How Much Does a Party Wall Surveyor Cost? – Complete Guide 2025

At a Glance

Quick Summary: A party wall surveyor cost ranges £90-£450 per hour with average party wall surveyor costs around £1,000. The building owner pays all surveyor fees (including neighbour’s surveyor). Costs associated with getting a party wall agreement can double with separate surveyors or triple if a third surveyor is hired to reach a final decision. Extension in London costs range £1,000-£2,000. Key cost factors: complexity of the project, number of surveyors, location, and property size.

Typical Costs:

• Simple loft conversion: £900
• Standard extension: £500-£1,500
• Complex basement: up to £6,000
• Extension in London projects: £1,000-£2,000

Who Pays: Building owner pays both surveyors’ fees (exception: repair work costs may be shared)

Cost-Saving Tip: Agree on one party wall surveyor with your neighbour to avoid doubled fees

When planning building work that affects a shared wall with your neighbour, understanding party wall surveyor costs is essential for budgeting your project effectively. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about costs and who’s responsible for paying them.

How Much Does a Party Wall Surveyor Cost?

Party wall surveyors charge between £90 and £450 per hour, with the average cost of a party wall agreement being around £1,000. However, the cost of a party wall surveyor can vary significantly based on your project’s complexity and location.

Single Joint Surveyor vs Two Separate Party Wall Surveyors

Single Joint Surveyor:

• Straightforward loft conversion: around £900
• Single surveyor approach: £900 to £2,700
• Simple home extensions: £500 to £1,500

Two Separate Party Wall Surveyors:

• When two surveyors are used but can’t reach an agreement: up to £6,000
• Two separate surveyors: £1,800 to £5,400
• Major structural work: £2,000+

London Based Extension in London:

• Extension in London costs range from £1,000 to £2,000
• Hourly rates for surveyor in London: £100 to £400

Average Party Wall Surveyor Cost Factors

Several key factors influence the total party wall surveyor cost when you need to hire a party wall surveyor:

Property Size and Complexity of the Project

Larger properties may require more time to assess, increasing the cost of a party wall surveyor. Complex projects such as basement excavations or major structural work often require more in-depth assessments.

Cost of a Party Wall Surveyor: Number of Surveyors Required

This is the most significant cost factor when you need to appoint a party wall surveyor:

• One party wall surveyor: Most cost-effective option
• Two surveyors: Costs could double
• Three surveyors: Could triple if party wall surveyors are used but can’t come to an agreement

Appointed Surveyor Location

Surveyor fees vary across the country, with rates generally higher for a London based surveyor compared to other regions.

Quality of Architectural Plans

Well-prepared plans can streamline the party wall process, while incomplete designs may lead to delays and additional costs associated with extended negotiations.

Risk Level

If the work carries a higher risk of damage, local party wall surveyors may need to conduct additional assessments, increasing time and costs.

Who Pays the Fees for a Party Wall Surveyor?

General Rule

The building owner (person carrying out the work) is usually responsible for paying all party wall surveyor fees, including both their own and their neighbour’s surveyor fees when you need to appoint a surveyor.

When Costs May Be Shared

According to the Party Wall Act 1996, the exception is if the work being proposed is needed due to a defect or repairs. In this case, the cost of a party wall agreement may be split between you and your neighbour.

When Neighbours May Pay Their Own Surveyor

The adjoining owner may become liable for fees if they:

• Ask the building owner to carry out work over and above what they intended
• Refer a matter to the Third appointed surveyor and the appointed surveyor finds in favour of the building owner
• Instruct the party wall surveyor on matters outside of the Party Wall Act 1996

What is the Party Wall Act?

The Party Wall Act 1996, formally known as the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, is a piece of legislation in the UK that governs the rights and responsibilities of property owners when undertaking construction or alteration works that directly affect a shared wall or boundary between neighbouring properties. A party wall is a wall that stands on the land of two or more owners and either forms part of a building or is built on common land. The primary aim is to help property owners comply with the party wall requirements, ensuring that any works are carried out in a manner that protects both parties’ interests.

What is a Party Wall Notice?

A party wall notice is a crucial step in the party wall process when carrying out construction or alteration works that affect shared walls or boundaries between neighbouring properties in the UK. When you serve a party wall notice, the building owner must give the adjoining owners 1-2 months notice depending on the type of work.

Upon receiving the party wall notice, the adjoining owners have three options:

• Provide consent to the works (no further action necessary)
• Dissent to the works (a dispute arises and you need to appoint surveyors on both sides)
• Provide no response at all (deemed dissent arises, and a surveyor to act on behalf of the adjoining owner must be appointed)

Fixed Fee Party Wall Notice & Award

Many chartered surveyors now charge a fixed fee for standard party wall matters to provide cost certainty when engaging a party wall surveyor. Fixed fees typically include:

• Serving the party wall notice
• Preparing the party wall award
• Overseeing the work to ensure compliance
• Basic correspondence and negotiations

Fixed fee ranges:

• Standard matters: £500 to £1,500
• Complex projects: £2,000+
• Extension in London fixed fees: £975+ VAT for domestic loft conversion

Repairs to a Party Wall

As a general rule, each homeowner is responsible for maintaining their part of the wall. When repairs are needed:

• Both neighbours may agree to split costs for shared defects
• If they ask the builders to carry out work beyond what was agreed, or when all parties agree to fix a shared structure (such as a defective shared garden wall), costs may be shared
• The party wall surveyor will determine fair cost allocation

How to Keep Party Wall Surveyor Costs Down

1. Maintain Good Neighbour Relations

The best way to avoid soaring party wall surveyor costs and mitigate costs is to try to keep things friendly with your neighbour. Before you serve a party wall notice, have a friendly chat and discuss your plans with your neighbour.

2. Use One Joint Surveyor

If you and your neighbour can come to an agreement on a single joint surveyor, then the total party wall surveyor cost will be much lower than if you each appoint their own surveyor.

3. Provide Complete Plans

Well-prepared architectural drawings and clear project specifications can reduce assessment time in the party wall process.

4. Get Multiple Quotes

To keep costs in check, it is advisable for homeowners to obtain quotes from multiple local party wall surveyors before selecting one. Many surveyors now charge a fixed fee for standard matters.

5. Early Communication

Show them sketches or plans for the work. Share your builder’s contact details so they can ask them questions too and help you comply with the party wall requirements.

Appoint a Surveyor – Do You Need a Party Wall Surveyor?

You must appoint a surveyor if you and your neighbour cannot agree. You’ll need to hire a party wall surveyor if:

• Your neighbour dissents to your party wall notice
• Your neighbour fails to respond within 14 days to getting a party wall notice
• There are disputes about the proposed work
• You cannot act as your own surveyor (this is not permitted)

When you need to appoint a party wall surveyor, engaging a party wall surveyor is legally necessary to avoid delays and ensure you comply with the party wall act requirements.

Party Wall Surveyor Quote Components

Initial Survey and Report Costs

• Initial consultation: £50 to £200, depending on the surveyor and your location
• Schedule of Condition reports: £200 to £600
• Basic party wall agreement: £500 to £1,500

Average Cost of a Party Wall: Schedule of Condition

A schedule of condition is a detailed photographic and written record of the current state of both properties before work begins. This protects both parties by documenting any existing damage or defects and helps to mitigate costs if disputes arise later.

Schedule of Condition costs:

• Small property: £200-£400
• Medium property: £400-£600
• Large/complex property: £600-£1,000+
• Time required: 1-3 hours depending on property size

The Adjoining Owner’s Surveyor’s Fees

The neighbours surveyor fees are typically paid by the building owner and depend on several factors when you need a party wall survey:

Factors affecting the adjoining owner’s surveyor fees:

• Distance between worksite and surveyor’s office
• Complexity of the project
• Risk level of damage to neighbouring property
• Time spent on correspondence and negotiations
• Need for additional expert consultations

Typical fee range: £600-£1,500 for standard projects when the surveyor acts for the adjoining owner

The Adjoining Owner’s Surveyor’s Timesheet

Common tasks included when the neighbours surveyor acts for the adjoining owner:

• Reviewing the initial party wall notice and design drawings
• Exchanging appointment letters with the building owner’s surveyor
• Site inspections and condition surveys
• Preparing and reviewing the party wall award
• Correspondence with building owner’s surveyor
• Liaising with the appointing owner
• Travel time to and from the property

Hourly billing: Party wall surveyors charge £90-£450 per hour depending on experience and location

Negotiation and Dispute Resolution Fees

• Dispute handling: £1,000 to £2,000+ per surveyor for handling disputes or more complex matters
• Third surveyor fees: Additional costs if required for final arbitration
• Extended negotiations: Higher hourly rates apply for complex disputes

The Third Appointed Surveyor’s Fees

When two party wall surveyors cannot reach agreement, a third impartial surveyor must be appointed to make the final decision.

Third surveyor costs:

• Appointment fee: £500-£1,000
• Review and determination: £1,000-£3,000
• Travel and administrative costs: £200-£500
• Total potential cost: £1,700-£4,500

Who pays: The third surveyor will apportion costs as they see reasonable – usually to the party they find against. If they determine against the adjoining owners, then the adjoining owners are likely to pay the third surveyor’s fees and any other associated costs.

Questions to Ask When Hiring a Party Wall Surveyor

Experience and Qualifications

• Are you a member of the Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors or RICS?
• How many similar projects have you handled?
• Can you provide references from recent clients?

Understanding the Surveyor’s Fee Structure

• What is your hourly rate?
• Do you offer fixed-fee quotations?
• What additional costs might arise?
• A reasonable party wall surveyor will only apply their full hourly rate to the actual party wall aspects of the job

Clarifying Scope of Services

• What exactly is included in your fee?
• Will you handle all correspondence with the neighbour’s surveyor?
• How long do you estimate the process will take?
• What happens if disputes arise?

Timeline and Process

• How quickly can you start the process?
• What is the typical timeline for completion?
• How will you keep me informed of progress?

Can Neighbour Refuse Party Wall Agreement?

Yes, after you (the building owner doing the work) have served a party wall notice, your neighbour can either give consent, refuse consent (which will start the dispute resolution process), or serve a counter notice requesting additional works be done at the same time.

If your neighbour refuses the party wall agreement:

• The dispute resolution process begins automatically
• You must appoint surveyors to create a party wall award
• It is the building owner that is usually responsible for paying the surveyors fees for both sides
• The party wall process typically takes longer and the total party wall surveyor cost increases

Key Takeaways

Bottom Line: Party wall surveyor costs typically range from £90-£450 per hour, with the average party wall surveyor cost around £1,000. However, costs associated with getting a party wall agreement can double or triple if multiple surveyors are involved when two surveyors can’t reach an agreement.

Cost Control: The most effective way to minimize the cost of a party wall surveyor is maintaining good relationships with neighbours and agreeing on a single joint surveyor. Early communication and well-prepared plans also help reduce expenses when you need a party wall survey.

Payment Responsibility: The building owner pays all surveyor fees in most cases when you need to hire party wall surveyors, but costs may be shared for repair work or when neighbours request additional services outside the standard party wall process.

Understanding these costs upfront helps you budget effectively and make informed decisions about your building project. Consider getting quotes from multiple qualified chartered surveyors and always prioritize maintaining positive neighbour relationships to keep the total party wall surveyor cost manageable.