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
For the building owner

The role of a Building Owner’s Surveyor

Acting as the Building Owner’s Surveyor only, our role is to guide the statutory process carefully, efficiently and fairly — helping the project move forward while protecting everyone’s interests.

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We push for the Agreed Surveyor route

  • Simpler for everyone
  • Faster to an Award
  • Cheaper than two surveyors
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Building Owner’s Toolkit — our practical templates →

The building owner’s surveyor role

Clear. Careful. Equitable.

1 Starting the process

Notices matter
  • Advise on, prepare, review and serve notice(s).
  • The process starts with the service of valid notice(s).
  • If notice(s) are incomplete or improperly served, they may be invalid.
  • We pay careful attention and follow our tried and tested systems from the outset.
  • Present professionally to impress the neighbour and gain their confidence.

2 What the surveyor does

Key tasks
  • Co-ordinate with the Adjoining Owner’s Surveyor to select a Third Surveyor.
  • Arrange access and attend site to understand the site-specific circumstances.
  • Take a condition record (subject to access).
  • Produce an equitable Party Wall Award, subject to negotiation.
  • Draft, make and serve the Award on the parties.
  • Negotiate additional Awards where necessary.
Inspection, Award & Fees

Why it matters

Where appropriate, we create advanced digital condition records using drone, 360° and close-up imagery.

  • Inspection of the adjoining owner’s property helps assess likely impact and confirm drawings are accurate.
  • A condition record helps any later damage be properly attributed.
  • The Award sets out rights and responsibilities, including working hours, access rights and what happens in the event of damage.
  • We take care to consider all valid concerns raised by the adjoining owner, without harming your project.
  • Surveyors appointed under the Act must act impartially and seek an equitable outcome for all.
Important points for building owners

What matters most for you

Fees

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

Fixed vs hourly

The Building Owner’s Surveyor will often quote a fixed fee, while the Adjoining Owner’s Surveyor usually charges by the hour.

Unfair fee claims

We resist unfair fee claims from other surveyors as a matter of standard practice.

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A well-managed party wall process helps reduce risk, control costs and support smoother neighbourly relations.

Talk to our party wall experts

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

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Get a free quote → Call 0207 11 88 3 55