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 what, and it can share costs in some cases, such as where the adjoining owner causes needless expense.
The usual rule
The person carrying out the work starts the process and usually bears its reasonable cost. That includes the adjoining owner's surveyor's reasonable fees. The adjoining owner did not ask for the work and should not have to pay to protect their property from it.
Where the award changes the split
Awards can allocate costs differently. If the work also benefits the adjoining owner, or one side acts unreasonably, the surveyors can apportion costs. What matters is what the award says. Read the costs clause before you sign or accept it.
| Cost item | Who normally pays | What can change it |
|---|---|---|
| Building owner's surveyor | Building owner | Nothing usually, unless appointed jointly |
| Adjoining owner's surveyor | Building owner | Unreasonable fees or unnecessary work |
| Agreed surveyor | As the award directs, normally the building owner | Benefit to both owners |
| Third surveyor | As the award directs | Which side caused the disagreement |
| Schedule of condition | Building owner, as the award directs | Agreement between the surveyors |
| Adjoining owner's own advisers | Adjoining owner | Fees outside the award, such as a lawyer |
Reasonable fees
Both surveyors' fees must be reasonable. A building owner is not required to pay an unjustified bill. Ask for an itemised account and compare it to the quote.
Agreed surveyor or two
With an agreed surveyor there is one set of fees, normally paid as the award directs. With two surveyors, each has their own fee, and the building owner normally covers both.
Get it in writing early
Before appointing anyone, ask how the fee will be calculated and who is responsible for paying. Do not rely on a verbal promise.
If the neighbour is a leaseholder, remember the freeholder may also be an adjoining owner and may want a surveyor. That can add to the total fees, so ask early who must be served and whether one surveyor can act for several owners.
Frequently asked questions
What if my neighbour picks an expensive surveyor?
Fees still have to be reasonable. If you think they are not, you can challenge them under the Act.
Do I pay if my neighbour consents?
If no surveyor is needed, there may be no surveyor fees. Consent is only valid where the Act allows it.
Can the neighbour ask me for money in advance?
They can ask for security for expenses. If disputed, the surveyors decide.
Related guides
- How Much Does a Party Wall Surveyor Cost?
- What Happens if the Adjoining Owner Chooses the Most Expensive Surveyor?
- Who Pays for the Third Surveyor's Fees in a Party Wall Dispute?
- How to Dispute a Party Wall Surveyor's Fees Legally
Last updated: . This page is general information about the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 (England and Wales). It is not legal advice. Every property and dispute is different, so take advice from a party wall surveyor or a solicitor before you act.