The short answer
Yes. Where both owners agree, a single "agreed surveyor" can act impartially for both, which is usually faster and more cost-effective. Alternatively each owner appoints their own surveyor, with a third surveyor selected to resolve any matters the two cannot agree. In every case the appointed surveyor's statutory duty is to administer the Act fairly, not to act as the appointing owner's advocate.
Use one agreed surveyor only where both owners agree, while preserving the surveyor's impartial statutory duty.
Where further evidence may be needed
Who pays the party wall surveyor's fees?
In most cases the building owner carrying out the works pays the reasonable surveyor fees, including the adjoining owner's surveyor fees where separate surveyors are appointed, because the works are for the building owner's benefit. The award sets out the basis of fees. Costs depend on the number of notices, the complexity, whether a schedule of condition is needed and whether one or two surveyors are appointed; we confirm the basis before proceeding.
Turning the answer into a next step
How long does the party wall process take?
It varies with the works and how quickly notices are served and responded to. Statutory response periods apply once notices are served (commonly one to two months depending on the notice), and an award typically follows after a schedule of condition. Serving notices early, well before the intended start on site, is the single best way to protect the programme. We advise on realistic timing for the specific project rather than a fixed figure.
What to do next
Confirm whether both owners agree to one appointment.
Choose either one agreed surveyor or separate surveyors.
Seek a pre-work condition record where the adjoining owner permits it.
Use an award to define safeguards where the dispute route applies.
London area guides
Sources and standards
Related questions
What happens if my neighbour dissents?
If the adjoining owner does not consent within the statutory period, a dispute is deemed to have arisen under the Act. That is normal and not hostile: it simply means surveyors are appointed to administer the process. Either a single agreed surveyor acts for both owners, or each owner appoints a surveyor and the two select a third surveyor. The appointed surveyor(s) then produce a party wall award setting out how the works proceed and how the adjoining property is protected.
What is a party wall award?
A party wall award is the binding document, prepared by the appointed surveyor(s), that sets out how the notifiable works may proceed: the works covered, working hours, access, safeguards, the schedule of condition, and how making good or compensation is dealt with if damage occurs. It regulates the works between the parties and, once served, is binding unless appealed to the county court within the statutory period.
What is a schedule of condition?
A schedule of condition is a written and photographic record of the adjoining property's condition before the notifiable works begin. It is one of the most valuable parts of the process: if damage is later alleged, the schedule provides the agreed baseline against which any change can be assessed, which protects both the building owner and the adjoining owner and helps resolve disputes quickly and fairly.
Related guidance
Savas Bulduk
BSc (Hons) MRICS, Director & Chartered Building Surveyor.
Writes on Building surveying, Fire safety and facade, External wall systems, Technical due diligence, Contract administration. See the full team profile.
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