30 Second Party Wall Notice Guide

  1. Types of Party Wall Notices:
    • Section 1 Notice: For building on or at the boundary line between two properties.
    • Section 2 Notice: For work on an existing party wall or structure (e.g., shared walls or fences).
    • Section 6 Notice: For excavation work within a certain distance of a neighbouring property.
  2. Notice Requirements:
    • The party wall notice must include:
      • Names and addresses of the building owner(s) (all owners must be listed if there are multiple).
      • The date the notice is issued.
      • The proposed start date for the work.
      • Specific details of the proposed work (e.g., drawings, plans, or descriptions).
    • A minimum of one month’s notice is required for boundary work or excavation.
    • Two months’ notice is required for work on a party wall or structure.
  3. Consent and Dispute Resolution:
    • The adjoining owner (neighbour) has 14 days to respond. If no response is received, they are deemed to have dissented.
    • If no reply is received after a further 10-day notice, a surveyor is appointed on behalf of the neighbour to protect their interests, and a party wall award will be made.
  4. Serving Notices:
    • You can serve the notice yourself or appoint a surveyor to handle it for you. If there is no response to the notice, the dispute process may be triggered, potentially involving the appointment of surveyors or even legal action.
  5. Key Takeaways:
    • The notices should be detailed and clear to help neighbours understand the work being proposed.
    • If formal notice isn’t served, you cannot rely on the protections of the Party Wall Act, and any damage or disputes may need to be dealt with outside the statutory framework.