How Much Does a Party Wall Agreement cost?

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The cost of a party wall agreement will depend on the type of project being carried out and the quality of the design information in place. The cost is determined by the surveyors hourly rate and the amount of time they are required to spend to put the awards in place. Most party wall surveyors charge a fixed hourly rate for all party wall matters, this will typically range from £120 – £250 per hour.

THE EXPECTED HOURS AND COSTS FOR A PARTY WALL AGREEMENT WOULD BE:

TWO APPOINTED SURVEYORS
Project Type Building Owners SurveyorAdjoining Owners SurveyorTotal Cost
(per agreement)
Loft Conversion6 to 8 hours
£900 to £1200
6 to 8 hours
£900 to £1200
£1800 to £2400
Extension8 to 10 hours
£1200 to £1500
8 to 10 hours
£1200 to £1500
£2400 to £3000
New Build10 to 12 hours
£1500 to £1800
10 to 12 hours
£1500 to £1800
£3000 to £3600
Basement12 to 18 hours
£1800 to £2700
12 to 18 hours
£1800 to £2700
£3600 to £5400

Assumes an hourly rate of £150 per hour.

AGREED SURVEYOR
Project Type Agreed SurveyorTotal Cost
(per agreement)
Loft Conversion6 to 8 hours
£900 to £1200
Extension8 to 10 hours

£1200 to £1500
New Build10 to 12 hours

£1500 to £1800
Basement12 to 18 hours
£1800 to £2700

Assumes an hourly rate of £150 per hour.

The number of hours involved will depend on:
  1. The quality and completeness of the design information
  2. The complexity of the project
  3. The level of risk of damage on the adjoining property
  4. The quality and completeness of the draft award and schedule of condition prepared by the building owners surveyor
  5. Whether a matter has had to be referred to the Third Surveyor

It should be noted that there is no upper limit on the costs, as long as fees are reasonable.

Once the awards are agreed the surveyors will apportion the “reasonable” fees. In usual circumstances fees will be payable by the building owner.

WHAT IF SURVEYORS FEES ARE NOT REASONABLE?
It falls to the building owners surveyor to determine whether or not the adjoining owners surveyors fees are reasonable. If there is concern then surveyors will review timesheets and ensure that all time spent is within the surveyors remit and in direct relation to the work being carried out.

If there is concern over the fees then the matter may be referred to the third surveyor for a determination.

If an award is served containing unreasonable fees then it may be appealed, in the County Court, within 14 days of being served.

This action can incur additional cost, we always recommend that specialist advice is sought before referring a matter to the third surveyor or appealing an award.

Are you an Adjoining Owner?

If your neighbours are planning on doing some work here are some of the things you need to know.
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We are party wall specialists

We are party wall specialists with over 15 years experience in the industry. We are based in Thames Ditton, Surrey and operate throughout Surrey and South West London.

We hope this has been useful. If you have any questions please contact us at: partywall@whiteandlloyd.co.uk

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Head Office

Devon House
11 High Street
Thames Ditton, Surrey
KT7 0SD
0208 191 7747

office@whiteandlloyd.com

London Office

Chester house
81-83 Fulham High Street
Fulham Green, Fulham
SW6 3JA
0203 637 2213