining owner’s surveyor)
| Scenario | Usual profile | Typical fee (guide) |
|---|---|---|
| Loft/beam works, simple internal alterations | One neighbour, Section 2 only | £700–£1,200 + VAT |
| Rear extension (standard depth) | One or two neighbours, Sections 1 and/or 6 | £900–£1,600 + VAT |
| Multiple owners next door (e.g., flats) | Freeholder + leaseholders involved | £1,100–£1,900 + VAT |
| Deep excavation / basement / piling | Complex method and risk profile | £1,500–£3,500+ VAT |
These are market ranges we see regularly; every case turns on its facts, but they’re useful planning figures.
Who actually pays?
- Normally: the building owner funds the reasonable costs of administering the Act, including the adjoining owner’s surveyor.
- Exceptions: Where owners pursue positions that are not reasonable or push for unnecessary extras, a third surveyor could re-apportion costs. That’s rare, but it’s why reasonableness matters.
How to keep fees proportionate (and still protect yourself)
- Choose a specialist with party wall experience. Efficiency comes from expertise, not price tags alone.
- Ask for a clear scope and fee basis. Many adjoining owner surveyors bill hourly; request realistic caps or stage estimates.
- Keep communications pragmatic. Focus on substance (design clarity, workable safeguards) rather than point-scoring.
- Avoid scope creep. Late design changes force re-work and extra time.
- Use the ‘reasonable cost’ principle. It’s the benchmark for what the building owner should pay—and a useful anchor for expectations.
How Simple Survey helps keep overall case cost down
While you’re free to appoint any surveyor you wish, if the other side appoints us, our approach reduces friction and total cost exposure for everyone:
- Transparent, fixed pricing on our side (so cases don’t drag):
- 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 other surveyor may bill hourly; we work to keep those costs reasonable and contained.)
- Complex works (deep excavations, multi-owner blocks): we’ll still structure fixed pricing as above.
- No surprises, no creeping extras. You’ll know the number before we start.
- Lean, compliant documents. Proportionate, enforceable awards that don’t invite unnecessary back-and-forth.
- Professional momentum. We keep cases moving—delays inflate legal and project costs elsewhere.
FAQs
Do I have to accept my neighbour’s suggested surveyor?
No. You can appoint any competent person who is not a party to the matter. Pick on expertise and impartiality.
Can we use one Agreed Surveyor instead?
Yes—if both owners agree. This route is often faster and cheaper overall, provided you’re comfortable with the surveyor’s neutrality.
What if my surveyor’s bill seems high?
“Reasonable” remains the test. If there’s disagreement, it can be referred to the third surveyor for determination.
Are fixed fees available for adjoining owners?
Some firms will offer them for simple cases; many prefer hourly due to variable complexity. Ask for a clear estimate and what might increase it.
Do fees include VAT?
Usually yes. Always confirm whether figures are quoted plus VAT.
Need a straight answer on costs—and a calm, compliant process?
That’s exactly what we do. For fast, pragmatic guidance and the lowest like-for-like pricing we’ve seen on the market, contact team@simplesurvey.co.uk.
Simple Survey — party wall made clear, quick and cost-controlled.