Costs & fees

Who pays, what drives the price, how to challenge a bill.

• How Much Does a Party Wall Surveyor Cost?There is no single fee for a party wall surveyor. Cost depends on the size and complexity of the work, the number of neighbours, and whether one…
• Who Pays the Party Wall Surveyor Fees?The building owner normally pays the reasonable fees of both surveyors where the work is for their benefit. The party wall award decides who pays…
• How to Dispute a Party Wall Surveyor's Fees LegallyYou can dispute a surveyor's fees if you think they are unreasonable. Start by asking for an itemised account, then raise the matter with the…
• Average Cost of a Schedule of Condition in the UKNo dependable national average exists, so this page does not offer one. A schedule of condition costs more for a large property with many rooms to…
• What Happens if the Adjoining Owner Chooses the Most Expensive Surveyor?The adjoining owner may appoint any surveyor they like, but the fees the building owner pays must be reasonable. If they seem inflated, you can…
• Party Wall Surveyor Fees: Fixed Fees vs Hourly Rates ExplainedA fixed fee sets the price for a defined scope. Hourly rates charge for time spent. Neither is better in every case. Pick the one that matches how…
• Who Pays for Damage Caused to a Neighbour's Property During Building?The building owner pays. Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 the person carrying out the work must compensate the adjoining owner for loss or damage…
• Who Pays for the Third Surveyor's Fees in a Party Wall Dispute?It depends on the award. The third surveyor's fees are usually decided by the award or by the third surveyor, and can be shared or placed on the…
• Can I Draft and Serve My Own Party Wall Notice to Save Money?Yes, the Act does not require a surveyor to draft or serve a notice. You can do it yourself. But an incorrect or badly served notice can be invalid,…
• Is Party Wall Indemnity Insurance Worth It? A Complete GuideIt may be, but it is not a substitute for following the Act. Policies of this kind typically respond to certain claims by neighbours, and exclusions…
• Why Cheap Party Wall Surveyors Cost More in the Long Run (Spotting Hidden Fees)A low headline fee is not always cheaper. Some quotes leave out items that later appear as extras, such as site visits, the schedule of condition or…