A Party Wall Notice is a formal legal document served under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. It informs your neighbour that you intend to carry out works which may affect a shared wall, boundary, or foundations.
The Act identifies three main categories of notifiable works:
- Section 1 – Building a new wall on or astride the boundary line.
- Section 3 – Alterations to an existing party wall, party fence wall, or party structure.
- Section 6 – Excavating near your neighbour’s foundations (within 3 metres for standard foundations, or 6 metres for piled foundations).
For these works to lawfully proceed, the Building Owner must serve a valid written Notice on all affected Adjoining Owners. An invalid Notice can cause unnecessary disputes, delays, and additional costs.
Why Have I Received a Party Wall Notice?
You may have received a Notice because your neighbour is planning construction works that fall under the Act, such as:
- Excavations near your property.
- Cutting into a shared wall.
- Removing a chimney breast.
- Raising or reducing the height of a party wall.
These works are often linked to extensions, loft conversions, or basement projects.
How Should I Respond?
As an Adjoining Owner, you must reply in writing within 14 days of receiving a Party Wall Notice. You can:
- Consent – Allow the works to go ahead without appointing a surveyor.
- Dissent – Disagree or request protections, which means surveyors are appointed to draw up a Party Wall Award.
If you do not respond, the law assumes dissent, and a surveyor may be appointed on your behalf.
The Role of a Party Wall Surveyor
A Party Wall Surveyor ensures that building works are carried out fairly, safely, and in compliance with the Act. Their duties include:
- Drafting and serving valid Party Wall Notices.
- Preparing a Party Wall Award, which sets out how and when works may take place.
- Resolving disputes impartially on behalf of both Building Owners and Adjoining Owners.
You may choose to jointly appoint one Agreed Surveyor or have separate surveyors represent each side.
Can a Surveyor Serve Notices on My Behalf?
Yes — and in fact, it is usually recommended. Professional drafting and service of a Party Wall Notice ensures compliance with the Act and prevents invalid documentation from delaying your project.
A qualified Party Wall Surveyor will:
- Review your plans and identify notifiable works.
- Select and prepare the correct type of Notice.
- Conduct Land Registry searches to confirm adjoining ownership.
- Provide acknowledgement forms and explanatory cover letters for neighbours.
- Serve Notices on all relevant Adjoining Owners.
Get Professional Help Today
At Simple Survey, we specialise in drafting, serving, and managing Party Wall Notices and Awards across London and the UK. Our team ensures that all documents are valid, compliant, and cost-effective, helping you avoid unnecessary disputes and delays.
We are proud to be the UK’s cheapest RICS-registered Party Wall Surveyors, providing expert advice at unbeatable value.
📩 Contact us today at team@simplesurvey.co.uk to speak with an experienced surveyor about serving or responding to a Party Wall Notice.