Once you’ve confirmed your works are notifiable under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, the next decision is whether to draft and serve the notices yourself or instruct a surveyor. I’ll keep this balanced.
Option A — Do it yourself (DIY)
There are reputable templates online (including versions based on the Government-recommended forms). If you’re willing to read the Act and follow the rules closely, you can draft valid notices yourself at minimal cost.
Pros
- Cheapest route.
- You control the wording and timing.
Cons / Risks
- Validity matters: an invalid notice makes everything that follows invalid (consents, awards, access rights).
- You’ll need to include all mandatory particulars and attach the right drawings/sections for excavation.
Option B — Use a surveyor (low-cost drafting service)
Most party wall surveyors offer a fixed, modest fee to draft and serve notices. This also positions that surveyor to act later if there’s a dissent—either as your surveyor or (if both sides agree) the Agreed Surveyor.
Our’s are the lowest in the market at £25.00 + VAT!
Pros
- Correct statutory content and service method.
- Clear programme management (14-day response, 10-day s.10(4) letter, etc.).
- Smoother path to consent—or to an Award if needed.
Cons
- Small upfront cost.
- You still need neighbour engagement (no template replaces good communication).
Strong tip: nominate an Agreed Surveyor
Whether DIY or via a surveyor, nominate an Agreed Surveyor in your notice pack. This can prevent a scenario where your neighbour appoints their own surveyor unilaterally—leaving you paying two surveyors’ fees or feeling pressured to accept their choice. (Your neighbour can still decline; the option simply keeps routes open.)
What every valid notice must include
There’s no single fixed format, but Sections 1, 3, and 6 specify required content. Make sure you cover:
- Owner details: Full names of both owners (include joint owners) and correspondence addresses.
- Property addresses: Of both Building Owner and Adjoining Owner.
- Start date: Not earlier than the statutory lead-in (1 month for s.1 & s.6; 2 months for s.2) unless your neighbour agrees. Wording often says “works will commence after the notice period (or earlier by agreement on [date]).”
- Clear description of notifiable works: Focus on the Act-relevant parts (e.g., “cutting pockets for steel beams into the party wall”; “raising party fence wall”).
- Excavation specifics (s.6): Attach plan and section showing proposed foundation depths relative to the neighbour’s, state whether underpinning or special foundations are proposed, and any projection onto neighbouring land (only where permitted).
- Special foundations: If you propose reinforced foundations projecting under the neighbour’s land, express consent is required.
Combine or separate?
We usually combine s.1 and s.6 (same 1-month notice period) and keep s.2 separate (2-month period). Combined notices are fine if all required particulars are included.
Make responses easy
Include:
- A one-page cover letter (plain English: what the Act does, planning ≠ party wall, your contact).
- An acknowledgement form with the three options: consent, dissent & Agreed Surveyor, dissent & own surveyor.
- Offer a Schedule of Condition at your cost if they consent—this often tips the balance toward yes.
Quick pre-send checklist
- Correct sections (s.1 / s.2 / s.6) selected.
- All owner names and addresses accurate.
- Start date compliant with the statutory lead-in.
- Drawings/sections attached for s.6.
- Agreed Surveyor nomination included.
- Service method compliant with s.15 (post to usual/last-known address, personal delivery, or email with express consent).
- Proof of service retained (proof of posting, photos for “The Owner” affixation, email receipt).
Want this done right the first time—without overpaying?
Email team@simplesurvey.co.uk. Simple Survey are the lowest-cost party wall surveyors across England & Wales. We’ll draft and serve compliant notices, include a neighbour-friendly cover letter.