Fees
Party wall fees
Fixed fees for the work most people need, published here and confirmed in writing before we start.
- Fixed, not hourly
- Quoted in writing
- Per adjoining owner
Our fees
| Service | What is included | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Party wall notice | Land Registry check of ownership, notice prepared under the right section, served with proof, reply form, and the follow-up and 10-day request if needed | £70 |
| Schedule of condition | Site visit, measured and photographed record of the neighbouring property, served on both owners | £350 |
| Party wall award agreed surveyor for both owners | Drawings and calculations checked, site visit, award drawn up and served on both owners. The final figure depends on the work and the number of neighbours | from £600 |
| Acting for a neighbour | Checking the notice and drawings, the schedule of condition and agreeing the award. Normally paid by the building owner | Quote |
| Basements, several neighbours, work already started | A fixed figure in writing once we have seen the drawings or the site | Quote |
| First call and written quote | We tell you whether the Act applies and what it will cost | Free |
VAT: No VAT to add.
Not included
- Fees for a third surveyor, if the two appointed surveyors ever need one to settle a point.
- Appeals to the county court.
- Structural engineers' fees, and the cost of any checks on calculations the neighbour's surveyor asks for.
- Compensation or repairs if the building work causes damage.
Who pays
As a general rule the building owner pays all the surveyors' reasonable costs, including the neighbour's, because the work is for their benefit. There are exceptions, and the award sets out who pays what. Read who pays party wall costs.
Why fixed fees
Most party wall matters for lofts and extensions follow a well-worn path. Fixing the fee means you know the cost before you commit, and nobody is watching the clock while letters go back and forth between neighbours.
Questions people ask
Do I pay my neighbour's surveyor as well as my own?
If you are the building owner and your neighbour appoints their own surveyor, you will normally pay that surveyor's reasonable fees too. Sharing one agreed surveyor avoids paying for two.
Why do some surveyors charge by the hour?
Some prefer to, particularly for complicated matters. For most lofts and extensions the work is predictable, so we fix the fee and tell you it up front.
When is the fee paid?
Our written quote sets out exactly what is due and when, before you agree to anything.