Overview
There are many advantages to appointing one competent and genuinely independent agreed surveyor under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 instead of each owner appointing a separate surveyor.
Faster process
With one surveyor, there is no repeated back-and-forth between two appointed surveyors. The agreed surveyor can review the documents, inspect where necessary and make the award directly.
That often means fewer delays and a clearer timetable.
Less confrontational
Two-surveyor appointments can make the process feel adversarial, even though both surveyors should act impartially. An agreed surveyor appointment avoids the impression that each owner has a representative fighting their corner.
This can reduce tension between neighbours.
Simpler communication
The agreed surveyor has sole responsibility for explaining the process, identifying what matters under the Act and making the award. Both owners know who to contact, and there is less scope for procedural confusion.
More consistency
One surveyor means one approach to the schedule of condition, access arrangements, protective measures and award drafting. That reduces the risk of unnecessary disagreement over wording or procedure.
Still independent
An agreed surveyor does not act for the building owner or the adjoining owner. They are appointed by both owners and must act impartially. Their job is to resolve the dispute fairly under the Act.
Lower cost
An agreed surveyor appointment usually costs less than two separate surveyor appointments. It avoids duplicated inspections, duplicated correspondence and duplicated award drafting.
Conclusion
In our view, one competent agreed surveyor is usually faster, cheaper, less confrontational and easier to manage than two surveyors. We are not aware of any real disadvantage where both owners trust the surveyor's independence and competence.