Lu

Although I agree that the sum total may not be worth fighting for any longer, but I disagree with those who say you should pay "your" half. Fundamentally the house with the ground was offered for sale, and also fundamentally, it means that 'geometry' was established before the grounds were offered for sale - i.e. this is pure cost for the seller to prepare, still his property, for sale. Therefore your reasoning that if the seller offered this property with a condition that you pay for the surveyor's services - it should have been clearly stated in offer and its acceptance. You are correct - you did not engage the surveyor and despite his billing you - he cannot prove that he has any contract with you. Ergo: you owe him nothing.