Single Joint Expert

Single Joint Expert Surveyor

In many property disputes the court directs that one expert be instructed jointly by both parties — a single joint expert under CPR 35.7, or its family-court equivalent under FPR Part 25. It is a role with its own discipline: one instruction from two masters, absolute even-handedness, and a report both sides must be able to trust. Prince Surveyors accepts single joint expert appointments in surveying and valuation matters across London and the Home Counties.

Where Single Joint Experts Are Used

• Fast-track and small claims property disputes, where proportionality rules out duelling experts — boundary disputes especially.
• Financial remedy proceedings, valuing the family home or investment property for divorcing parties.
• Defect and repair disputes between neighbours, landlords and tenants, or buyers and sellers, drawing on our building survey expertise.
• Party wall damage quantification where both owners want a single independent figure.

How We Run a Joint Instruction

Every communication is copied to both parties; questions from either side are answered once, to both; fees are agreed and usually shared equally before work begins. The report follows CPR Part 35 in full, and where either party raises written questions under CPR 35.6 we answer within the rules and the timetable. That procedural tidiness is not bureaucracy — it is what keeps a joint report unimpeachable.

Why Prince Surveyors

Joint appointments demand breadth, because there is no second expert to fill gaps. With chartered building surveyors and RICS Registered Valuers in one practice — plus the full range of expert witness work — we cover the technical and valuation limbs of most property disputes without splitting the instruction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who pays a single joint expert?

Normally both parties in equal shares, unless the court orders otherwise. We confirm the basis in writing with both sides before starting.

Can a party still challenge the report?

Either party may put written questions to the expert, and in limited circumstances the court may permit a party to call its own expert. In practice a well-reasoned joint report ends the argument.

Call 0204 579 8270 or contact us online to propose a joint instruction.