How Much Are Party Wall Surveyor Costs?
The hourly rate of a Party Wall Surveyor in the UK is usually between £90 and £450. On average Party Wall Surveyor costs are around £1,000.
The final bill will depend on their hourly fees and how long they spend assessing the issue. It also depends on how long it takes to create the Party Wall Agreement (also known as a Party Wall Award).
If more than one surveyor is needed, you will need to consider the cost of additional surveyors. For example, for a second opinion or to appease your neighbour.
Below we look at Party Wall Surveyor costs, who is responsible for paying and what to do if a dispute arises.
- What is a Party Wall?
- Who Pays for a Party Wall Surveyor?
- What Affects the Costs?
- Can I Keep Costs Down?
- When Do I Need a Party Wall Surveyor?
- What Will a Party Wall Surveyor Do?
- How Many Surveyors Do I Need?
- Can My Neighbour Refuse a Party Wall Agreement?
- How to Deal with Party Wall Disputes?
- How to Find a Party Wall Surveyor
What is a Party Wall?
A party wall is a shared wall or boundary between two properties, jointly owned by both homes. Interior party walls are usually found in terraced and semi-detached properties. External walls, such as in gardens, are also considered Party Walls. These are found with terraced and semi-detached properties, in addition to detached homes.
Any major work on these walls and boundaries would impact both homes. As a result, any maintenance or improvements would need to be agreed upon. If the adjoining property needs to be accessed as part of the works, permission would need to be given by the homeowner.
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Who Pays for a Party Wall Surveyor?
Usually, the homeowner who wants the work done is the person who pays and arranges for a Party Wall Surveyor. However, if the work benefits both owners, the cost may be split.
Building Works Affecting a Party Wall
If the work solely benefits one homeowner, they will be responsible for the costs. A surveyor will need to be appointed if there is any dispute with adjoining owners over proposed building works.
Work that could impact a neighbouring property includes loft conversations, extensions or work on garden boundaries.
Repairs to the Party Wall
If the work benefits both homes, an agreement may be made. For example, if the proposed works are for repairs to a garden wall, the cost may be split between neighbours.
The cost here will usually depend on who bears responsibility for the repair. This can sometimes be determined by a Title Plan, which includes the property’s general boundaries.
If this is not sufficient or an agreement cannot be met, then a Party Wall surveyor will decide who pays the fees.
What Affects the Costs?
In addition to the time to surveyor spends on the case, there are a few main factors that contribute to the cost of hiring a Party Wall Surveyor. These include:
- The size of the property or properties
- Location of the property
- Size and complexity of the project
- Amount of time spent assessing the project and existing party wall
- Whether there are any complications
- The number of surveyors needed (for example, if a second opinion is wanted)
- The risk of damage involved in the project
Can I Keep Costs Down?
When it comes to Party Walls, the best way to keep mounting costs down is to remain friendly with your neighbour. If you are serving the Party Wall notice, be open about your plans.
If they are reluctant to contribute financially, taking on the cost of the work may help bring about an agreement. This could also save you hiring a surveyor and in extreme cases, court costs and solicitors.
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When Do I Need a Party Wall Surveyor?
If one homeowner wishes to undertake building works on a shared wall, they may need to hire a surveyor. This is especially the case if it turns into a dispute with an adjoining homeowner.
When you want or need work on a shared wall in your home or garden, you must serve a notice to any adjoining neighbours. If they refuse or dispute the notice, a Party Wall Surveyor will be required to assess the situation. They can then draw up a Party Wall Agreement in accordance with the Party Wall Act 1996.
For more information read: Do I Need a Party Wall Surveyor?
What Will a Party Wall Surveyor Do?
A surveyor will inspect the Party Wall, taking into account the planned work and impact on adjoining owners. A major part of their role is to resolve disputes between neighbours regarding proposed work on a Party Wall.
From here they will draw up a Party Wall Agreement. This is a legal award made by surveyors regarding any notifiable building work that might affect a neighbour’s property.
Within the agreement, the surveyor will usually include the following:
- What notifiable work can be done
- How the work should be completed
- Any responsibilities the reduce and control risk
- Details of compensation provision if any damage is caused during the works
Be aware: You cannot act as your own surveyor.
How Many Surveyors Do I Need?
You should only need one accredited surveyor to asses the Party Wall in question. However, if there is a dispute, the other homeowner may want to appoint a surveyor of their own. In this case, the two surveyors will agree on a Party Wall Agreement.
Sometimes the original surveyor and adjoining owner's surveyor will appoint a third surveyor. This is if they cannot reach an agreement together. Be aware that this will contribute to your party wall surveying costs.
Can My Neighbour Refuse a Party Wall Agreement?
If your neighbour does not agree with the Party Wall agreement, they can appeal against it in a county court. This needs to be done within 14 days of receiving the agreement.
Be aware that this is different to the initial Party Wall notice must be presented at the start of the process. If that is refused, a surveyor is hired and they draw up a Party Wall Agreement. If the Agreement is also refused, then it would need to be appealed in county court as stated above.
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How to Deal with Party Wall Disputes?
You should at first try to come to an agreement with your neighbour. Discuss the issues and try to find a resolution without escalating the situation. Keep in mind you will be living next door to this person for the foreseeable future.
Although matters can be tense, especially when money is involved, try to come to an amicable agreement with your neighbour.
It’s important that you have all the information you need to stand your ground when a dispute arises. We recommend reading the Party Wal Act so you know where you stand in the situation.
The Land Registry will have a copy of your Title Plan, which shows property boundaries. This can be purchased for £3. This can be of use if a neighbour is claiming the costs are your responsibility or they encroach on your land.
If the situation can’t be resolved with a friendly chat with your neighbour, you do have some options:
- Refer your neighbour to the Party Wall Act
- Seek legal advice
- Hire a solicitor to settle the matter
- Hire a Party Wall Surveyor of your own
How to Find a Party Wall Surveyor
There are a few ways you can find a Party Wall surveyor for your home. These include
- Recommendations from family, friends and colleagues
- Looking on the RICS website
- Check the RPSA website
- Reading local company reviews
- Comparing Party Wall Surveyors on a comparison site
At Compare My Move, we can match you with up to 6 RICS or RPSA party wall surveyors. Many of these can assist you with Party Wall matters. Our dedicated team only takes on the best surveyors in the industry. Partners are then monitored to ensure they continue to meet our high standards.
