If you are planning building works that may affect a shared or neighbouring wall, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 requires you to serve a valid Party Wall Notice on all affected neighbours before work begins. Notices must be properly prepared and contain the correct details to be legally valid.
When Do You Need a Party Wall Notice?
You’ll need to serve a Party Wall Notice if your project involves:
- Excavations within 3–6 metres of a neighbouring property, where new foundations go deeper than theirs.
Example: basement construction, extensions with piled foundations. - Building along a boundary line, such as a rear or side extension where the new wall sits directly on the boundary.
- Works to an existing party wall or party structure, including:
- Inserting beams (e.g. for a loft conversion)
- Altering, raising, or demolishing a shared wall
- Enclosing a wall to form part of a new extension
What Should a Party Wall Notice Include?
A valid notice should:
- Clearly describe the proposed works
- Include plans and drawings where relevant
- Set out when the works are due to start
- Be signed and dated by the Building Owner(s)
It is also good practice to enclose a response form for your neighbours to sign and return, either consenting to or dissenting from the works.
What Happens Next?
- If your neighbour consents: You may proceed with the works.
- If they dissent (or do not reply within 14 days): You must appoint a Party Wall Surveyor to prepare a legally binding Party Wall Award before starting work.
Can You Serve a Party Wall Notice Yourself?
Yes — legally, any property owner can draft and serve their own Party Wall Notice. However, if the notice is invalid or incomplete, it may be rejected, forcing you to restart the process and delaying your project. For peace of mind, most homeowners appoint a qualified Party Wall Surveyor to draft and serve notices correctly from the outset.
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