When planning building works that fall under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, one of the most common questions we hear is whether you should talk to your neighbour before formally serving a Party Wall Notice.
While the law does not require a conversation before notice is served, doing so can make a significant difference to how smoothly the process unfolds.
Talking to Your Neighbour First: Why It Helps
Starting with a friendly conversation can often prevent unnecessary tension and disputes later on. Explaining your plans in advance helps your neighbour understand what to expect and reassures them that their property is being considered.
Benefits of talking first include:
- Reduces surprise when the formal notice arrives
- Builds trust and goodwill between neighbours
- Increases the chance of consent, avoiding surveyor appointments
- Keeps projects moving faster, with fewer delays
- Minimises conflict during construction
In many cases, neighbours are far more comfortable giving consent when they feel informed and respected.
Serving a Notice Without Prior Discussion: The Risks
Serving a Party Wall Notice without any prior conversation is entirely legal, but it can sometimes create unnecessary issues.
Potential drawbacks include:
- Neighbours feeling ambushed or anxious
- Higher likelihood of automatic dissent
- Increased costs due to surveyor appointments
- Longer project timelines
- Strained neighbour relationships
Even neighbours who might otherwise agree can be more inclined to dissent simply because the notice came as a surprise.
A Balanced and Sensible Approach
The best approach is often a combination of both:
- Have an informal conversation first – explain the works, show drawings if possible, and answer questions.
- Follow up with a formal Party Wall Notice – this keeps everything legally compliant under the Act.
An early conversation does not replace the legal requirement to serve notice, but it often makes the legal process far simpler.
How Simple Survey Can Help
At Simple Survey, we regularly advise clients on how and when to approach neighbours. We can also:
- Draft clear, easy-to-understand notices
- Provide guidance on how to explain works to neighbours
- Serve notices correctly and on time
- Manage the process if consent is withheld
Our goal is to protect your project while maintaining good neighbourly relations wherever possible.
📧 Need advice before serving a Party Wall Notice?
Contact Simple Survey at team@simplesurvey.co.uk — the most cost-effective Party Wall Surveyors in England & Wales.