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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...

Yes—sometimes you can, and when it works, it can reduce duplication, cost, and delay. However, switching from the “two surveyors” route to an Agreed Surveyor isn’t automatic, and you generally can’t do it unilaterally once separate appointments have been made. Whether...

It can do, but it doesn’t always—it depends on which version you instruct. RICS recognises two Level 2 formats: RICS Home Survey – Level 2 (survey only) – condition report without a valuation. RICS Home Survey – Level 2 (survey and valuation) – the same condition...

Yes — it’s possible, but only if both owners agree and the surveyor is willing and able to act impartially under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. An Agreed Surveyor is not “your surveyor” or “their surveyor.” Once appointed as the Agreed Surveyor, they must act...

When a party wall matter becomes difficult, people often assume the next step is “court.” In reality, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 builds in its own dispute-resolution mechanism through the Third Surveyor, which is usually faster, cheaper, and more practical than...

Not always. A Level 2 Survey is designed to cover the main elements of the property through a more extensive visual inspection, but it only goes as far as areas are physically accessible and safe to inspect on the day. RICS is clear that the inspection is intended to...

Yes — you can withdraw a Party Wall Notice, but you can’t usually rely on the withdrawn notice to legitimise the same notifiable works. If your works are still the type covered by the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, you’ll normally need to serve a fresh notice (or otherwise...

Yes—sometimes, but it depends on why the work is being done and who benefits. For most home improvement projects, the building owner usually pays, but there are scenarios where costs can be shared or reallocated. The general rule If you’re doing work mainly for your...

Yes — you can sometimes agree a price reduction (or financial allowance) instead of having the snags rectified. This happens most often when you’re buying a new-build or a property that’s recently been refurbished by a developer, and there are snags that are: likely...