Party Wall etc. Act 1996: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ Guide)
posted 25th February 2026
Who pays the adjoining owner’s surveyor fees?
Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, the building owner usually pays the adjoining owner’s reasonable surveyor fees. However, the costs must be proportionate to the work required and can be challenged if they are excessive.
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What is a reasonable Party Wall surveyor fee in London?
For a straightforward residential matter in London, agreeing a Party Wall Award typically takes around 7 hours at an average of about £180 per hour, although complexity and seniority can affect this.
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How much travel time can a Party Wall surveyor charge?
In typical London cases, around two hours return travel time is commonly considered reasonable for attending the Schedule of Condition inspection and meetings. Significantly higher travel claims usually require clear justification.
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How long should a Schedule of Condition inspection take?
For most standard houses and flats, the on-site inspection and discussions usually take around 1–2 hours, unless the property is unusually large or complex.
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Is a final inspection required under the Party Wall Act?
No. The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 does not expressly require a routine final inspection in every case. It may be reasonable in higher-risk situations or where the adjoining owner cannot monitor the property, but it should not be treated as automatically necessary.
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Can Party Wall surveyor fees be challenged?
Yes. If fees appear disproportionate, unrelated to the Act, or inflated through delay or excessive time claims, they may be referred to the Third Surveyor for determination. However, adjoining owners should be aware they may bear costs if fees are found excessive.
