Planning building works that affect a shared wall, floor or boundary? If you’ve been told you need a party wall award and you’re not entirely sure what that means, don’t worry, you’re not alone.

In this post, we break down exactly what a party wall award is, what it includes, and why getting it right matters if you want to avoid delays, neighbour disputes, or even legal action.

Let’s demystify the document at the heart of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.

First, What Is a Party Wall Award?

A party wall award is a legally binding document served under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. It’s issued when neighbours (known under the Act as the Building Owner and the Adjoining Owner) don’t agree on proposed notifiable works.

The award is made by one or more appointed surveyors and sets out:

• What works can go ahead
• How those works should be carried out
• What protections must be put in place for the adjoining property

Once the award is served, the Building Owner can legally begin the notifiable works, as long as they stick to the terms of the award.

Why Does the Award Matter?

Put simply: the award protects everyone.

For Building Owners, it provides a legal basis to carry out works. For Adjoining Owners, it ensures their property is protected, with inspections before and after, and with surveyors involved to resolve any disputes that may arise.

It’s especially important in areas like London where properties are close together and works such as loft conversions, basement excavations or extensions are common.

What Are the Contents of a Party Wall Award?

Every party wall award should be tailored to the specific works. There’s no one-size-fits-all template, but a professionally prepared award will typically include the following sections:

1. Details of the Parties and the Properties

The award clearly states the full names and addresses of:
• The Building Owner (the person carrying out the works)
• The Adjoining Owner (the neighbour whose property may be affected)
• The addresses of the properties involved

This ensures there’s no ambiguity over who’s involved and where the works are happening.

2. Details of the Surveyors Appointed

The award confirms:
• The surveyor(s) appointed by each party
• Their contact details
• Whether a single Agreed Surveyor has been used or if both parties have appointed separate surveyors

It also sets out the surveyors’ legal role under the Act.

3. Description of the Proposed Works

This section outlines the exact nature of the works being carried out.

It typically includes:
• Structural drawings or plans
• Method statements (where relevant)
• A written description of the scope (e.g. excavation, insertion of steel beams, demolition, etc.)

This part is crucial. It’s what the award is authorising.

4. Working Hours and Access

To minimise disruption, the award often includes:
• Permitted working hours (usually in line with local authority guidelines)
• Procedures for giving the Adjoining Owner notice before accessing their land (if needed)
• Limitations on noise, vibration or dust

These conditions help avoid future complaints or disputes.

5. Schedule of Condition

A professionally prepared Schedule of Condition is almost always included as part of the award.

This is a photographic and written record of the Adjoining Owner’s property before works begin. It provides a baseline to compare against if damage is later alleged.

Without it, it becomes much harder to resolve disputes.

6. Protection Measures and Methods of Work

Depending on the scope of works, this section might cover:
• Scaffolding arrangements
• Vibration or movement monitoring
• Temporary weatherproofing
• Protection to exposed walls or neighbouring surfaces

The goal is to ensure the works are carried out with minimal risk to the Adjoining Owner’s property.

7. Costs and Fees

The award will also state:
• Which party is responsible for the surveyor’s fees (typically the Building Owner pays all reasonable fees)
• Any apportionment of shared costs if applicable
• Whether security for expenses has been requested and agreed

8. Dispute Resolution Process

While the Party Wall Act already provides for a surveyor-based resolution process, the award might include language around how further disputes should be handled, for example, if damage is alleged during or after the works.

9. Signatures and Service

Finally, the award must be:
• Signed by the appointed surveyor(s)
• Dated
• Served to all relevant parties in line with the Act

Once served, there’s a 14-day period in which either party can appeal the award at the County Court (though this is rare).

Final Thoughts: It’s All in the Detail

A party wall award is more than just a formality, it’s a vital legal document that sets the ground rules for your project and protects relationships with your neighbours.

If you’re planning notifiable works, getting the process right from the start will save you time, money, and stress down the line.

Need Help with a Party Wall Award?

Whether you’ve received a notice or are about to start works, we’re here to help.

Ekron is a RICS-regulated Chartered Building Surveying firm that specialises in party wall matters across London. We’ll make sure the process is handled professionally and with minimal disruption to you or your neighbours.

📞 Call us on 0203 951 1032
📩 Email us at info@ekron.co.uk
📅 Or book a meeting directly via Cal