Party Wall Surveyor Costs Explained: What You Need to Know

If you’re planning on carrying out building work near a shared boundary—whether it’s a loft conversion, an extension, or even a basement—you might need a Party Wall Surveyor. But how much is that going to set you back?

Good question. The cost of a Party Wall Surveyor can vary depending on where you live, the complexity of the job, and whether your neighbour decides to get their own surveyor involved. Some surveyors charge by the hour, while others (like us at Fixed Price Party Wall) offer a clear, upfront fixed fee so you know exactly what you’re paying from the get-go.

In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know about Party Wall Surveyor costs, the different types of fees involved, and how to keep your costs as low as possible while staying legally compliant.

How Do Party Wall Surveyors Charge?

1. Fixed Fee vs. Hourly Rate

Some Party Wall Surveyors charge by the hour, while others charge a fixed fee. Let’s look at both:

• Hourly Rate Surveyors: Some surveyors charge an hourly rate (typically between £150–£350 per hour, depending on location). They’ll give you an estimate of how many hours they expect to spend, but this can sometimes increase if unexpected issues arise.
• Fixed Fee Surveyors: This is where we come in. At Fixed Price Party Wall, we believe in transparent, upfront pricing. You know exactly what you’re paying before we start—no nasty surprises later.

If you want to keep your budget under control, a fixed fee is usually the best way forward.

2. What If Your Neighbour Agrees to One Surveyor?

If your neighbour is happy for you to use an Agreed Surveyor, this is the cheapest and simplest route. An Agreed Surveyor acts impartially for both parties, making sure the Party Wall Award is fair while keeping costs low.

In this case, you (as the Building Owner) will only have to pay for one surveyor, which makes life a lot easier.

3. What If Your Neighbour Appoints Their Own Surveyor?

Now, this is where costs can double. If your neighbour decides to appoint their own surveyor, then you (the Building Owner) are responsible for both surveyors’ fees.

Your surveyor will still carry out their usual duties, but they’ll also need to negotiate with your neighbour’s surveyor. In most cases, your surveyor will agree on a reasonable fee for your neighbour’s surveyor and include it in the Party Wall Award—the legally binding document that allows the works to proceed.

This means you could be looking at double the cost compared to using an Agreed Surveyor.

How Much Does a Party Wall Surveyor Cost? (Typical Prices)

While there’s no set price for Party Wall Surveyors, here’s a rough idea of what you might expect to pay:

💡 Tip: The best way to keep costs low is to chat with your neighbour early and see if they’re happy to use one Agreed Surveyor.

What Happens If a Fee Dispute Arises?

Let’s say your neighbour’s surveyor submits an unreasonable fee. What can you do?

1. First, try to resolve it informally – Your surveyor will have an open discussion with the other surveyor to agree on a fair fee.
2. If that fails, it goes to the Third Surveyor – A neutral surveyor (agreed at the start of the process) can step in and make a final ruling.

⚠️ Important: There’s a risk the Third Surveyor might not rule in your favour, so we only challenge fees if we believe they’re genuinely excessive.

Extra Costs to Watch Out For

If your project is a simple loft conversion or extension, costs should be fairly standard. But for more complex works—especially things like basement excavations—there could be additional costs, such as:

• Structural Engineer Fees: If the neighbour’s surveyor feels out of their depth, they might bring in an engineer to review the plans. These fees (usually £500–£2,000) are covered by the Building Owner.
• Monitoring Costs: For bigger projects, you might need movement or vibration monitoring. Expect this to cost anywhere from £1,000–£5,000, depending on the size of the works.
• Additional Design Work: If your plans aren’t detailed enough, your surveyor may request more drawings, adding to your costs.

How to Keep Your Party Wall Surveyor Costs Down

Want to avoid unnecessary expenses? Here’s how:

✅ Speak to Your Neighbour Early: If they’re happy to use one Agreed Surveyor, you’ll save a lot of money.
✅ Choose a Fixed Fee Surveyor: This way, you know exactly what you’re paying upfront.
✅ Use a Reputable Surveyor (Like Us!): A good surveyor will keep things fair and prevent unnecessary costs.

Why Choose Fixed Price Party Wall?

At Fixed Price Party Wall, we believe in honest, upfront pricing—no hidden fees, no messing about. Here’s why our clients love working with us:

✔ Fixed Fees – No surprise costs, just clear pricing from the start.
✔ Expert Knowledge – We know the Party Wall Act inside out.
✔ Fast & Efficient Service – No delays, no unnecessary back-and-forth.
✔ Hassle-Free Process – We handle everything, so you don’t have to.

Final Thoughts

Party Wall Surveyor costs can vary, but knowing what to expect can help you plan your budget properly. Whether you need an Agreed Surveyor or your neighbour appoints their own, understanding the costs upfront will save you from nasty surprises.

At Fixed Price Party Wall, we’re all about fair, transparent pricing.

Need a quote?

👉 Get in touch today and let’s get it sorted!