How Much Does a Party Wall Surveyor Cost?

Tom Norris
5 days ago
3 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

Complete Cost Guide for London & the Home Counties

Introduction

Planning a loft conversion in Streatham, rear extension in Surrey, or basement excavation in Kensington? One of the first questions most homeowners ask is:

“How much will a Party Wall Surveyor cost?”

With so much misinformation online, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This guide breaks down what you’ll really pay for Party Wall Notices, Awards, and surveyor fees. We’ll explain what influences costs, how to save money, and why hiring the right surveyor is worth every penny.

Quick Answer: Typical Costs at a Glance

Service	Typical Cost (London & Home Counties)	Notes
Party Wall Notice (Draft & Serve)	£100–£200 per notice	Free if DIY, but mistakes are common.
Schedule of Condition Survey	£200–£500 per property	Photo + written record of neighbour’s property.
Party Wall Award	£700–£1,500 (per surveyor)	Covers inspection, Award drafting, admin.
Full Project (1 neighbour, single surveyor)	£1,000–£1,500 all-in	Most straightforward projects.
Complex Project (multiple owners, basements)	£2,000+ per surveyor	Reflects additional complexity.

Key point: Building owners usually pay all Party Wall surveyor fees (for themselves and their neighbours) unless agreed otherwise.

Why Costs Vary So Much

Several factors influence the final price:

Number of Neighbours – Each adjoining property requires notices and possibly a surveyor.
Project Complexity – Basements, underpinning, or listed properties take longer.
Number of Surveyors – One Agreed Surveyor is cheaper; two surveyors doubles fees.
Location – Central London projects tend to cost more than Home Counties projects due to demand.
Property Type – Flats, terraced houses, and multi-unit buildings add complexity.

Why Surveyors Charge What They Do

Party Wall Surveyors are highly specialised professionals. Their work includes:

Drafting legally binding Party Wall Notices.
Conducting detailed property inspections.
Preparing a comprehensive Schedule of Condition.
Writing a Party Wall Award to protect all parties.
Acting as impartial mediators in disputes.

This expertise prevents expensive legal battles, work stoppages, and damage claims.

Cost Comparison: One Surveyor vs Two

Option	Pros	Cons	Cost
Agreed Surveyor	Faster, cheaper, one impartial surveyor.	Neighbours must agree on the same surveyor.	£1,000–£1,500 total.
Separate Surveyors	Each side has their own expert.	Doubles fees, slower process.	£1,400–£3,000+.

How to Save Money on Party Wall Costs

Hire Early: Serving notices 2+ months in advance avoids rushed fees.
Use an Agreed Surveyor: If your neighbours trust you, this is faster and cheaper.
Choose a Fixed-Fee Surveyor: MET Surveyors offers transparent pricing upfront.
Communicate Clearly: Talking to neighbours early reduces disputes and extra costs.
Bundle Services: Having the same surveyor handle multiple adjoining owners saves time and admin costs.

Example Cost Scenarios

Scenario 1: Loft Conversion in Balham

1 adjoining owner, agreed surveyor.
Notices + Schedule of Condition + Award: £1,250 total.
Completed in 6 weeks with zero disputes.

Scenario 2: Rear Extension in Surrey

2 adjoining owners, one dissenting.
Separate surveyors appointed.
Total cost: £2,800 (building owner covered both surveyors).

Scenario 3: Basement in Kensington

3 adjoining owners, Grade II-listed property.
3 surveyors, multiple inspections.
Costs exceeded £5,000, but avoided costly legal disputes.

Why Trying to DIY Can Cost More

Yes, you can serve your own notices for free. But:

An invalid notice means you start the clock over, delaying your project.
Mistakes cause disputes, leading to extra surveyor time and costs.
Without a proper Schedule of Condition, you risk false damage claims.

Professional surveyors pay for themselves in peace of mind and protection.

FAQs About Party Wall Costs

Q: Do I have to pay my neighbour’s surveyor? Yes, unless damage or work issues are caused by their negligence.

Q: What’s the cheapest way to get a Party Wall Award? Appointing a single Agreed Surveyor is the fastest and most affordable option.

Q: Are Party Wall fees negotiable? Some surveyors offer fixed fees. At MET Surveyors, we provide transparent pricing upfront.

Q: Does the Act apply in the Home Counties? Yes—the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies to all of England and Wales.

Why Choose MET Surveyors for Cost-Effective Party Wall Services

Transparent Pricing: Fixed-fee quotes, no hidden extras.
Local Expertise: We handle projects in London boroughs and all Home Counties.
Fast Turnaround: Notices and Awards delivered on time.
Heritage Specialists: Experience with listed buildings and conservation areas.
Neighbour-Friendly: Clear communication to reduce disputes (and costs).

Get a Free Quote Today

Whether you’re planning a loft conversion in Streatham, an extension in Surrey, or a basement in Chelsea, our surveyors can provide a fixed-price quote and handle everything.

Book a Callback: Speak directly with a Party Wall expert. We proudly serve all London boroughs and Home Counties: Surrey, Essex, Kent, Hertfordshire, Berkshire, and beyond.