The three main costs
| Item | What it is | Example fixed fee |
|---|---|---|
| Notice | Preparing and serving the notice on each neighbour | £70 per notice |
| Schedule of condition | Recording the neighbour's property before work | £350 |
| Award | Agreeing and serving the document that governs the work | from £600 |
The example fees are the fixed fees published by the author's own practice (see what each one covers), with no VAT. Other surveyors charge differently, and some charge by the hour.
How the neighbour's response changes the cost
- They consent. No award is needed. Many owners still pay for a schedule of condition anyway, to have a dated record.
- They agree to one surveyor. You pay one surveyor for the award.
- They appoint their own surveyor. You pay your surveyor and, usually, their reasonable fees too.
Things that push costs up
- Several neighbours, for example a terrace on both sides or flats next door
- Basements and deep excavations
- Complex or changing designs
- Slow responses, extra inspections, or disputes between surveyors
Keeping costs down
- Talk to your neighbours before serving notice
- Offer one agreed surveyor for both sides
- Get a fixed fee in writing
- Have clear drawings ready before notices are served
Where this comes from in the Act
Links go to the official text of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 on legislation.gov.uk.