What an agreed surveyor is
Under Section 10 of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, owners can agree to appoint one surveyor to deal with the dispute for both of them. That surveyor is the agreed surveyor. They read the drawings, inspect the neighbouring property, make a schedule of condition and write the award.
How it works
- The building owner serves the notice and suggests an agreed surveyor in the covering letter.
- The neighbour dissents or does not reply, so a dispute arises.
- Both owners confirm the agreed surveyor’s appointment in writing.
- The surveyor visits, records the condition and writes the award.
- The award is served on both owners, and the 14-day appeal period begins.
Why owners choose it
- Cost. One surveyor to pay instead of two, and the building owner normally pays.
- Speed. One person to coordinate, not two diaries and a possible third surveyor.
- Tone. Neighbours who are not made to hire their own adviser tend to stay on good terms.
Impartiality
An agreed surveyor is not the building owner’s surveyor, whoever suggested them. They owe a duty to both owners and must reach a fair award. That is why the neighbour can accept with confidence.
When it is not the right choice
- The project is complex, such as deep excavation or underpinning, and the neighbour wants their own expert
- There is already a dispute between the owners
- The neighbour simply prefers their own surveyor, which is their right
Our approach
We act as agreed surveyor from £600, with no VAT and a written fixed-fee quotation. If your neighbour would rather have their own surveyor, we can act for either side. Call 0800 999 1947 to talk it through.
Questions about agreed surveyors
Does an agreed surveyor favour the person who pays?
No. Once appointed, an agreed surveyor must act impartially and has a duty to both owners, whoever pays the bill. The Act requires it, and the surveyor’s professional reputation depends on it.
Can my neighbour refuse an agreed surveyor?
Yes. The neighbour can appoint their own surveyor instead, and the building owner normally pays both. It is worth asking early, because many neighbours are glad to avoid the complication.
What if the neighbour later wants to change surveyor?
The agreed surveyor is appointed jointly, so a change needs both owners to agree. If the agreed surveyor cannot carry on, the owners appoint another by agreement or each appoint their own.