The building owner normally pays reasonable surveyor costs. Under section 10(13), the surveyors determine who pays reasonable costs arising from the dispute; section 11 separately addresses expenses of the works. Check the written appointment terms and agree the fee arrangements before instruction. For London PWS appointments, we explain the scope, fee and invoicing arrangements before instruction. Do not assume every provider uses identical contractual terms.
Updated 6 October 2026. General guidance for owners in England and Wales.
How are reasonable costs determined?
Section 10(13) covers reasonable costs of making or obtaining an award, reasonable inspections of works to which it relates, and other matters arising from the dispute. The surveyors determine who pays those costs. Complexity, necessary work and the circumstances matter. If surveyors disagree, the third surveyor may be called upon to determine the disputed matter.
When might costs be shared?
Costs may depend on the benefit of works, additional services requested and the conduct of the parties. Work outside the agreed scope can have its own fee. Ask whether extra inspections, engineering input or monitoring are included before authorising them. Section 11 addresses expenses of the works separately from dispute costs.
Payment disputes and cancelled projects
Check your surveyor's written appointment terms as well as costs determined in the award. If the project is cancelled, the building owner becomes insolvent or payment is disputed, responsibility depends on the circumstances and applicable terms. Work already undertaken may still be chargeable. Seek advice promptly about recovery or any award appeal.
Our published building-owner fees
For typical homeowner projects, London PWS publishes £100 for a notice, £500 for a schedule of condition and £800 for an award, per adjoining owner. Complex matters carry additional charges, and disbursements such as Land Registry searches and postage may apply. Additional Awards on the same project are charged at 50% of the standard fee. The scope and fee are confirmed before instruction.
Common questions
Will I be asked for a deposit?
Ask the surveyor to explain the appointment and invoicing terms before signing. London PWS explains its fee arrangements before instruction; another provider may use different terms.
Who pays if the project is cancelled?
Responsibility for work already undertaken depends on the circumstances, the appointment terms and any costs determined in an award. Cancellation does not automatically resolve the fee question.
Are damage costs the same as surveyor fees?
No. Section 7(2) addresses compensation for loss or damage arising from works in pursuance of the Act. The cause, scope of works and appropriate remedy need assessment separately from surveyor costs.
Discuss your notice or proposed works
Send the notice and drawings so we can explain the next step and our fee arrangements.
Primary sources
- Party Wall etc. Act 1996, section 1: New walls at the line of junction
- Party Wall etc. Act 1996, section 5: Disputes following party structure notices
- Party Wall etc. Act 1996, section 6: Adjacent excavation
- Party Wall etc. Act 1996, section 7: Compensation and safeguards
- Party Wall etc. Act 1996, section 10: Surveyors, awards and reasonable costs
- Party Wall etc. Act 1996, section 11: Expenses of the works