A Party Wall Notice is a formal legal document that a property owner must serve on their neighbour(s) before carrying out certain types of building works that may affect a shared (party) wall, boundary line, or nearby excavation. This process is a requirement of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, which applies in England and Wales.
When is a Party Wall Notice Required?
The Act covers three main types of work where notice must be served:
1. Building on a Boundary (Section 1)
If you plan to build a new wall on or directly next to a boundary line, you must serve notice at least one month before work begins.
2. Work on an Existing Party Wall (Section 2 & 3)
If you intend to cut into, raise, underpin, or even demolish and rebuild a shared wall or structure, a Party Structure Notice must be served at least two months in advance.
3. Excavations Near a Neighbour’s Property (Section 6)
If excavation is planned within 3 metres of a neighbouring building (and deeper than its foundations), or within 6 metres if a 45-degree line from the bottom of their foundations would be cut by your excavation, you must serve an Excavation Notice one month before starting work.
What Must a Valid Party Wall Notice Contain?
A proper notice must clearly set out:
- The name and address of the building owner.
- The address of the property where work will take place.
- A description of the proposed works.
- The date the works are intended to start.
- A statement that the notice is served under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
- The neighbour’s options (consent, dissent, or request modifications).
- A request for a written reply within 14 days.
Types of Party Wall Notice
- Line of Junction Notice – for new walls on or close to a boundary.
- Party Structure Notice – for works affecting an existing party wall or structure.
- Notice of Adjacent Excavation – for excavation close to a neighbouring building.
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