What Is a Party Wall Award and Why Do You Need One?

What Is a Party Wall Award and Why Do You Need One?

posted 5th November 2025

Posted 2 hours ago

By Carl O'Boyle

Blogs

If you’re planning building work that affects a shared wall or boundary, you’ll likely hear the term Party Wall Award. It’s a vital legal document that protects both you and your neighbour under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 — but many property owners aren’t clear on what it really involves.

What Is a Party Wall Award?

A Party Wall Award is an agreement prepared by one or more Party Wall Surveyors when building works fall under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. It sets out the rights and responsibilities of both the Building Owner (who is carrying out the work) and the Adjoining Owner (their neighbour).

The Award typically includes:

  • A description of the proposed works

  • Conditions for how and when the work can be carried out

  • Access arrangements if the surveyor deems them necessary

  • A Schedule of Condition, recording the neighbour’s property before work begins

  • This document acts as a formal safeguard for both sides and helps prevent disputes during and after construction.

When Do You Need a Party Wall Award?


You’ll need a Party Wall Award if your planned works include:

  • Cutting into or altering a shared wall
  • Building a new wall on or close to the boundary line

  • Excavating near a neighbour’s structure (such as for an extension or basement)

In London, where many homes share walls or tight boundaries, Party Wall procedures are especially common — and essential for keeping projects on track legally and amicably.

Why Is It Important?

A Party Wall Award provides legal protection for both owners. For the Building Owner, it ensures the work can proceed lawfully. For the Adjoining Owner, it provides reassurance that any potential damage will be identified and repaired.

It also helps avoid costly disputes — the surveyors act impartially to ensure the work is carried out properly and safely.

Contact Tayross Associates

At Tayross Associates, we’re experienced Party Wall Surveyors serving homeowners and developers across London. Whether you’re planning an extension or dealing with neighbourly concerns, we can guide you through every stage of the process.

📍 Tayross Associates, 2nd Floor, Monument House, 215 Marsh Road, Pinner, Middlesex, HA5 5NE
📧 Carl@tayross.com | 📞 079 7682 0628