Party Wall Agreements
When you start building or renovating, it’s easy to feel uncertain about how your plans might affect your neighbours. A Party Wall Agreement (also called a Party Wall Award) is the legal safeguard that keeps everyone protected and on good terms.
This agreement is made between the Building Owner (the one carrying out the works) and the Adjoining Owner (the neighbouring property). It sets out exactly what can be done, how it will be done and ensures that both sides are legally protected under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
If a neighbour ‘dissents’ to your Party Wall Notice, surveyors are appointed to resolve the dispute and prepare a fair, binding Party Wall Award. With RICS-qualified surveyors managing the process from start to finish, you can move forward confidently knowing your property, relationships and rights are protected.
What is a Party Wall Award?
Legal framework and process
A Party Wall Award is a legally binding document that sets out the ‘timing and manner’ of proposed building works affecting shared walls or neighbouring properties. It ensures that both the property owner carrying out the work (Building Owner) and the neighbouring property owner (Adjoining Owner) are protected.
Unlike planning permission or building regulations approval, a Party Wall Award falls under separate legislation specifically setting out the rights and responsibilities of each owner. It should be considered as an integral part of your project when work might affect a shared wall, boundary or property in close proximity.
Important: The Party Wall etc Act 1996 is the piece of legislation in England and Wales setting out a clear legal framework for managing disputes should they arise.
" Watch our educational video about What is a Party Wall Award."
What is included within a Party Wall Award?
The Award usually includes the following information (but not limited to):
Details of the proposed works, including drawings and plans.
How and when the works will be carried out.
Measures to prevent damage to neighbouring properties.
Responsibilities of both the Building and Adjoining Owners.
Procedures for resolving disputes if disagreements arise.
Recording the condition of neighbouring properties before work starts.
And most importantly, how the damage will be dealt with.
How does the Party Wall Award protect my property?
A Party Wall Award legally protects your property by ensuring that the Building Owner carrying out the works is responsible for any damage caused to your property as a direct result of the Party Wall works. This means that if something goes wrong, there is a clear, enforceable agreement outlining how repairs or compensation will be handled, giving you peace of mind throughout the project.
What if damage occurs?
n the event damage occurs, surveyors may be called upon to inspect the damage to identify the cause. If the damage occurs as a direct result of the works as identified within the Party Wall Award, the surveyors can be instructed to agree on the required works to 'make good' the damage or compensate the Adjoining Owner.
Ultimately, a Party Wall Award safeguards your property in the event damage occurs.
What happens if I disagree with the Party Wall Award?
Once a Party Wall Award has been served, either party has the right to appeal the Award in a County Court within 14 days.
Important legal consideration: Appealing should not be taken lightly. If the appeal is unsuccessful, the appellant may be responsible for legal costs. Anyone considering an appeal should seek professional legal advice before proceeding.
Frequently asked questions
Need help with your Party Wall Matters?
We’re here to help. Call for free advice or book a Chartered Party Wall Surveyor to call you at your convenience.
Gallery
Examples of our projects, where we’ve expertly guided property owners and adjoining neighbours through the complexities of the Party Wall Act.
