A party wall surveyor is a specialist who administers the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 - the legislation that protects both building owners and their neighbours when construction works affect a shared boundary. The Act requires formal notice to be served on adjoining owners before notifiable works begin. If a neighbour dissents or does not respond, each party appoints a surveyor (or they agree on one) to produce a party wall award - a legally binding document setting out how the works will be carried out. Unlike most surveying roles, party wall surveyors act in a quasi-judicial capacity and have a duty to both parties, not just the person who appointed them. They do not need to be RICS members, though RICS membership or FPWS (Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors) membership is a strong quality indicator.
What they do
- Advise whether proposed works are notifiable under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996
- Draft and serve party wall notices on adjoining owners
- Prepare and agree party wall awards setting out rights and working methods
- Prepare schedules of condition of adjoining properties before works begin
- Monitor works and inspect for damage to neighbouring properties
- Settle damage claims arising from notifiable works
- Act as agreed surveyor appointed by both parties to save costs
- Resolve disputes between building owners and adjoining owners
When you need one
The Party Wall Act applies to specific categories of work - if your project falls into any of these, you must serve notice. A surveyor is required if your neighbour dissents or does not respond within 14 days.
Typical costs (UK, 2025)
| Job type | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Party wall notice service | £150 - £350 |
| Party wall award (agreed surveyor) | £700 - £1,500 |
| Party wall award (two surveyors) | £1,200 - £3,000+ |
| Schedule of condition | £300 - £600 |
| Dispute resolution | £1,000 - £3,000+ |
| Hourly rate | £100 - £175 / hr |
The building owner pays both surveyors' fees in most cases. Appointing an agreed surveyor - where both parties accept the same person - typically halves the cost. Costs rise significantly if the matter becomes disputed.
Qualifications to look for
Many party wall surveyors are RICS members with a building surveying background. RICS membership indicates a recognised degree, structured training and professional review, though it is not a legal requirement for party wall work specifically.
The FPWS is a specialist professional body dedicated to party wall practice. Membership indicates specific knowledge of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 and a commitment to professional standards in this specialist area. Check membership at fpws.org.uk.
Some experienced practitioners specialise solely in party wall work without RICS membership. What matters most is knowledge of the Act, experience of your type of project, and a track record of settling awards efficiently. Ask how many awards they have prepared in the last year.
How to find a reputable party wall surveyor
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a party wall surveyor for a loft conversion?
Possibly - it depends on the works. If your loft conversion involves cutting into a shared (party) wall, placing a beam into or on a party wall, or excavating within 3 or 6 metres of your neighbour's foundations, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies. You must serve notice on your adjoining owners at least two months before works begin. If they consent in writing, no surveyor is needed. If they dissent or do not respond within 14 days, a party wall surveyor must be appointed.
Who pays for the party wall surveyor?
In almost all cases, the building owner (the person carrying out the works) pays both their own surveyor's fees and those of the adjoining owner's surveyor. This is a statutory requirement under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. Costs vary depending on the complexity of the works and whether an agreed surveyor is appointed by both parties or separate surveyors are each appointed.
What is a party wall award?
A party wall award (also called a party wall agreement) is a legally binding document that sets out the rights and responsibilities of both parties before notifiable works begin. It typically includes the agreed method of working, hours of work, a schedule of condition of the adjoining property before works start, and a process for resolving damage claims. It protects both the building owner and the adjoining owner.