What is the role of a Party Wall Surveyor

Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, a Party Wall Surveyor is defined as “any person not being a party to the matter appointed or selected under section 10 to determine disputes.”

In practical terms, this means the surveyor is an independent professional appointed to administer the Act and protect the interests of both property owners when building works affect a shared wall, boundary, or neighbouring structure.

Key Responsibilities of a Party Wall Surveyor

A Party Wall Surveyor has several important roles:

Advising the Owners – explaining their rights and responsibilities under the Act, and guiding them on the correct process.
Assessing the Proposals – reviewing drawings, calculations, and construction details to ensure the works are safe and compliant.
Negotiating with the Other Surveyor – if both parties appoint their own surveyors, they will work together to resolve any disputes.
Preparing the Party Wall Award – this impartial document sets out how and when the works are to be carried out, ensuring the neighbour’s property is safeguarded.

The Schedule of Condition

One of the most time-consuming but essential tasks is preparing a Schedule of Condition. This involves:

Visiting the Adjoining Owner’s property before works begin
Taking detailed photographs of walls, ceilings, floors and finishes
Recording existing defects, such as hairline cracks, damp, or loose plaster
Producing a written report to be attached to the Party Wall Award

The benefit of this record is that it protects both parties: the Adjoining Owner has evidence of their property’s original state, and the Building Owner is not unfairly blamed for pre-existing issues.

If two surveyors are appointed, the Building Owner’s Surveyor prepares the schedule and shares it with the Adjoining Owner’s Surveyor for agreement.

Why This Matters

The Party Wall Surveyor’s role is not to block or promote the works, but to ensure that they are carried out in a way that protects both sides. This impartial position helps projects move forward smoothly while minimising the risk of disputes or costly damage claims.