A Party Wall Award is a legal document made under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. It sets out how certain building works can proceed when they could affect a neighbour’s shared wall, boundary structure, or foundations. In London, Awards are common for loft conversions with steel beams, rear extensions with excavation, and basement works.
This guide explains what an Award includes, when you need one, and how it protects both sides.
When Do You Need a Party Wall Award?
You usually need an Award if:
- Your neighbour dissents to the notice (or doesn’t respond)
- The work is complex or higher risk (e.g., basement or underpinning)
- There are multiple adjoining owners (common in flats)
If your neighbour provides written consent, an Award may not be required. However, many owners still record condition (Schedule of Condition) to prevent disputes later.
What Does a Party Wall Award Include?
Although every case differs, Awards commonly cover:
- Scope of works (what exactly is permitted)
- Working methods (how the work should be carried out)
- Access arrangements (when/how access is allowed, if needed)
- Protection measures (vibration control, temporary support, dust/noise considerations)
- Schedule of Condition (a recorded baseline of neighbour property condition)
- Procedures for damage (how damage is assessed and resolved)
- Surveyor inspections (if required during or after works)
Why an Award Helps (Even With Good Neighbours)
The Award gives clarity. It reduces misunderstandings about what was agreed, protects both sides, and creates a paper trail if questions come up mid-project. In practice, it helps by:
- Reducing disputes about cracking or movement
- Setting reasonable site rules (access, timings, protections)
- Making responsibilities clear if issues arise
- Helping projects proceed without “stop/start” confusion
How Long Does It Take to Get an Award?
Timescales vary based on:
- Neighbour response speed
- Complexity of drawings/engineering
- Number of adjoining owners
- How quickly surveyors can inspect and agree terms
For London projects, start early—especially if builders are already scheduled.
Who Pays for the Party Wall Award?
In many cases, the building owner (the person doing the works) pays reasonable surveyor costs because the process is required due to their works. Some costs can vary depending on circumstances and what’s included, so it’s best to clarify fees before instructing.
Examples of Projects That Often Need an Award
- Loft conversions: steel beams into party walls, chimney breast changes
- Rear extensions: excavation for new foundations near neighbours
- Basements: underpinning, temporary support, multiple inspections
- Flat buildings: multiple owners and shared structures above/below
Find a Party Wall Surveyor
- Party Wall Surveyor London
- Party Wall Surveyor Westminster
- Party Wall Surveyor Wandsworth
- Party Wall Surveyor Lambeth
FAQs
Is an Award the same as planning permission?
No. Planning permission/building control are separate. The Award is about neighbour protections under the Party Wall Act.
Can an Award stop my project?
Normally, the Award sets conditions for how the work proceeds. It’s designed to allow work while protecting both sides.
Do I need an Award if my neighbour agrees?
If they consent in writing, an Award may not be required. Many owners still record condition to avoid later disagreements.
Next read: Party Wall Notice – What to Serve & When