Party wall surveying fees can vary significantly depending on the type of work, the level of risk, the number of adjoining owners, and—most importantly—whether the matter stays straightforward or becomes a dispute requiring a Party Wall Award. Understanding likely costs early helps you plan your build budget realistically and avoid unpleasant surprises.
Who pays the fees?
In most typical residential cases, the building owner (the person proposing and benefiting from the works) is responsible for reasonable party wall costs. This commonly includes:
- The building owner’s surveyor fees
- The adjoining owner’s surveyor fees (if they appoint their own)
- Costs associated with preparing and serving the Award and completing inspections
There are exceptions in unusual circumstances (for example, where works are required due to lack of repair or where costs should be shared), but for most home improvement projects, it’s sensible to budget on the basis that you will fund the process.
What do the fees usually cover?
Party wall surveyor fees typically relate to time and responsibility involved in managing the Act. This often includes:
- Reviewing the proposed works (architectural drawings, structural calculations, method statements)
- Advising on what notices are required and preparing/serving Party Wall Notices (where included in the service)
- Liaising with adjoining owners and responding to queries
- Initial site inspection(s) and preparing a Schedule of Condition (usually with photographs)
- Drafting and agreeing the Party Wall Award (or reviewing it if acting for the adjoining owner)
- Agreeing safeguards such as access arrangements, protection measures, working hours, and sequencing
- Post-works inspection(s) and dealing with damage issues, if any
- Ongoing dispute management if concerns arise during the build
How fee structures work
Surveyors typically charge in one of two ways:
Fixed fees
Some surveyors offer a fixed fee for simpler, lower-risk jobs—often where the scope is clear and the work is unlikely to be contentious.
Hourly rates
For more complex projects (or where a neighbour dissents and the process becomes more involved), fees are often charged at an hourly rate. Hourly charging is common where there are multiple meetings, long negotiations over wording, technical engineering review, or repeated site visits.
Typical cost ranges
Fees can vary widely, but as a broad guide, party wall costs may range from a few hundred pounds for straightforward elements up to several thousand pounds for more involved matters, particularly where:
- multiple adjoining owners are involved (e.g., flats)
- structural complexity is higher (steelwork, basements, underpinning)
- the neighbour has concerns requiring extensive negotiation
- extra inspections or monitoring are required
The most reliable way to budget is to get an estimate based on your specific plans.
Getting fee estimates upfront
Before appointing a surveyor, it’s wise to request a written estimate that clarifies:
- Whether notice preparation/serving is included
- What inspections are included (pre-works and post-works)
- Whether the Schedule of Condition is included
- Likely costs if the neighbour dissents and an Award is required
- Hourly rates for additional time (if applicable)
- Any potential extra costs (additional visits, engineer input, monitoring)
Clear cost expectations early usually lead to a smoother process.
Why paying fees is often worth it
While surveyor fees can feel like an added cost, a properly managed party wall process can save money by:
- Reducing the likelihood of injunctions and delays
- Minimising disputes by setting clear safeguards and responsibilities
- Protecting you with an agreed framework if a damage allegation arises
- Avoiding costly legal routes that can escalate quickly
In many cases, party wall surveying is a practical form of risk management.
Want an estimate for your project?
Email mail@howorth.uk with your address, a brief description of the works, your target start date, and any drawings you have. We can give guidance on likely costs and the most efficient route through the party wall process.