If you are planning works that affect a shared wall, structure, or boundary, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 requires you to serve a Party Wall Notice on all affected neighbours. Doing this correctly ensures your project stays legally compliant, avoids disputes, and protects both you and your neighbours throughout the building process.
What Is a Party Wall Notice?
A Party Wall Notice is a formal written notification given by a Building Owner to adjoining property owners before starting works that fall under the Act. It sets out what you intend to do and gives your neighbour the opportunity to consent, dissent, or request modifications.
The notice must be served in advance:
- 2 months for works to a party wall or structure
- 1 month for new boundary walls or excavations near a neighbour’s foundations
Types of Party Wall Notice
There are three main types of notices under the Act:
- Section 1 Notice (Line of Junction Notice): For building a new wall on or astride a boundary line.
- Section 3 Notice: For works directly to an existing party wall or party structure (e.g. inserting beams, raising, cutting into, or removing chimney breasts).
- Section 6 Notice: For excavations within 3 metres (or sometimes 6 metres) of a neighbouring property where foundations go deeper than the neighbour’s.
What Should a Party Wall Notice Include?
A valid notice should contain:
- The name and address of the Building Owner(s), with signature and date
- A clear description of the intended works, ideally with drawings
- Details of excavation depth and foundation plans (for Section 6 notices)
- The proposed start and end dates for the works
- Contact details for follow-up
Neighbours then have 14 days to respond.
Can You Serve a Party Wall Notice Yourself?
Legally, yes. A property owner can prepare and serve their own notice. However, notices that are vague, incomplete, or incorrect are often rejected — causing delays, disputes, and additional costs.
For most projects, it is strongly recommended to use a Party Wall Surveyor who understands the technical and legal requirements. This ensures the notice is valid, accepted, and sets your project on the right path.
What Happens If You Don’t Serve the Notice Correctly?
If your notice is invalid, your neighbour can dissent. This will require surveyors to be appointed and will add time, complexity, and cost to your project. In the worst case, you could face injunctions, delays, or claims for damages.
Getting it right the first time avoids unnecessary stress and expense.
Avoiding Problems During the Process
- Talk to your neighbours first: An informal chat often helps avoid misunderstandings.
- Give as much notice as possible: Early communication builds trust.
- Use a surveyor: Professional guidance ensures compliance and smooth progress.
A well-served notice demonstrates good faith, reassures neighbours, and minimises the risk of disputes.
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