How Much Does a Party Wall Surveyor Cost?
One of the most common questions people have when dealing with party wall matters is how much hiring a Party Wall Surveyor will cost. Costs can vary depending on the complexity of the project, the location, and the number of surveyors involved. At Surv Essex, we aim to keep things transparent and affordable.
How Much Does a Party Wall Surveyor Cost?
Surv Essex Fees for Party Wall Services
At Surv Essex, we charge as little as £50 for serving party wall notices on one neighbour, making sure you get the process started with minimal expense. Our fees to act as your Party Wall Surveyor are just £550—providing you with a full service that ensures compliance with all legal requirements of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, along with peace of mind throughout your project.
Average Cost of a Party Wall Surveyor
Across the UK, the cost of a Party Wall Surveyor can range from £800 to £1,500 per neighbour, depending on the nature of the work. However, Surv Essex is proud to offer competitive rates to keep your costs down while delivering excellent service. Factors that influence surveyor costs include:
- Complexity of the Work: Projects like loft conversions or basement excavations are more complex and may require additional inspections.
- Location: Costs tend to be higher in London and the South East, though Surv Essex strives to provide fair and competitive pricing across Essex and the surrounding areas.
- Number of Surveyors Involved: If each property owner appoints their own surveyor, costs can double as each surveyor must be compensated separately.
Factors Affecting Party Wall Costs
- Number of Adjoining Owners: If you share boundaries with multiple neighbours, you may need to serve notices on each, which can increase costs. Surv Essex offers discounts for serving multiple notices at the same time.
- Scope of Works: The scale of the proposed work plays a significant role in the cost. Simple works, like building a boundary wall, are often less costly compared to significant structural changes such as chimney removals or basement digs.
- Disputes: Disagreements between you and your neighbours may require extra meetings, inspections, and negotiations, which can increase overall costs.
Who Pays the Surveyor’s Fees?
In most cases, the building owner—the person carrying out the work—is responsible for covering the cost of the Party Wall Surveyor. This includes fees for both the building owner’s surveyor and, in cases where each party appoints their own surveyor, the adjoining owner’s surveyor. You can find more details about who pays these fees in our article on Who Pays Party Wall Surveyor Fees.
Agreed Surveyor vs. Separate Surveyors
One way to manage costs is to appoint an Agreed Surveyor. As we discussed in our article on Can a Party Wall Surveyor Act for Both Parties (read here), an Agreed Surveyor can represent both property owners. This significantly reduces costs, as it involves only one professional, typically cutting surveyor fees in half.
Breakdown of Costs
- Serving Notices: At Surv Essex, serving a party wall notice starts at just £50 for one neighbour, with discounts available if multiple notices are served.
- Drawing Up the Award: Once notices are served, our experienced surveyor will prepare the Party Wall Award. Our fee for acting as your surveyor is £550, which includes drafting the award and liaising with the adjoining owners’ surveyor.
- Site Visits: An initial site visit is often included in our fee, but if multiple visits are necessary, additional costs may apply.
How to Get the Best Value
If you’re looking to hire a Party Wall Surveyor, it’s important to get quotes from multiple surveyors to ensure you’re getting the best value. At Surv Essex, we offer competitive, fixed pricing, so you know exactly what you’re paying without any unexpected surprises.
For a more in-depth look at our Party Wall Surveying Services or to get an idea of what a party wall agreement might cost you, check out our Party Wall Surveying Page.
Trust the Experts
At Surv Essex, we understand that costs are always a concern, especially when undertaking construction work. Our goal is to provide a transparent, fixed-fee service that allows you to plan your project without worrying about hidden charges.
If you have more questions or would like to receive a quote for your party wall surveying needs, don’t hesitate to get in touch via our Contact Page.