The short answer
Yes. Once a dispute is deemed to exist, each owner may appoint their own surveyor, or both can agree to use a single “agreed surveyor”. You cannot appoint yourself, and a party wall surveyor must be impartial — they act under the Act, not as your advocate. Choosing a fair, fixed-fee surveyor, or agreeing one between you, is usually the cheapest and smoothest route.
Why it matters
A few important points:
- An appointment must be made in writing and, once made, cannot be rescinded.
- A surveyor is not a hired gun. They have a statutory duty to act impartially and resolve matters fairly — not to “win” for the owner who appointed them.
- Where each owner appoints their own surveyor, the two select a third surveyor to settle any deadlock.
- An agreed surveyor — one person acting for both owners — is faster and cheaper, but only works where both sides trust their impartiality.
The building owner usually pays the reasonable fees of both surveyors, so a sensible appointment protects everyone. Be wary of fee-driven surveyors and open-ended hourly rates, which is where costs most often spiral.
What to do now
- Decide between an agreed surveyor (cheaper) and your own surveyor.
- Check the surveyor is experienced and offers a clear fixed fee.
- Confirm the appointment in writing.
- Avoid anyone selling an open-ended hourly rate or behaving like an advocate.
Common mistakes
- Thinking your surveyor is there to fight your corner.
- Appointing on an open-ended hourly rate.
- Both sides appointing when one agreed surveyor would do.
- Choosing on price alone, or on membership badges alone.
When to call Coburns
We act as agreed surveyor or for a single owner on transparent fixed fees — impartially and proportionately, exactly as the Act requires.