The short answer
A party wall award is enforceable if an owner does not comply — for example, failing to pay fees or compensation, refusing access or not carrying out required works. But enforcement involves time, upfront cost and some litigation risk, so check the award and give a clear chance to comply first. A strong letter often resolves it without court.
Why it matters
Section 17 of the Act allows sums awarded to be recovered as a debt, but the right procedure depends on the type of breach — a payment dispute is usually more straightforward than one about access or remedial works. The applicant generally pays upfront and recovers later, and if the defaulting owner cannot or will not pay, further enforcement may be needed.
What to do now
- Confirm the award was properly made and served, and check exactly what it requires and whether a deadline has passed (a short surveyor review may cost £0 to £250).
- Send a letter before action identifying the award, the breach and the consequence of non-compliance (£0 to £600 depending on who prepares it).
- If still ignored, apply to the county court (court fees plus roughly £1,000 to £3,000 for basic solicitor involvement).
- If contested, expect a hearing (around £1,000 to £3,000 for junior counsel, plus solicitor and surveyor costs).
- If the order is still not met, consider enforcement officers, charging orders or other measures.
Common mistakes
- Rushing to court without checking the award or the deadline.
- Skipping the letter before action.
- Assuming costs are recovered immediately — you usually pay first.
When to call Coburns
If an award is being ignored, send us the award and we will confirm the breach and the most cost-effective way to enforce it.