Agreed: you have no obligation to use their surveyor or indeed let them use yours but it does make it easier all round (albeit cheaper for them as they have to foot the bill for both of you, which could be why they want to use your surveyor). However as the other poster mentioned, they are independent, so it really doesn't make a difference if they use "your" surveyor or a different one, it just speeds up the process and makes for easier communication all round.

Hi

the surveyor can act for both you and your neighbour as their client is the party wall rather than either of you when its a party wall agreement. ie the surveyors duty of care is to the party wall

however, if you want a surveyor to deal with your side of the party wall agreement and other issues surrounding your neighbours conversion then you would probably be better keeping the surveyor all to yourself.

hope that helps to clarify!

I was wondering if anybody could give me some advice regarding a surveyor. My neighbours have submitted some plans to Wandsworth for a loft conversion. Sadly I am unhappy as the conversion is taking full use of the space and will simply dominate and block out sun to my, already, small and dark garden. I had a loft put in 7 years ago, so have no objection to them doing the same, just wish they were willing to compromise and bring the side conversion back. I have already appointed a surveyor, who says that he is sure they will get the permission as it falls within the planning constraints. My neighbours have asked if they can use my surveyor. My surveyor suggests that there is no compromise from my point of view and that, in fact, it is far easier if one surveyor acts on behalf of both parties. I am somewhat confused as concerned that if any problems with the build did occur, how would that affect me? I am trying to be as neighbourly as possible, but just need to be sure that if I do let the neighbours appoint my surveyor I am not going to come unstuck. Help and advice please.