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You’ve secured planning permission for your Fulham terrace or Putney semi, but there’s a further legal hurdle before construction can begin and that is compliance with the Party Wall etc. Act, 1996. The Agreed Surveyor route is the most efficient and cost-effective way to secure a Party Wall Award, avoiding the additional expense of separate representation.
The agreed surveyor cost for London homeowners typically ranges from £900 to £1,400 (+VAT), although larger projects will inevitably use more time and resources.
In densely populated areas like Fulham (SW6) and Chelsea (SW3), homes are often built just inches apart, or with shared walls and tight boundary lines. In this environment, appointing an experienced party wall surveyor ensures compliance for your project, helping to protect both your project and to maintain a relationship with your neighbour. Encouraging an adjoining owner to go this route can lead to significant savings in party wall fees, and is an approved and acceptable way forward.
The cost of an Agreed Surveyor, like all appointed surveyor fees, depends largely on the type of work being carried out and the level of structural risk involved. The table below helps homeowners benchmark realistic party wall fees in Fulham and surrounding areas.
These figures are estimated and reflect typical London residential projects.
An Agreed Surveyor fee from Party Walls Limited covers the entire statutory party wall process, from first notice to final award, providing clarity and cost certainty.
Carefully reviewing any architect’s or engineer’s drawings to inform accurate drafting and legal service of notices to all entitled neighbours. Correct notice service is essential; errors can delay your project or invalidate the process altogether.
A detailed written and photographic record of the relevant areas of an adjoining property’s condition before work starts. This document is your primary reference point in the event of any future claims of loss as a result of the undertaking of the proposed works.
The Party Wall Award is the legally binding document that formally confirms your right to build. It sets out working hours, access arrangements, protective measures, and responsibilities for both parties.
Party Wall surveyors in London currently charge between £190 and £350 (+VAT!) per hour for personalised advice or when additional inspections are required beyond a fixed fee.
Party wall fees in the capital, as with other professional work, often exceed national averages due to several London-specific factors, like higher travel and parking costs, and working environment expenses. While some party wall costs are unavoidable, there are practical steps you can take to minimise them.
Having a friendly conversation with your neighbour before serving the formal notice often encourages them to agree to an Agreed Surveyor, potentially saving you up to £2,000 in separate fees.
Changes to architectural or structural plans halfway through the process are the most common reason for fee increases. Surveyors must reassess authorised works each time plans are revised.
Engaging your surveyor 2–3 months before your contractor’s start date helps avoid rushed work and premium “emergency” rates.
Party wall surveyor costs in London vary depending on the scope of the work, the level of structural risk, and whether neighbours agree to a single appointed surveyor. For most conventional residential projects, fees typically range from £900 to £1,500 (+VAT), with higher costs for larger, more complex developments, and additional costs if disputes arise. Early planning, clear communication, and choosing an Agreed Surveyor can help keep the process efficient and predictable.
If you’re planning works near a shared boundary, Party Walls Limited offers clear guidance, fee transparency, and professional oversight to ensure full compliance with the Party Wall etc. Act, 1996, which helps protect both your project and neighbour relationships.
Take the first step by requesting a consultation and a discussion on fees to set your project on the right path.
Q1: Is the Agreed Surveyor fee split between me and my neighbour?
A: No. Under the Act, the Building Owner (the person doing the work) pays for the surveyor's fees. By choosing an Agreed Surveyor, you are simply paying for one surveyor instead of two
Q2: What happens if my neighbour refuses an Agreed Surveyor?
A: They have a legal right to dissent and appoint their own surveyor at your expense. If this happens, your costs will likely double compared to having an Agreed Surveyor. We recommend adding a "Dissent Contingency" of £1,500 to your total pre-project budget.
Q3: Do these fees include VAT?
A: We are VAT registered. You should add 20% to any professional fee quote unless it is explicitly marked as "Inclusive."
Q4: Why are basement excavation fees so much higher?
A: Time consumption. Basements involve complex excavations that require a surveyor to ensure that matters relating to the construction and the effect on neighbouring properties have been carefully considered. This often includes bringing in additional expertise: checking engineer, movement monitoring, drainage survey, defrayed costs, security for expenses.
Q5: Are there hidden costs like a "Third Surveyor" fee?
A: A "Third Surveyor" is selected at the start by the appointed surveyors as an adjudicator in the event of disagreement between them, but is rarely called upon. If he is, his decision on the dispute will also direct who is responsible for his fee.
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