A party wall surveyor (or a single Agreed Surveyor if both owners consent to one appointment) is responsible for producing a legally binding document called a Party Wall Award. Sometimes referred to as a party wall agreement, this document sets out how the works can proceed while protecting both properties. It typically covers:
- Permitted working hours
- Rules for access onto neighbouring land
- Protective measures to prevent damage
- Procedures to resolve disputes if they arise
Notices and Validity
The process begins when the building owner serves a Party Wall Notice. While standard templates exist, these must contain the correct information and be properly served to be legally valid. Errors can invalidate the notice, causing delays — another reason to involve a surveyor early. Speaking with neighbours informally before serving notice can also help avoid misunderstandings.
Impartiality of the Surveyor
It’s important to understand that once appointed, a Party Wall Surveyor is legally required to act impartially. They do not “take sides,” even though one of the owners may have appointed them. Their duty is to administer the Act fairly and resolve disputes, not to advocate for either neighbour.
Once appointed, a surveyor cannot be dismissed by the owner who chose them, except in very rare circumstances (e.g., if they are unable to act or pass away).
Surveyor Fees
In almost all cases, the building owner (the one carrying out the works) is responsible for covering surveyor fees — including those of the adjoining owner’s surveyor if they appoint one.
- The building owner’s surveyor often works on a fixed fee.
- The adjoining owner’s surveyor usually charges by the hour, with additional costs for site visits or complex works.
- Costs vary depending on the scope of the project. For straightforward cases, fees may be modest, while complex works such as basement excavations can result in higher costs.
All fees are agreed and documented within the Party Wall Award before works proceed.
✅ At Simple Survey, our team of experienced surveyors ensures that both building and adjoining owners are fully protected under the Party Wall Act. We manage the entire process efficiently — from serving notices to issuing the final award — while keeping costs and timescales under control.
📩 For free initial advice, contact team@simplesurvey.co.uk.