A Party Wall Award (often called a Party Wall Agreement) is a legally binding document made under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. It is produced by the appointed party wall surveyor(s) and sets the rules for how notifiable works will proceed, protecting both the Building Owner (doing the works) and the Adjoining Owner (neighbour affected).
What the Award Usually Covers
- Parties & Properties
Names and correspondence addresses for the Building Owner, Adjoining Owner(s), and the appointed surveyor(s), plus the relevant property addresses. - Description of the Notifiable Works
A clear scope of what is permitted under the Act—linked to drawings and, where relevant, method statements and temporary works notes. - Rights & Obligations
How the Building Owner may exercise rights under the Act (e.g., cutting in, raising, excavating) and the duty to prevent damage and avoid unnecessary inconvenience. It also confirms the Adjoining Owner’s protections. - Time & Manner of Executing the Works
Practical conditions—typical working hours, dust/noise controls, sequencing, protection measures, and any special requirements before, during, and after construction. - Access Arrangements
If access to the Adjoining Owner’s land is needed (Section 8), the Award will set out notice periods, routes, protection, security, and making good. - Damage, Making Good & Compensation
What happens if damage occurs: whether the Building Owner must make good or pay compensation, how quantum is assessed, and timeframes for completion or payment. - Security for Expenses (if required)
Where risk justifies it, the Award can require the Building Owner to lodge security to cover potential making-good costs. - Surveyors’ Determinations
Any decisions on disputed technical points—methods, protections, programme impacts, or fee apportionment—made by the Agreed Surveyor or any two of three surveyors. - Costs & Fees
Who pays the surveyors’ reasonable fees (usually the Building Owner) and on what basis. - Drawings & Method Statements (Attachments)
Relevant plans/sections (e.g., for Section 6 excavations), structural details, and any agreed method statements. - Service & Appeal
Awards are served forthwith. Each owner then has 14 days from service to appeal in the County Court. - Execution
Awards are signed by the surveyor(s). Surveyors sign on behalf of the owners; owners do not sign the Award.
Need a robust Award that keeps your build on track?
Email team@simplesurvey.co.uk—the lowest-cost party wall surveyors across England & Wales. We’ll draft compliant notices and produce a clear, proportionate Award that protects both properties and minimises delay.