Who can act as a Party Wall Surveyor under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996?

Under section 20 of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, a Party Wall Surveyor is defined as any person, not being a party to the matter, who is appointed to determine disputes in accordance with the Act. In simple terms, almost anyone who is genuinely independent of the works and the dispute can be appointed, provided they have the necessary knowledge and experience to act impartially.

Can I act as my own Party Wall Surveyor?

No. The building owner and the adjoining owner are specifically excluded from acting as their own Party Wall Surveyor because they are parties to the matter in dispute. The blog emphasises that owners must appoint someone independent – they cannot appoint themselves, even if they are a surveyor by profession.

Can a surveyor act as a Party Wall Surveyor on their own property?

No. A surveyor who owns the property where the notifiable works are taking place, or who is the adjoining owner affected by the works, is still a party to the matter. As a result, they cannot act as their own Party Wall Surveyor on that project and must appoint an independent surveyor, just like any other owner.

Does a Party Wall Surveyor have to be a RICS Chartered Surveyor?

There is a common misconception that only RICS Chartered Surveyors can act as Party Wall Surveyors. The article explains that this is not the case: the Act does not require chartered status. What matters more is that your chosen surveyor has strong knowledge of party wall law and construction, relevant experience and a track record of handling party wall matters properly.

Why does the article highlight the Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors (FPWS)?

The blog notes that membership of the Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors (FPWS) is a good indicator that a surveyor is serious about party wall work. FPWS provides specialist training, keeps members up to date with legislative changes and promotes high standards in party wall practice. Westville Associates are members of FPWS, which helps to demonstrate their focus and competence in this niche area.

Can my builder, architect or friend act as my Party Wall Surveyor?

In theory, any person who is not a party to the dispute can be appointed, which could include a builder, architect or friend. However, the blog strongly cautions against using someone without specialist party wall training and experience. A poorly advised appointment can lead to invalid notices, weak Awards and costly disputes. In practice, it is usually safer to instruct a surveyor who regularly deals with party wall matters.

What should I look for when choosing a Party Wall Surveyor?

The article suggests choosing someone who is independent of the works, experienced in party wall matters, familiar with construction in your local area and actively engaged in continuing professional development. Membership of bodies such as the Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors, together with clear, written explanations of process and costs, are positive signs that you are dealing with a competent specialist.

How can Westville Associates help if I need a Party Wall Surveyor?

Westville Associates offer a free, no-obligation 15-minute consultation for homeowners in Surrey and London who are planning works to a shared wall or near a boundary. They can confirm whether the Party Wall Act applies, explain your options as a building owner or adjoining owner and, if instructed, act as your Party Wall Surveyor to prepare notices, Schedules of Condition and Party Wall Awards.

Who Can Be A Party Wall Surveyor? The Answer Will Surprise You

Last Updated: August 24, 2026

There is a misunderstanding that anyone can act as their own Party Wall Surveyor, and that there is no need to incur the hassle or fees of a professional. “Surely it is OK just to let the neighbour know that we are carrying out some building works and we will keep the noise and mess to a minimum.”

This blog is for homeowners in Surrey and London who are planning construction work on their home with a shared party wall and want to ensure they comply with current legislation to avoid future disputes or devaluation of their property.

Key Takeaways

A party wall surveyor does not have to be RICS-qualified; the key legal point is that they must be someone independent who is not a party to the matter.
The owners themselves cannot act as the party wall surveyor in their own dispute or project.
The article argues that specialist party wall knowledge matters more than a chartered label, and highlights FPWS membership as a stronger indicator of relevant expertise.

Unfortunately, this is not the law.

Under section 20 of the Act, a Party Wall Surveyor is defined as:

“surveyor….means any person not being a party to the matter appointed or selected under section 10 to determine disputes in accordance with the procedures set out in the Act”

In this case, OWNERS are not permitted to act for themselves and must follow all procedures set out in the Act when working on shared walls and boundaries.

Therefore, the only three people in the world who cannot be a Party Wall Surveyor is:

The building Owner
The Adjoining Owner
A surveyor who owns a property and is working on a shared wall or boundary. They cannot act for themselves!

The Party Wall Surveyor, like Westville, has a professional qualification and a keen knowledge and understanding of both the construction industry in Surrey and London, as well as expertise in Party Wall law.

RICS Surveyors only

There is a misconception that only RICS (Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors) can be Party Wall Surveyors. This belief that only ‘Chartered’ Surveyors can be effective Party Wall Surveyors is incorrect.

What is more important

What is more important is that your chosen surveyor is a member of the Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors (FPWS). This is a body that is fast gaining a reputation for its members having very high standards of knowledge and experience in all party wall matters.

They offer training on all legislative changes. Many RICS members are also members of FPWS.

Westville Associates are members of the FPWS.

If you need a Party Wall Surveyor, please get in touch with Westville Consultants on 07834 761 411 or use our contact form here.

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Our Lead Surveyor

Simon Burrage

While I specialise in building surveys and party wall work, I can also assist with a range of other survey services. I work with Architects, homeowners, and Landlords across Surrey and London. I have over 10 years of experience and have many clients who have been using me for years. I look forward to meeting new clients and am passionate about helping them solve any issues their new property may have.

    
 
 
         
   Chris Thoume 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great experience working with Simon: he took me through the process in simple terms and was always willing to provide considered pragmatic advice.
  
 
        
   Jessica Sanzone 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Would highly recommend using Westville Associates. Appointed Brett to act for us in regards to some party wall matters. We found him to be polite and professional with a wealth of knowledge in this field. Great communication throughout the process. Great service from start to finish.
  
 
        
   Kate Rennie 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was recommended to use Westville Associates through a colleague to carry out a survey of a house we were looking to purchase. I couldn’t have been happier with the whole process.
From start to finish, Simon was professional, punctual, through and gave good advice with issues that arose from the survey.
I have and will continue to recommend Westville Associates to anyone wishing to carry out any surveys.
  
 
        
   Niki Yazdanian 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Simon carried out a full building survey for us on a property in Oxted. We found him to be prompt, professional, very knowledgeable, a great service all round. We would have no hesitation in recommending him and using him again.
  
 
        
   Sophie Beed 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Really recommend Westville, great communication and advice. Clear, concise and quick report and more than happy to discuss any points to help us understand our purchase better.
  
 
        
   Sara Mahdavian 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We used Wesville Associates for a full Building Survey for our property in Claygate after a recommendation from a friend. Simon was very personable, knowledgable and professional, and was able to work around our tight timeframe. We felt in good hands from the start!
  
 
        
   WashPod 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. “Westville Associates undertook a homebuyers report for us prior to the purchase of our flat in Wandsworth.  The service from start to finish was exemplary.  Simon booked us in, undertook the inspection and presented the report to us all within 7 working days which was appreciated as time was against us somewhat.  The after sales care was also great as we had several questions about the property that were dealt with over the phone.  Friendly, professional and prompt service.
Would definitely recommend. Rob.”
  
 
        
   Craig C 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have worked in Surbiton and the surrounding areas as an agent for over 10 years and could not recommend Simon highly enough. He has a wealth of knowledge and goes above and beyond to ensure his clients fully understand the fantastic reports he creates, unlike many other surveyors who just send a confusing report without further explanation of key points.

I am so pleased Simon has set up his solo venture - Westville Associates and will be recommending him to all of my clients.

Who Can Be A Party Wall Surveyor? The Answer Will Surprise You

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Unfortunately, this is not the law.

RICS Surveyors only

What is more important

Our Lead Surveyor

Flat Survey vs House Survey: What Does a Surveyor Check?

Estate Agent Photos vs Surveyor Findings: What the Listing Doesn’t Show

Party Wall Advice for Architects: Avoiding Deloays & Involving a Surveyor

Can You Renegotiate a House Price After a Survey?

RICS Surveyor vs Builder: Who Should Inspect a House Before You Buy?

Survey Red Flags vs Minor Defects: What Should Worry Buyers?

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