One agreed surveyor
An agreed surveyor is appointed jointly by the owners to resolve the dispute. Both owners must agree to that appointment; neither can impose their preferred person as the agreed surveyor. The appointment must be in writing. [1]
Using one person avoids having two separately appointed surveyors considering the same matters, but it does not remove the need to assess the work, inspect where appropriate and prepare a proper award. Ask what the proposed service includes rather than assuming an agreed appointment has a particular fixed price. [1][3]
There is no separately selected third surveyor in this route. A concern about an agreed surveyor's award therefore needs consideration of the appropriate legal remedy, not an assumption that a third surveyor is waiting to review it. [1]
Two surveyors and a third
Each owner can instead appoint their own surveyor. Those two must select a third surveyor as part of the statutory arrangement. The third surveyor need not actively deal with every project: the usual appointed surveyors can settle matters themselves. [1]
Either owner, or either party-appointed surveyor, may call on the selected third surveyor to determine disputed matters within the statutory jurisdiction. That referral is not the same as the county court appeal against an award. [1]
Although often called “your surveyor”, an appointee must exercise independent judgement under the Act. They are not appointed to secure every demand made by the person who selected them. [2]
Choose competence and a clear appointment
A useful appointment discussion should cover experience of the proposed work, the statutory matters being dealt with, the information still needed and how fees and additional work will be explained. A simple beam-bearing alteration and a basement with complex neighbouring foundations call for different project knowledge. RICS guidance addresses appropriate expertise and the scope of the surveyor's role. [3]
The statutory definition excludes either party to the dispute from acting as surveyor. An owner cannot therefore select themselves to save the professional fee. [4]
You cannot simply dismiss the statutory appointee
Section 10 says appointments cannot be rescinded by either party. The Act has specific procedures where a surveyor dies, becomes incapable, refuses or neglects to act. Dissatisfaction is not automatically a right to replace the appointment as though it were an ordinary cancellable service. [1]
Where an award has already been served, obtain prompt advice: the statutory county court appeal period is 14 days beginning with service on the party. Do not let a discussion about the surveyor's conduct distract from that deadline. [1]
Guidance being reviewed
RICS consulted in April–May 2026 on an eighth edition of its party wall guidance, including appointments, third-surveyor practice and fees. Check the published standard and its effective date before relying on revised guidance. The consultation is not a change to the Party Wall etc. Act. [5][6]