Party Wall Surveyors: When You Need One and What to Expect

You need a surveyor when:

1. The Party Wall Act applies to your project (building on a boundary, working on a party wall, or digging foundations near a neighbour’s building)
2. You have served the required notice
3. Your neighbour has dissented or not responded within 14 days

If your neighbour consents in writing, you do not need a surveyor. The work can proceed under the terms of the notice.

• Prepares a schedule of condition — a detailed photographic record of the adjoining property before work starts. This protects both parties if damage is claimed later.
• Prepares the party wall award — the legal document setting out what work will be done, how, when, and what happens if damage occurs.
• Resolves disputes — if you and your neighbour disagree on the terms, the surveyor determines the outcome.
• Inspects damage claims — if your neighbour claims the work has caused damage, the surveyor compares the damage against the schedule of condition and determines responsibility.

These costs are per neighbour. If you are mid-terrace with neighbours on both sides, double the figure.

The building owner (the person doing the work) usually pays all surveyor fees — including the adjoining owner’s surveyor if two surveyors are appointed.

Agreed surveyor vs two surveyors

An agreed surveyor acts impartially for both parties. This is simpler, faster, and cheaper. Two surveyors are used when the work is complex, the relationship has broken down, or either party wants independent representation.

• Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors (FPWS) — the professional body. Search at fpws.org.uk.
• Pyramus & Thisbe Club — a membership organisation for party wall practitioners. Search at partywalls.org.uk.
• Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) — many chartered surveyors handle party wall work.
• Your architect or builder — they usually know local party wall surveyors.

What to check

• Experience with residential party wall work
• Professional membership — FPWS, Pyramus & Thisbe Club, or RICS
• Professional indemnity insurance
• Clear fee structure — get the full cost in writing before appointing

This is why you should serve party wall notices early — ideally as soon as your design is finalised. The process runs in parallel with building regulations and planning applications.

Can I be my own surveyor?

Technically, there is no legal requirement for a party wall surveyor to hold any specific qualification. However, this is generally not recommended because the surveyor must act impartially, mistakes in the award can lead to legal challenges, and a professional surveyor’s schedule of condition protects you if damage is claimed.

What if my neighbour appoints an expensive surveyor?

The building owner typically pays all surveyor fees. If your neighbour appoints a surveyor who charges high fees, you may end up paying more than expected. An agreed surveyor avoids this problem.

What if my neighbour refuses to engage?

If your neighbour does not respond to the notice (within 14 days) and does not appoint a surveyor (within 10 days of being asked), you can appoint a surveyor on their behalf. The Act has mechanisms to prevent one party from blocking the process through inaction.