Party Wall Award Explained

A Party Wall Award is a legally binding document prepared by appointed surveyors under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. It sets out how building works affecting neighbouring property may proceed while protecting both the building owner and adjoining owner.

This guide explains what a Party Wall Award is, when it is required and what it typically includes. At Bloomsbury Surveyors, we assist clients across Brighton, Hove and Sussex with professional advice on party wall awards and dispute resolution.

If you would like an overview of the legislation first, visit our Party Wall Act Explained page.

What Is a Party Wall Award?

A Party Wall Award is the formal document produced when a dispute arises under the Act. This usually happens when an adjoining owner dissents to a notice or does not respond within the statutory timeframe.

The award regulates how the works should proceed and what protections must be in place. It also records the rights and responsibilities of both parties.

You can read more about when disputes arise on our Party Wall Dispute Resolution Brighton page.

When Is a Party Wall Award Required?

An award is typically required where:

The adjoining owner dissents to a party wall notice
No response is received within the statutory period
Surveyors are appointed to resolve a dispute

Not every notice results in an award. If the adjoining owner consents, an award may not be required, although professional advice may still be sensible depending on the project.

Further guidance can be found on our Party Wall Notice Guide page.

Who Prepares the Party Wall Award?

The award is prepared by the appointed party wall surveyor or surveyors. This may be one agreed surveyor acting for both parties or two surveyors, one appointed by each owner.

Where two surveyors are appointed, they work together to agree the terms of the award. If they cannot agree on a specific issue, the third surveyor may be asked to make a determination.

You can read more on our Third Surveyor Party Wall page.

What Does a Party Wall Award Include?

Although every project is different, most Party Wall Awards include several key elements.

Typical contents include:

Description of the proposed works
Approved drawings and technical information
Working hours and access arrangements
Protective measures during construction
Surveyor appointment details
Fee arrangements
Procedures for dealing with damage
A schedule of condition

The aim is to create clarity before work begins and provide a clear reference if issues arise later.

What Is a Schedule of Condition?

A schedule of condition is often attached to a Party Wall Award. This is a written and photographic record of the adjoining property before works begin.

This document helps determine whether any later damage is related to the works. It protects both the building owner and adjoining owner by providing an agreed baseline record.

This is particularly important in Brighton where many properties are older and may already contain historic cracking.

How the Award Protects Both Owners

The Party Wall Award is designed to be fair and balanced. It protects the interests of both parties.

For building owners it provides:

Legal authority to proceed with the works
Clear project procedures
Defined access rights where required
A structured process for resolving issues

For adjoining owners it provides:

Protection of their property
Formal documentation of the works
Clear safeguards during construction
A route for resolving concerns

What Happens After an Award Is Served?

Once the Party Wall Award is served, the works may normally proceed in accordance with its terms. Both parties must comply with the provisions set out in the document.

If problems arise during construction, the surveyors may become involved again to address the issue.

Further information can be found on our Party Wall Damage Claims page.

Can a Party Wall Award Be Challenged?

There is a legal right of appeal to the County Court within a limited timeframe after the award is served. However, most matters are resolved within the surveyor process without the need for court involvement.

What Happens If Work Does Not Follow the Award?

If works do not follow the provisions of the Party Wall Award, this may lead to further dispute and possible legal action. It is therefore important that the building owner and their contractor understand the requirements set out in the document.

Why Professional Awards Matter

A professionally prepared Party Wall Award helps reduce uncertainty and provides a structured framework for managing risk. It also demonstrates that the correct legal procedures have been followed.

Professional preparation helps:

Ensure compliance with the Act
Reduce the risk of disputes
Protect neighbouring property
Provide clear documentation
Support smoother project delivery

How Bloomsbury Surveyors Can Help

Bloomsbury Surveyors prepares Party Wall Awards for residential and commercial clients across Brighton, Hove and Sussex. We act for building owners, adjoining owners and as agreed surveyor where appropriate.

Our focus is on clarity, professionalism and helping projects proceed with the correct protections in place.

Related Party Wall Pages

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Party Wall Award legally binding?

Yes. Once served, it is legally binding unless successfully appealed.

Can work start before the award is agreed?

No. Where an award is required, works should normally wait until the process is complete.

Who pays for the Party Wall Award?

In most cases the building owner pays the reasonable surveyor costs, although circumstances can vary.

Do all party wall matters need an award?

No. If the adjoining owner consents, an award may not be required.

Do you prepare Party Wall Awards in Brighton and Sussex?

Yes. We assist clients throughout Brighton, Hove and Sussex.

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