Party Wall Awards (Agreements) in London
When neighbours share a boundary or structure and one plans to carry out building works, it’s essential to have a Party Wall Award in place. This legally binding document, often referred to as a Party Wall Agreement, sets out how the works will proceed while protecting the rights of both the building owner and the adjoining owner in line with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. At Hourican Associates, our Chartered Party Wall Surveyors in London specialise in preparing, reviewing, and agreeing Party Wall Awards in full legal compliance.
What is a Party Wall Award?
A Party Wall Award is a formal agreement prepared by one or more surveyors under Section 10 of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. It comes into effect once a valid Party Wall Notice has been served and either:
- The adjoining owner has dissented to the works; or
- The two parties have jointly appointed an Agreed Surveyor.
The Award sets out exactly how the building works will be carried out to protect both properties. It typically includes:
- Details of the proposed works and relevant drawings.
- Working hours, access rights, and methods of construction.
- A Schedule of Condition Survey of the adjoining property.
- Measures for avoiding or repairing damage.
- Procedures for dispute resolution and compensation.
Once served, the Party Wall Award is legally binding on both owners and can be enforced through the courts if necessary. For a plain-English overview, you can also read our article on Party Wall Agreements.
Why a Party Wall Award is Important
A correctly prepared Party Wall Award provides vital legal protection for both building and adjoining owners, ensuring that:
- Works are carried out safely, fairly, and in accordance with the Act.
- The risk of property damage or neighbour disputes is minimised.
- Both parties clearly understand their rights and obligations.
- There is a documented process for resolving damage, delays, or disagreements.
Without an Award, building works may be halted by injunction, or you could face liability for unproven damage claims. A properly agreed Award — supported by a robust Schedule of Condition — provides peace of mind for everyone involved and helps maintain good neighbourly relationships.
Our Party Wall Award Service
At Hourican Associates, we manage the entire Party Wall process from start to finish, ensuring your project remains compliant, neighbourly, and on schedule. We regularly act on projects involving loft conversions, rear extensions, basement works, chimney removals, and more.
Our Party Wall Award service typically includes:
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Reviewing Plans & Identifying Party Wall Implications
We review your architectural drawings and site layout to identify where the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies — whether that’s cutting into a shared wall, excavating near a neighbour’s foundations, or building on the boundary. -
Serving Valid Party Wall Notices
We prepare and serve the appropriate Party Wall Notices (Sections 1, 2 and/or 6) to all affected adjoining owners, ensuring full compliance and reducing the scope for dispute. -
Carrying Out Schedule of Condition Surveys
We undertake detailed Schedules of Condition of adjoining properties — including more detailed basement surveys where required — creating a clear benchmark of the pre-works condition. -
Preparing & Agreeing the Party Wall Award
Acting as the Building Owner’s Surveyor, Adjoining Owner’s Surveyor, or Agreed Surveyor, we negotiate and agree the Party Wall Award, setting out access, working hours, methods, protection measures, damage procedures and reinstatement clauses. -
Ongoing Advice & Dispute Resolution
We remain on hand to advise during the works and, if necessary, help resolve any issues under the terms of the Award or via our dedicated Party Wall dispute resolution service.
The Party Wall Award Process Explained
The Party Wall process follows clear stages under the Act. Understanding each step helps you plan your project timetable and avoid unnecessary delays.
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Notice Stage
The building owner serves a formal Party Wall Notice on affected neighbours (under Sections 1, 2 or 6, depending on the works). -
Response Stage
The adjoining owner either consents, dissents, or appoints their own surveyor. If they consent in writing, an Award may not be required, but a Schedule of Condition is still strongly recommended. -
Survey Stage
Each appointed surveyor inspects the properties and records their condition. This evidence is used later to assess any alleged damage. -
Agreement Stage
The surveyors prepare and agree the Party Wall Award, setting out the rights, obligations, protection measures, and procedures to be followed during the works. -
Final Service
The Award is served to both parties and becomes legally enforceable. Works can then commence in accordance with the Award and notice periods.
In straightforward cases, the whole process typically takes around 2–4 weeks, depending on the complexity of the works and how quickly adjoining owners respond.
Typical Party Wall Award Costs
Our Party Wall Award Services — including serving notices, carrying out the survey, and agreeing the Award — typically range from £1,100 – £1,500 + VAT.
Fees depend on the scale and type of works (for example, basement excavations versus smaller rear extensions), the number of adjoining owners involved, and whether one or two surveyors are appointed.
All fees are agreed in advance for transparency and can be combined with our Schedule of Condition Survey and Party Wall Notice services as part of a full Party Wall package.
Why Choose Hourican Associates
Hourican Associates is a Chartered Building Consultancy regulated by RICS, CIOB, and MCABE. We are members of the Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors (FPWS) and the Pyramus & Thisbe Society, providing trusted Party Wall Surveyor services throughout London.
- Chartered Party Wall Surveyors with extensive residential, commercial, and basement experience.
- Full management of notices, Schedules of Condition, Awards and dispute resolution.
- Fast, impartial, and fully compliant Party Wall services with clear, practical advice.
- Fixed fees and clear communication from initial enquiry to final Award.