A Party Wall Agreement (commonly referred to as a Party Wall Award or simply an Award) is a legally binding document prepared under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. It establishes the rights and responsibilities of both the building owner (the party carrying out the works) and the adjoining owner(s) (neighbouring property owners who may be affected).
The Agreement is prepared by either:
- An Agreed Surveyor appointed jointly by both parties, or
- Separate surveyors appointed by each party.
Why a Proper Agreement is Important
While free Party Wall templates are available online, these are rarely sufficient. The Act contains detailed provisions, and even minor errors in notices or the Agreement can render it invalid.
An invalid Agreement can result in disputes, potential court involvement, delays, legal fees, and unnecessary stress. In most cases, the matter will be referred back to a qualified Party Wall Surveyor for proper resolution. For this reason, it is strongly recommended to engage an experienced surveyor from the outset.
Components of a Party Wall Agreement
A valid Party Wall Award typically contains three key elements:
- The Agreement – specifying how and when the works will be carried out.
- Drawings – illustrating the details of the proposed works.
Typical Provisions in a Party Wall Agreement
A comprehensive Party Wall Award will generally include:
- Details of the property owners and surveyors involved (up to three surveyors may be appointed)
- Reference to the relevant sections of the Party Wall Act
- Description of the proposed works
- Proof of the contractor’s public liability insurance
- Method statements for specific works to minimise the risk of damage
- Indemnity from the building owner to protect the adjoining owner(s)
- Confirmation that contractors will comply with the Award terms
- Access arrangements for surveyors and contractors
- Time limit (typically 12 months) for commencement of works
- Permitted working hours (commonly 8:00–17:30 weekdays and 9:00–16:00 Saturdays)
Once finalised, the Award is signed by the surveyor(s) and formally issued to both parties.
Professional Assistance
A properly prepared Party Wall Award saves time, prevents disputes, and protects all parties.
At Simple Survey, our experienced Party Wall Surveyors manage the entire process — from serving notices to preparing fair and accurate Agreements.
📩 Contact us at team@simplesurvey.co.uk for expert guidance and a no-obligation consultation.