Looking for a free party wall agreement template? Below you will find a sample structure of a party wall agreement (formally a party wall award) as used by RICS surveyors, a Word download you can adapt, and clear guidance on when a template is enough — and when it is not.
What a Party Wall Agreement Template Must Contain
A valid party wall agreement under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is more than a signed letter. The document should set out:
- The names and addresses of the building owner and adjoining owner
- The address of the property where notifiable works will take place
- A precise description of the proposed works, with drawings where available
- Working hours, access arrangements and protection measures
- A schedule of condition of the adjoining property, usually with photographs
- Who pays the surveyor’s fees (normally the building owner)
- How any damage will be assessed and made good
Sample Party Wall Agreement Structure
PARTY WALL AGREEMENT under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996
1. PARTIES
Building Owner: [name, address]
Adjoining Owner: [name, address]
2. THE WORKS
[description of notifiable works, referencing drawings]
3. CONDITIONS
3.1 Works to be carried out between [hours], Monday to Friday
3.2 The Building Owner shall avoid unnecessary inconvenience
3.3 A schedule of condition (attached) records the current state
of the Adjoining Owner's property
4. DAMAGE
Any damage attributable to the works shall be made good at the
Building Owner's expense, or compensated by agreement
5. FEES
The Building Owner shall pay the agreed surveyor's fee of [£]
6. SIGNATURES
Signed: [Building Owner] Date: [date]
Signed: [Adjoining Owner] Date: [date]
When a Template Is Enough — and When It Is Not
If your neighbour consents in writing to your party wall notice within 14 days, a simple written agreement recording that consent and a photographic schedule of condition may be all you need. However, if your neighbour dissents or does not respond, the Act requires surveyors to be appointed and a formal award to be produced — a DIY template cannot replace that process, and a defective document can leave you without the Act’s protections. See what a party wall agreement costs when surveyors are involved.
Free Notice Templates Too
Before any agreement, you must serve a valid notice. Use our free party wall notice templates for Section 1 (line of junction), Section 3 (party structure) and Section 6 (adjacent excavation) notices.
FAQs
Is a party wall agreement template legally binding?
A written consent agreement signed by both owners is binding as a record of consent. A formal party wall award, however, must be produced by an appointed surveyor or surveyors to be enforceable under the Act.
Can I write my own party wall agreement?
If your neighbour consents, yes — keep it factual and attach a schedule of condition. If there is any dispute, the Act’s surveyor process applies and a home-made agreement will not protect either side.
Does the template work for loft conversions and basements?
The structure is the same, but basements and structural loft works usually involve dissent and a formal award. Read our guidance on the 3 and 6 metre rules for excavation works.
Want certainty instead of a template? Our RICS party wall surveyors will check or draft your agreement for a fixed fee — get a quote or contact us today.
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