Who normally pays?
Where the proposed building work is solely for the Building Owner's benefit, the Building Owner will usually meet the reasonable costs of the statutory Party Wall process.
This can include the reasonable costs of an Award and the Adjoining Owner's appointed surveyor.
However, costs can be allocated differently in some circumstances, including certain works involving shared repair responsibilities or benefits.
Does the Adjoining Owner pay for their own surveyor?
Often not in an ordinary residential project undertaken solely for the Building Owner's benefit.
However, the Act deals with reasonable costs, not an unlimited entitlement to incur any fee.
The fee position should be explained before a formal appointment is made.
Is an Agreed Surveyor cheaper?
Using one Agreed Surveyor can be a more cost-effective route than separate surveyors, depending on the project.
But both owners must agree to the appointment.
Where separate surveyors are appointed, their reasonable fees may also become part of the costs of resolving the dispute.
Who usually pays?
Building Owner
- Works solely for their benefit
- Usually meets reasonable surveyor costs
- Includes their own surveyor's reasonable fees
Adjoining Owner
- Does not usually pay where works are solely for the Building Owner's benefit
- Exceptions can apply depending on the circumstances
Fee responsibility depends on the circumstances and is not always automatic.
Are fees fixed by law?
No.
The Party Wall Act does not set a standard surveyor fee.
The Act provides for reasonable costs in the statutory dispute procedure.
Surveyor fees depend on the work involved, complexity, number of adjoining owners and other circumstances.
One Agreed Surveyor or two surveyors
One Agreed Surveyor
- Appointed by both owners
- Acts impartially
- One set of surveyor fees
Two surveyors
- Each owner appoints their own
- Both act impartially under the Act
- Each surveyor's reasonable fees
No cost amounts are shown; fees depend on the work involved.
What about Christopher Anthony Surveyors' fees?
We offer clear fixed fees for our standard services wherever the scope can be established.
These are agreed before we commence the relevant service.
Where a Building Owner's neighbour appoints another surveyor, that surveyor's reasonable fees are separate and cannot be included in our fixed quotation.
What should you do next?
Visit our Prices page for our published standard fees or send us your project details for an indicative quotation.
Related guide: What is a Party Wall Award?
