This is a question we’re often asked by neighbours on either side of the garden fence — especially when builders are booked and work is due to begin within days.
You’ve got planning permission. Building control is sorted. And now the Party Wall Award is the final hurdle standing between you and a shovel in the ground.
But what happens when your neighbour agrees to appoint a joint surveyor… and then doesn’t? Can the process be fast-tracked?
Let’s break it down.
⚙️ Key Considerations That Affect Timing
The speed at which a Party Wall Award can be issued depends on several key factors. The first, and most commonly overlooked, is whether the Party Wall Notice is valid.
❗ If a Party Wall Notice is invalid, any Award that follows is also invalid.
Many surveyors skip verifying the notice’s validity, simply accepting it “in good faith.” At Simple Survey, we don’t cut corners — every Award we issue begins with confirming that the Notice is properly served.
✅ Checklist: Can Your Award Be Turned Around Quickly?
Ask yourself the following:
- ✅ Are the Party Wall Notice(s) valid?
- ✅ Do you have technical plans prepared?
- ✅ Are your structural design calculations complete?
- ✅ Is site access straightforward?
- ✅ Is the risk of damage to neighbouring property low?
- ✅ Is the scheme of work simple (e.g. not a basement excavation)?
- ✅ Has the adjoining owner agreed to waive the statutory notice period?
If you’ve answered YES to all of the above, then a quick turnaround is likely possible — but only with the right surveyor.
👷♂️ Who You Appoint Matters
Not all surveyors work at the same pace. Many generalist firms include party wall matters to supplement their work — but that doesn’t make them specialists.
At Simple Survey, we’re dedicated Party Wall practitioners, handling these matters every day. That’s why:
- Average turnaround: 3 working days
- Fast-track turnaround: as little as 12 hours (where all conditions are met)
That said, it’s wise to build in a small contingency window to account for unexpected issues — such as changes to the scope of work or concerns raised by the adjoining owner.
⏳ Risk and Due Diligence Still Matter
The nature of the proposed work will impact how fast the Award can be issued.
- A loft conversion with minimal structural impact? Fast turnaround likely.
- A basement excavation near shared foundations? Extra due diligence required — and rightly so.
Even where both neighbours agree in principle, the appointed surveyor has a legal duty to protect the interests of the adjoining owner by assessing risk and applying safeguards.
📆 Plan Ahead to Avoid Delays
Party Wall Notices can be served up to 12 months in advance, and require a 1- or 2-month notice period depending on the type of work. The earlier you act, the more flexibility you’ll have if things don’t go exactly to plan.
📩 Need a Party Wall Award – Fast?
We can help. Contact our expert team at team@simplesurvey.co.uk for guidance, award turnaround estimates, or to appoint a surveyor today.