If you’re planning to build an extension on your home, one of the most common questions that comes up is: who pays for the party wall surveyor? The answer is important, especially if your extension affects a shared or adjoining wall with a neighbour. Understanding your responsibilities under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 can help prevent disputes, save money, and keep your project running smoothly.
In this blog, we’ll explain when the Party Wall Act applies, what a party wall surveyor does, and who is responsible for paying their fees when you’re carrying out extension works.
What Is a Party Wall?
A party wall is a shared wall between two properties. It can be a wall that separates semi-detached or terraced homes, or it might be a wall that stands on the boundary between two gardens. The Party Wall Act also applies to floors between flats or maisonettes and to boundary walls or fences where work could affect the structure.
If your extension involves building up to or near a shared boundary, digging foundations close to a neighbouring property, or making changes to a shared wall, the Party Wall Act may apply.
What Does the Party Wall Act Cover?
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is a legal framework that protects both you and your neighbours when work is carried out that might affect a shared structure. It requires you, as the homeowner planning the work (known as the building owner), to serve formal notice to any affected neighbours (called adjoining owners) before starting the work.
Common types of work that fall under the Act include:
- Building a rear or side extension close to or on the boundary
- Excavating foundations within 3 to 6 metres of a neighbouring property
- Removing or cutting into a party wall
- Raising or lowering a shared wall
- Building a new wall on the boundary line
If your project triggers the Act, you’ll need to serve a party wall notice and possibly appoint a party wall surveyor—sometimes more than one.
What Is a Party Wall Surveyor?
A party wall surveyor is an independent professional who ensures that works covered by the Party Wall Act are carried out fairly and safely, without causing unnecessary damage or disruption to neighbouring properties.
Their responsibilities as a local surveyor would include:
- Reviewing proposed plans
- Assessing the potential impact on the adjoining property
- Preparing a legally binding Party Wall Award
- Recording the condition of the neighbouring property before work begins
- Resolving any disputes between neighbours regarding the planned work
Surveyors work in the interests of the Act, not for one party or the other. This means they remain impartial, even if appointed by one side.
Who Pays for the Party Wall Surveyor?
In most cases, the building owner—the person carrying out the extension—is responsible for paying the party wall surveyor’s fees. This is because they are the one proposing the work that could affect a neighbour’s property.
There are two typical scenarios when it comes to surveyor appointments:
1. Agreed Surveyor
If your neighbour consents to the work and agrees to use the same surveyor as you, then a single agreed surveyor can be appointed. The building owner still pays the fees, but the process is simpler and usually cheaper.
2. Separate Surveyors
If your neighbour doesn’t consent or prefers to appoint their own surveyor, you may end up with two surveyors—one acting for each party. In this case, both surveyors will work together to draft the Party Wall Award. Even then, the building owner is generally expected to cover the fees for both professionals.
In rare situations where the adjoining owner raises unreasonable objections or delays the process, the surveyors can decide whether any costs should be shared. However, this is uncommon and usually only applies when the adjoining owner is found to have acted outside the reasonable scope of the Act.
Can You Avoid Party Wall Surveyor Fees?
While you can’t always avoid fees altogether, you may be able to reduce the cost by:
- Speaking to your neighbour early and explaining the work
- Providing clear plans to reassure them
- Encouraging the use of an agreed surveyor where appropriate
- Using an experienced party wall surveyor who can guide both sides through the process efficiently
Open communication and professional guidance often lead to smoother outcomes and fewer unexpected costs.
What Happens If You Don’t Follow the Act?
Choosing to skip the party wall process to save time or money can have serious consequences. If you start work without serving notice and damage occurs to your neighbour’s property, you could be held liable. They may take legal action to stop the work or seek compensation.
Not following the Party Wall Act can delay your extension and cost far more in the long run than properly appointing a surveyor from the start.
It’s always best to stay on the right side of the law and protect your project and relationships with neighbours. Find your local surveyor, such as Simmons Tayor Hall.
How Much Do Party Wall Surveyors Cost?
Party wall surveyor fees can vary depending on the complexity of the work and location. As a general guide:
- An agreed surveyor might charge between £700 and £1,000
- If two surveyors are needed, each may charge between £800 and £1,500
- Additional costs may apply for site visits, report writing, or resolving disputes
While this may seem like a significant expense, it’s a necessary part of ensuring your extension is compliant, legally protected, and unlikely to result in future issues.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning a home extension that affects a party wall or boundary, it’s your responsibility to comply with the Party Wall Act. That includes appointing a surveyor if required—and in most cases, paying their fees.
Although it adds to your overall project cost, hiring a professional party wall surveyor helps protect your investment and avoid costly disputes with neighbours. By understanding your duties and planning ahead, you can keep your extension on track and maintain good relations with those living next door.
If you’re unsure whether your project falls under the Act or need guidance on how to serve notice and appoint a surveyor, speak to a party wall specialist as early as possible. It’s always better to get clear advice than risk getting it wrong.
