A Party Wall Award (sometimes called a “party wall agreement”) is a legally binding decision made under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. When a neighbour’s building works are not consented to, the Act’s dispute-resolution process is triggered and the appointed surveyor(s) issue an Award that sets out what may be done, how it must be done, and on what terms. It protects both sides, reduces ambiguity, and keeps the project lawful and on track.
What a Party Wall Award typically includes
1) Who’s involved
Names and service addresses of the owner doing the works, the affected neighbour(s), and the appointed surveyor(s).
2) Works authorised
A clear description of the notifiable works covered by the Act (e.g., cutting into a party structure, raising or altering a shared wall, boundary works, or adjacent excavation). The Award ties authorisation to the specific proposals and drawings referenced.
3) Rights and safeguards
The practical rules for carrying out the works, including measures to avoid unnecessary inconvenience, limits on nuisance, and standards expected of the contractor. Where the Act grants it, time-limited and reasonable access may be set out, with conditions.
4) Programme and working hours
When work may start (not before the statutory notice period expires), core working hours, and any sequencing requirements designed to minimise impact.
5) Decisions on disputed points
Where the owners or their surveyors disagree, the Award records the determinations—methods to be used, any protective steps required, and how particular risks are to be managed in line with the Act.
6) Security for expenses (where applicable)
For higher-risk schemes, the Award can require a sum to be held as security under Section 12, along with how it’s held and when it may be drawn upon.
7) Access provisions (if needed)
Where the Act grants access for the works, the Award sets the scope, notice to be given, duration windows, and site conduct while on the neighbour’s land.
8) Costs and fees
Who pays the surveyors’ reasonable fees and any other Act-related costs. Typically, the owner benefitting from the works bears these, but apportionment can vary depending on the decisions made.
9) Service and effect
How and when the Award is served on the owners. Once served, it is final and binding unless appealed to the County Court within 14 days.
Why it matters: An Award turns general rights under the Act into precise, enforceable terms. It enables lawful progress and gives both sides clarity if problems arise.
Transparent, fixed pricing
We keep Party Wall costs predictable and low:
- Party Wall Notice service: £25 per adjoining ownership (multi-notice bundles discounted).
- Act administration as Agreed Surveyor (single surveyor): typically £300 fixed-fee, depending on complexity and number of notices/owners.
- Two-surveyor route (we act for the owner undertaking the works): fixed-fee proposals from £325 for our side. (The other surveyor often bills hourly; we work to keep those costs reasonable and contained.)
- Complex works (deep excavations, multi-owner blocks): we’ll still offer fixed pricing as above.
- No surprises, no creeping extras. You’ll know the number before we start.
Under the Act, the party carrying out the works generally pays the reasonable costs of administering the procedures.
FAQs
Is a Party Wall Award the same as a private contract?
No. An Award is a statutory decision under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. It doesn’t rely on both owners agreeing contractual terms; it’s enforceable once lawfully served.
Do both owners have to sign?
No. Awards are signed by the appointed surveyor(s). They’re valid when properly made and served, regardless of whether the owners sign anything.
Can an Award limit noisy or disruptive work?
Yes. Awards routinely set working hours and practical conditions to avoid unnecessary inconvenience while still facilitating lawful development.
What if I disagree with the Award?
There’s a 14-day appeal window to the County Court from the day of service. Appeals should be considered carefully and usually with legal advice.
Who pays the surveyors’ fees?
Typically, the owner benefitting from the works pays the reasonable costs of the process. An Award can apportion costs differently where justified.
Is Security for Expenses mandatory?
No. It’s risk-based. For higher-risk works, the Award may require security and specify how it’s held and released.
Does an Award cover everything happening on site?
It covers matters arising out of or incidental to the dispute under the Act—i.e., the notifiable works and associated terms. It’s not a substitute for planning permission, Building Regulations approval, or other consents.
How long does it take to get an Award?
Timeframes depend on the quality of information, responsiveness of the parties, and complexity. Clean drawings and prompt engagement keep things moving.
Need an Award that’s clear, compliant and affordable?
Email team@simplesurvey.co.uk and we’ll set out your options and a fixed, lowest-cost proposal. From first notices through to a robust Party Wall Award, we keep the process fast, lawful and predictable—so your project can proceed with confidence.