Party Wall Agreement Template

A Party Wall Agreement is a legal document made under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.

It records the rights and obligations of the “building owner” carrying out the works and the “adjoining owner” affected by them.

It usually follows a formal Party Wall Notice and any response. The agreement typically sets out:

• The scope of the works
• Access rights, working hours
• Protections for the neighbour’s property
• How damage will be made good

It often includes a schedule of condition of the adjoining property.

A Party Wall Agreement is sometimes called a Party Wall Award when it is produced by surveyors. It helps prevent disputes and gives clear evidence of what was agreed.

When do you need a Party Wall Agreement?

Before you start work, check if your project falls into one of these situations:

• Cutting into a party wall, such as adding steel beams.
• Raising, thickening or demolishing a shared wall.
• Building a new wall on or across the boundary line.
• Excavating within 3 or 6 metres of a neighbour’s foundations.
• Underpinning or strengthening a shared wall or foundation.
• Removing a chimney breast attached to a party wall.
• Adding loft beams that bear on the party wall.
• Structural works in flats affecting shared walls, floors, or ceilings.

Before you draft your own Party Wall Agreement, it can help to look at a sample document, such as the template below. Use it as a guide when writing up your document:

A Party Wall Agreement should set out clear information about the parties, the works, and how the property will be protected.

You can write it yourself, or use our template to make it instantly, customized to your project. The points below describe the main areas usually covered in this type of document.

Details of the owners

Identify the building owner and the adjoining owner. Include

• Full names
• Contact details
• The capacity in which they act, such as freeholder, leaseholder, or landlord

This makes it clear who has rights and duties under the agreement.

Details of the properties and the wall

Describe each property in full. You should include postal addresses and title details where known. Specify which wall, boundary, or structure is affected.

Description of the works

Set out the works that will be carried out. Refer to drawings or plans if available. You should include:

• The method of construction
• Expected duration
• Any special techniques, such as piling or underpinning

Access and working arrangements

Explain when and how the building owner, contractors, and surveyors may access the adjoining property. State working hours, site rules, and any requirements for notice before access.

Condition of the adjoining property

Record the neighbour’s property condition before work begins. You should include any relevant notes and provide photos. State that this record will be used if a damage claim arises.

Responsibility for damage and costs

You should set out who pays for the works, surveyor fees, and repairs. Confirm the building owner will fix any damage or compensate. Explain how and when repairs will be done.

Surveyor details and dispute process

Next, you need to name the surveyor or surveyors in the agreement. State how disputes will be handled and how their decisions will be recorded.

Signatures and service of the agreement

Confirm how and when the agreement is made and served. Include signature blocks for the surveyor or surveyors, or for the owners if they agree the terms directly. Add dates and any reference numbers. This allows the document to be clearly identified and used later if needed.