Party Wall Agreement Examples: What Should Be Included?

Hourican Associates Ltd | 20-05-2026

Looking for party wall agreement examples? Many London homeowners search for an example agreement when planning a loft conversion, rear extension, basement, chimney breast removal, boundary wall or excavation close to a neighbour’s property. However, under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, the paperwork is usually made up of several different documents: a Party Wall Notice, the neighbour’s written acknowledgement, and, where there is a dissent or dispute, a formal Party Wall Award.

This guide explains what each document should include, gives practical examples, and shows how you can use Hourican Associates’ free online tools to prepare the first stage of the process.

First: What Do People Mean by a “Party Wall Agreement”?

The term party wall agreement is widely used by homeowners, builders, architects and estate agents, but it can mean different things depending on the stage of the process.

In simple terms, a party wall agreement may involve a formal Party Wall Notice, a written response from the adjoining owner, consent to the proposed works, or a Party Wall Award where a dissent or dispute arises. The correct route depends on the type of works, the neighbouring property and whether the adjoining owner consents or dissents.

This is why using a generic “party wall agreement example” without understanding the correct document can be risky. A loft conversion notice, an excavation notice and a boundary wall notice are not the same thing. The right document depends on the type of work, the location of the boundary and the relationship between the proposed works and the neighbouring structure.

Example 1: What Should a Party Wall Notice Include?

A Party Wall Notice is usually the starting point. It tells the adjoining owner what works are proposed and gives them the opportunity to consent or dissent.

A good Party Wall Notice example should include:

• The building owner’s full name and address – the person or people proposing the works.
• The adjoining owner’s full name and address – the neighbour or neighbouring freeholder receiving the notice.
• The property where the works are taking place – clearly identifying the building owner’s property.
• The affected adjoining property – clearly identifying the neighbouring property.
• The type of notice being served – for example, party structure works, line of junction works or adjacent excavation works.
• A clear description of the proposed works – such as cutting steel beams into a party wall, building a new wall at the boundary or excavating foundations close to a neighbour.
• Relevant drawings or structural details – particularly for excavations, extensions, basements and structural alterations.
• The proposed start date – making sure the required statutory notice period is allowed.
• The date the notice is served – so the response period and notice period can be calculated.
• A response request – asking the adjoining owner to confirm whether they consent or dissent.

If you are unsure which notice applies, start with our Free Party Wall Notice Generator. It helps you create a structured notice based on the type of work you are planning.

Example 2: What Should a Party Wall Acknowledgement Include?

Once a Party Wall Notice has been served, the adjoining owner should respond in writing. This is where many homeowners search for a “party wall agreement letter”, “party wall acknowledgement example” or “how to respond to a party wall notice”.

A proper acknowledgement should usually include:

• The adjoining owner’s name and address.
• The building owner’s name and address.
• The address where the works are proposed.
• The date of the Party Wall Notice received.
• The type of response – consent, dissent with an Agreed Surveyor, or dissent with separate surveyors.
• The adjoining owner’s signature.
• The date of the response.

If you have received a notice from your neighbour and are unsure how to respond, our Free Party Wall Acknowledgement Generator can help you prepare a clear written response.

Example 3: What Should Be Included if the Neighbour Consents?

If an adjoining owner consents to a valid Party Wall Notice, there may be no need for a Party Wall Award. However, consent should still be recorded clearly and carefully.

A consent response should usually include:

• Confirmation that the adjoining owner has received the Party Wall Notice.
• The date of the notice.
• The address of the works.
• A clear statement that the adjoining owner consents to the works described in the notice.
• The adjoining owner’s signature and date.

Even where consent is given, it is often sensible to consider a Schedule of Condition Survey. This records the condition of the neighbouring property before works begin, helping to reduce uncertainty if damage is alleged later.

Example 4: What Should Be Included if the Neighbour Dissents?

If the adjoining owner dissents, or does not respond within the required timeframe, a dispute is deemed to have arisen under the Act. This does not necessarily mean there is a hostile dispute. It simply means the formal surveyor procedure is triggered.

A dissent response should clearly confirm whether the adjoining owner wishes to:

• Appoint the same surveyor as the building owner as an Agreed Surveyor; or
• Appoint their own Adjoining Owner’s Surveyor.

Where surveyors are appointed, they will usually review the notices, drawings, structural information and access requirements before agreeing a Party Wall Award.

Example 5: What Should a Party Wall Award Include?

A Party Wall Award is the formal document prepared by the appointed surveyor or surveyors when there is a dissent or dispute. It sets out how the notifiable works may be carried out and what protections apply.

A well-prepared Party Wall Award should normally include:

• The names and addresses of the building owner and adjoining owner.
• The addresses of the relevant properties.
• Details of the surveyor appointments.
• A description of the notifiable works.
• Reference to relevant drawings, calculations or method statements.
• Working hours and restrictions.
• Access arrangements, where access is required under the Act.
• Protective measures to reduce risk to the adjoining property.
• Procedures for dealing with damage.
• Details of the Schedule of Condition, where one is prepared.
• Surveyors’ fees and responsibility for costs.
• Signatures and date of service of the Award.

What Should Not Be Missing from a Party Wall Agreement Example?

Whether you are looking at a notice, acknowledgement or Award, the most common problems arise when key details are missing or unclear.

1. The correct legal parties

The notice should be served by the correct building owner and on the correct adjoining owner. This may require checking ownership, leasehold interests or freehold details. Incorrect names can create avoidable problems.

2. The correct property addresses

The building owner’s property and adjoining owner’s property should be identified clearly. Ambiguity over which property is affected can undermine the clarity of the notice.

3. A clear description of the works

Vague descriptions such as “extension works” or “renovation works” are rarely enough. The notice should explain the elements that are notifiable under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.

4. The correct type of notice

A loft conversion cutting steel beams into a party wall is different from a new wall built on the line of junction or excavation near a neighbour’s foundations. The correct notice depends on the works.

5. Drawings and technical information

For many projects, particularly basement works, excavations, rear extensions and structural alterations, drawings or structural details help the adjoining owner and surveyor understand what is proposed.

6. A clear response mechanism

The adjoining owner should be able to respond clearly by consenting, dissenting and appointing an Agreed Surveyor, or dissenting and appointing their own surveyor. This is where the free acknowledgement tool can be especially useful.

Party Wall Agreement Example by Type of Project

Different projects require different information. Below are common London examples.

If your project involves a specific type of work, you may also find our dedicated guides useful, including party wall surveys for loft conversions, party wall surveys for rear extensions, party wall surveys for basement works, party wall advice for chimney breast removal and party wall surveys for boundary wall works.

How to Use Our Free Party Wall Notice Generator

If you are a building owner planning works, our Free Party Wall Notice Generator is designed to help you create a clearer starting document.

It can help you:

• Identify the type of works you are proposing.
• Prepare a structured notice for your neighbour.
• Avoid starting with a completely blank document.
• Understand what information your neighbour will need.
• Move towards formal notice service before works begin.

How to Use Our Free Party Wall Acknowledgement Generator

If you are an adjoining owner and your neighbour has served you with a Party Wall Notice, you may need to respond formally. Our Free Party Wall Acknowledgement Generator helps you create a written response.

It can help you confirm whether you:

• Consent to the works.
• Dissent and agree to use one Agreed Surveyor.
• Dissent and appoint your own surveyor.
• Need further advice before responding.

When Should You Ask a Party Wall Surveyor to Review the Documents?

Free examples and online templates are useful, but they are not a replacement for professional advice where the works are complex, the notice type is unclear or the neighbour has dissented. Hourican Associates can assist building owners who need notices prepared and served correctly, as well as adjoining owners who have received a notice and need help deciding how to respond.

Where a dispute arises, we can also assist with party wall dispute resolution, including the appointment of an Agreed Surveyor or the preparation and agreement of a formal Party Wall Award.

Should You Rely on a Free Party Wall Agreement Example?

Free examples and templates are useful, but they should be treated as a starting point rather than a substitute for professional advice. The most important issue is not simply having a document; it is having the right document, completed correctly, served properly and matched to the proposed works.

Professional advice is particularly important where:

• Your neighbour has already objected or raised concerns.
• The works involve structural alterations to a party wall.
• You are excavating close to a neighbouring property.
• The works involve a basement or underpinning.
• There are multiple adjoining owners, leaseholders or freeholders.
• You are unsure whether the notice has been served correctly.
• Works have already started without notice.

Hourican Associates can review your position, prepare and serve notices, carry out Schedule of Condition Surveys and agree Party Wall Awards where required.

Example Checklist: What Should Be Included?

Use this checklist when reviewing any party wall agreement example, notice, acknowledgement or Award.

• Correct building owner details.
• Correct adjoining owner details.
• Correct property addresses.
• Clear description of the proposed works.
• Correct type of Party Wall Notice.
• Relevant drawings, plans or structural information.
• Proposed start date.
• Date of service.
• Clear response options for the adjoining owner.
• Surveyor appointment details if there is a dissent.
• Schedule of Condition where appropriate.
• Damage and access procedures where an Award is required.
• Working hours and protective measures where relevant.
• Surveyors’ fees and cost responsibility where relevant.

Why Choose Hourican Associates?

Hourican Associates are Chartered Party Wall Surveyors in London, providing practical advice for building owners, adjoining owners, architects, homeowners and developers. We regularly assist with Party Wall Notices, Schedule of Condition Surveys, Party Wall Awards and dispute resolution across London.

• Specialist Party Wall surveyors in London.
• Experienced with loft conversions, extensions, basements, chimney removals and excavations.
• Free online Party Wall Notice and Acknowledgement tools.
• Clear fixed-fee advice where possible.
• Support for building owners and adjoining owners.
• Coverage across North, South, East, West and Central London.