Party Wall etc. Act 1996 specialists · London & the Midlands Free advice · info@coburnspartywall.co.uk · 0207 11 88 3 55
Coburns Party Wall — Supporting Neighbourly Relations
The role of the Adjoining Owner’s Surveyor

Clear. Careful. Equitable.

Acting as the Adjoining Owner’s Surveyor only, our role is to review the proposals carefully, protect your position and help achieve an equitable outcome for all.

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We protect your position fairly and impartially

  • Careful review
  • Balanced approach
  • Equitable outcomes
Watch

The adjoining owner’s surveyor role, explained

1 Starting the process

Notices matter
  • The process starts when your neighbour serves notice(s).
  • We review the notice(s) and accompanying drawings to verify their validity and suitability.
  • If the notice(s) are incomplete or improperly served, they may be invalid.
  • We pay careful attention at this stage and follow our tried and tested systems from the outset.
  • Once appointed under the Act, surveyors must act in an entirely impartial manner.
  • Our goal is to achieve an equitable outcome for all.

2 What the surveyor does

Key tasks
  • Coordinate with the Building Owner’s Surveyor to select a Third Surveyor.
  • Attend the property to understand the possible impact of the works and confirm the accuracy of the drawings.
  • Request necessary information and distribute it as required.
  • Negotiate an equitable Party Wall Award with the Building Owner’s Surveyor.
  • Make and serve the Party Wall Award.
  • Offer ongoing advice and guidance to the Adjoining Owner.
  • Agree a further Award if a later dispute arises.
Important points for adjoining owners

What matters most for you

Valid notices

Proper notices and drawings are the foundation of a smooth process.

Impartial role

Surveyors appointed under the Act must act fairly and impartially.

Your concerns heard

We work to ensure your relevant concerns are properly considered.

Fees

Under normal circumstances, fees are paid by the Building Owner.

If asked to act as Agreed Surveyor

Benefits of a single surveyor

  • If the Building Owner requests it, acting as Agreed Surveyor can simplify the process.
  • One surveyor can often mean a faster route to an Award.
  • It can help reduce duplication and avoid unnecessary cost.
  • A single point of contact can make communication clearer for both parties.
  • The role still requires impartiality and a fair outcome for both owners.
  • Appointment as Agreed Surveyor only happens if both owners are content with that approach.
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A well-managed party wall process helps reduce risk, protect your property and support smoother neighbourly relations.

Early questions adjoining owners often ask

The answers you need, before you need them

What are my rights under the Act?
You’re entitled to have the condition of your property recorded before work begins, to agree reasonable controls on how and when the work is carried out, and — in most cases — to have a surveyor act for you, usually at the building owner’s cost.
What are my options?
You can consent to the works, or dissent and have a surveyor appointed — either a single Agreed Surveyor acting impartially for both parties, or your own surveyor working alongside the building owner’s.
Who pays for what?
As a general rule, the building owner carrying out the work meets the reasonable surveyor’s fees for resolving the party wall matter. We’ll explain exactly how this applies to your situation.
Will you be there to help if I need it?
Yes. We guide you through every step and remain available throughout the works and after the award is served, should any questions arise.
For the adjoining owner

Act today. Protect tomorrow.

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 can protect you and your property from your neighbour’s building work.

Get a quick review → Call 0207 11 88 3 55

No notice = no protection

  • Increases risk
  • Causes disputes
  • Damages relationships
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Adjoining Owner’s Toolkit — our practical templates →

Quick decision guide

Ask yourself three questions

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Is building work happening that might affect your property or its use?

→ The Act may apply — even to minor works or excavations.

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Have you received a Party Wall Notice?

→ Early action can help protect your rights and prevent problems.

?

What are my options?

→ You have the right to appoint a surveyor and agree how the work is managed.

Coburns have all the answers you will need. Expert advice. Clear guidance. Better outcomes for you and your neighbour.

Talk to our party wall experts

We help adjoining owners navigate notices, inspections and Awards with clarity and confidence.

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