Not in the way people usually mean it.
A party wall surveyor is not an advocate like a solicitor. Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, surveyors have a duty to act independently and impartially, even if you appoint and pay them. Their job is to manage risk, set fair safeguards, and produce an Award that allows the works to proceed while protecting both properties.
What they do for you
A good party wall surveyor will absolutely protect your interests by:
- Making sure the correct notices are served properly (so you’re not exposed to injunction risk or delays)
- Keeping requirements reasonable and proportionate (so you’re not saddled with unnecessary restrictions or inflated demands)
- Ensuring the Award clearly defines what you’re allowed to do, and the method and safeguards for doing it
- Arranging a strong Schedule of Condition to reduce unfair damage claims later
- Helping you handle access, timing, working hours, and practical site controls in a clear, lawful way
- Resolving issues quickly if concerns or damage allegations come up during the works
So they won’t “fight” emotionally, but they will protect you professionally by keeping the process fair, workable, and defensible.
What they don’t do
A party wall surveyor shouldn’t:
- “Take sides” or try to bully a neighbour into agreeing
- Promise outcomes like “we’ll force them to consent”
- Ignore reasonable neighbour protections
- Act like your hired gun—doing so can backfire and increase delay/cost
An overly aggressive approach often causes neighbours to dig in, appoint their own surveyor, and run fees up.
If you want someone who does advocate
If the issue moves into wider legal territory (injunction threats, harassment, trespass, major claims), that’s when you’d typically involve a solicitor. Surveyors remain focused on the party wall process and technical safeguards.
Want advice for your situation?
Email mail@howorth.uk or call 07794 400 212 with what works you’re doing and where you are in the process (notice served / neighbour response). We’ll explain what your surveyor can achieve for you and the best way to keep things moving.