The Three Different Party Wall Notices & When They’re Needed

The Three Different Party Wall Notices & When They’re Needed

Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, a Building Owner may be required to serve one of three different types of notice on an Adjoining Owner before starting works. These notices ensure that neighbours are formally informed and given the opportunity to protect their property.

The three types are:

  1. Party Structure Notice
  2. Notice of Adjacent Excavation
  3. Line of Junction Notice

1. Party Structure Notice

Covered under Section 3 of the Act, this type of notice applies to works listed in Section 2(2)(a) to (n). In practice, this means significant alterations directly affecting the party wall itself, such as:

  • Cutting into a party wall (e.g. to insert a damp-proof course or structural beam)
  • Removing a chimney breast
  • Raising, underpinning, or otherwise altering the shared wall

Notice period required: 2 months before the planned start date.

What the Notice Must Include:

  • The Building Owner’s name and address
  • Details of the proposed works
  • The proposed start date

If the Adjoining Owner does not respond within 14 days, it is automatically treated as a dispute, and both parties must appoint surveyors.

⚠️ Minor works (such as drilling for shelves, replastering, or running cables) generally do not require a Party Structure Notice.

2. Notice of Adjacent Excavation

This notice relates to works under Section 6 of the Act and is required if the Building Owner plans to excavate:

  • Within 3 metres of a neighbouring property, where the excavation will go deeper than the neighbour’s foundations.
  • Within 6 metres, if the excavation would cut beneath a 45° plane drawn from the bottom of the neighbour’s foundations.

Notice period required: 1 month before the planned start date.

What the Notice Must Include:

The same information as a Party Structure Notice plus:

  • Plans and sections showing the proposed excavation
  • Details of the new building or structure

If no response is received within 14 days, it is deemed a dispute, requiring surveyor involvement.

3. Line of Junction Notice

This type of notice, served under Section 1 of the Act, covers building a new wall:

  • Up to a boundary line
  • Astride a boundary line (shared between two properties)

Notice period required: 1 month before work begins.

Key Points:

  • If the adjoining owner does not respond to a notice to build up to the boundary, the Building Owner can proceed after the notice period expires.
  • If the adjoining owner does not respond to a notice to build astride the boundary, the Building Owner must build entirely on their own land.
  • In both cases, the Building Owner may place necessary foundations under the adjoining owner’s land.

Serving Notices Correctly

A notice can be served in person or by post. If the adjoining owner’s name is unknown, it can be addressed to “The Owner” but must be delivered directly to the property or displayed on the premises.

Get Professional Help With Party Wall Notices

Serving the wrong type of notice or missing a deadline can delay your project and lead to disputes. Our independent surveyors will:

  • Advise which notice is required
  • Prepare and serve valid notices on your behalf
  • Handle responses and guide you through the process

📧 Contact us at team@simplesurvey.co.uk for free initial advice and a fixed-fee service. We are the UK’s most affordable Party Wall Surveyors.