If you’re planning construction work on or near a shared boundary in London, you may need the services of a Party Wall Surveyor. Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, property owners must follow a formal process to ensure that adjoining neighbours are not adversely affected by building work. This includes serving a Party Wall Notice and, if necessary, obtaining a Party Wall Award. One key question that property owners face is:
How much does a Party Wall Surveyor cost?
In this blog, we’ll outline the factors that influence Party Wall Surveyor fees in London, typical costs, and ways to manage these expenses.
Average Costs of a Party Wall Surveyor in London
The cost of a Party Wall Surveyor in London typically depends on the complexity and scale of the project, the number of properties involved, and the surveyor’s experience. Here is an approximate range of costs for common party wall services:
Party Wall Notice Preparation: £80 – £150 per notice
Schedule of Condition: £300 – £600 per adjoining property
Party Wall Award: £700 – £1,500 per Award, depending on project complexity and the need for an agreed surveyor or separate surveyors
Third Surveyor Appointment (if necessary): Fees may range from £200 to £300 per hour, typically split between the parties
These figures can vary widely across London, particularly as surveyors in central areas may charge more due to higher demand and experience.
Factors Affecting Party Wall Surveyor Costs
Several factors influence the final cost of hiring a Party Wall Surveyor:
Complexity of the Project Projects involving extensive construction, such as basement excavations or structural changes to a party wall, require more time and expertise, which can increase fees. Simpler projects, like minor extensions or loft conversions, tend to be more straightforward and less costly.
Number of Adjoining Owners Involved Each adjoining property requires a separate Party Wall Notice, Schedule of Condition, and potentially a separate Party Wall Award. The more neighbours affected, the higher the costs.
Surveyor’s Experience and Location Surveyors in central London and those with extensive experience in party wall matters often command higher fees. However, these surveyors also bring valuable knowledge that can help prevent costly delays or disputes.
Appointment of Agreed vs. Separate Surveyors If you and your neighbour agree on one surveyor to act impartially for both parties, the costs are often lower since only one surveyor’s fees are required. If each party appoints their own surveyor, both sets of fees must be covered, typically by the building owner.
Dispute Resolution If a dispute arises, and a third surveyor must be appointed to resolve it, additional fees are incurred. Third surveyors typically charge an hourly rate, adding to the overall cost.
Who Pays the Party Wall Surveyor Fees?
Generally, the building owner who initiates the construction is responsible for covering the cost of the Party Wall Surveyor(s) for both parties. This includes all fees for preparing the Party Wall Notice, Schedule of Condition, and the Party Wall Award. However, in rare cases where an adjoining owner appoints their own surveyor without valid grounds, they may be responsible for their own surveyor’s fees.
Ways to Manage Party Wall Surveyor Costs
Consider an Agreed Surveyor
Using an agreed surveyor, who acts impartially for both the building and adjoining owners, can significantly reduce costs. This arrangement is often less expensive than having separate surveyors for each party.
Request a Clear Fee Structure When choosing a Party Wall Surveyor, ask for a transparent breakdown of costs. Many surveyors in London charge hourly rates, but some offer fixed fees for standard party wall matters, which can help with budgeting.
Plan and Serve Notices Early Serving the Party Wall Notice well before your intended start date allows time to discuss and resolve any issues with your neighbours. This can reduce the likelihood of disputes, which may lower surveyor fees by avoiding the need for a third surveyor.
Opt for a Comprehensive Schedule of Condition Investing in a thorough Schedule of Condition can help limit costs later on by clearly documenting the condition of neighbouring properties. This can be critical evidence if there is a claim of damage, potentially avoiding lengthy disputes and additional surveyor fees.
Are Party Wall Surveyor Fees Tax Deductible?
For property investors and landlords, Party Wall Surveyor fees may be tax-deductible as part of property maintenance or improvement expenses. Consult a tax advisor to confirm eligibility based on your specific circumstances.
Conclusion
In London, Party Wall Surveyor costs can vary significantly, influenced by the project’s complexity, the surveyor’s expertise, and the number of properties affected. On average, you can expect to pay between £700 and £1,500 for a Party Wall Award, though this can increase if disputes or multiple surveyors are involved. By planning carefully, choosing an agreed surveyor, and ensuring clear communication with neighbours, you can manage these expenses effectively.
If you’re planning construction work near a shared boundary in London and need expert support with Party Wall matters, contact Icon Surveyors. Our experienced team provides transparent pricing and a thorough, professional service to protect your interests and ensure compliance with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
