The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 does not define what constitutes a “reasonable” surveyor fee, although it does state in Section 10(12) that such fees should be “reasonable and payable by the building owner.” However, the Act remains silent on what those fees might actually look like.
So why doesn’t the Act offer clearer guidance?
Why Doesn’t the Act Specify Fee Limits?
The reason is largely practical: party wall surveyor fees vary depending on a range of factors, including:
- The complexity of the project
- The time involved
- The surveyor’s experience and seniority
- Local market rates and associated business overheads
In our experience at Simple Survey, hourly rates typically range from £100 to £350 per hour. While the higher end might seem eye-watering (and often is), it usually reflects greater efficiency and expertise—particularly important in more complex or contentious disputes.
Who Protects the Building Owner From Excessive Surveyor Fees?
Although the Act doesn’t define fee limits, there are three key layers of protection:
1. Appointing the Right Surveyor Early On
A good party wall surveyor acts with statutory impartiality and should guide the process efficiently. The right surveyor will be proactive in managing expectations, clarifying responsibilities, and challenging excessive counterpart fees if necessary.
⚠️ A poor appointment may slow down your project and invite inflated fees from the adjoining owner’s surveyor.
2. Challenging the Counterpart Surveyor’s Fees
If the adjoining owner appoints a surveyor with unreasonable or inflated costs, your surveyor has the right—and responsibility—to challenge those fees.
At Simple Survey, we’ve successfully challenged unjustifiable fees on several occasions, particularly where surveyors attempt to exploit the system with vague, excessive invoices.
3. Referral to the Third Surveyor
When there’s a fee dispute between appointed surveyors, the matter can be referred to the Third Surveyor, who is an impartial expert appointed under the Act.
The Third Surveyor will:
- Review both sides of the dispute
- Assess what is reasonable in the context
- Make a binding award on what fees should be payable
This process adds an additional layer of oversight to help keep costs fair and under control.
Beware: The False Economy of the ‘Cheap’ Surveyor
It can be tempting to go with the cheapest quote, especially during a renovation or loft conversion when costs are mounting. But be cautious.
Why budget options can cost you more:
- These surveyors often lack experience and rely heavily on the adjoining owner’s surveyor to correct their mistakes (e.g. invalid notices, poorly drafted awards).
- This leads to higher fees from the adjoining owner’s side, which you will be liable for as the building owner.
- Delays are also common, affecting your project timeline and potentially increasing construction costs.
As with most services, you get what you pay for.
Inadequate Representation Can Be Costly
Choosing the wrong surveyor can result in:
- Miscommunication and procedural delays
- Legal disputes with neighbours
- Invalid or unenforceable Party Wall Awards
- Project costs spiralling out of control
🛑 Check out our earlier publication on a Party Wall dispute that ended up costing £35,000—an expensive mistake that could have been avoided with proper guidance.
Our Approach at Simple Survey
At Simple Survey, we take pride in:
- Not advertising — nearly all our appointments come from referrals
- Offering clear, upfront quotes with no hidden fees
- Maintaining transparency and accountability throughout the process
We believe the key to reasonable fees is a combination of efficiency, expertise, and trust.
Getting a Quote: What You Should Do
Since the Act does not prescribe set fees, here are your best steps as a building owner:
✅ Obtain multiple quotes from reputable party wall surveyors
✅ Ask for a written scope of services and fee structure
✅ Check references and reviews — personal recommendations are invaluable
✅ Agree fees in writing before work starts
✅ Avoid the lowest quote unless you’re confident in the surveyor’s track record
Final Thought
Party wall matters can be complex—but with the right surveyor, the process doesn’t need to be. Reasonable fees, clear advice, and a focus on resolution are all within reach when you work with professionals who value integrity.