If you’re planning construction work, you may have heard the term “party wall notice.” It might sound formal or complicated, but in reality, it’s simply a legal way of notifying your neighbour about building works that could affect a shared wall, boundary, or nearby structure.
Serving a notice is about transparency. It helps both you and your neighbour understand what’s planned, reduces the risk of disputes, and keeps your project compliant with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
What Is a Party Wall Notice?
A Party Wall Notice is a formal written notification sent to your neighbour when works may affect a shared wall or boundary. It ensures that both property owners are informed and aware before works begin.
Typical examples include:
- Building a new wall along or on the boundary line
- Inserting structural beams into a shared wall (such as for a loft conversion)
- Excavating foundations near a neighbour’s property
- Removing a chimney breast attached to a party wall
Notices must usually be issued at least two months before works start (one month for excavations and boundary walls).
When Is a Party Wall Notice Required?
You’ll need to serve notice if your works could affect:
- A wall or structure shared with a neighbour (party structure)
- The boundary line between your property and theirs
- The ground near a neighbour’s foundations (typically within 3–6 metres)
Examples include:
- Loft conversions involving steel beams into a party wall
- Extensions built up to or astride the boundary line
- Digging foundations for basements or new structures
- Altering, raising, or thickening an existing party wall
Even garden walls and party fence walls may trigger the need for notice.
How to Write a Party Wall Notice
1. Identify the Adjoining Owners
Confirm who legally owns the neighbouring property. This might be freeholders, leaseholders (with more than 12 months left), or multiple parties. Land Registry searches can help verify ownership.
2. Describe the Works Clearly
Provide an accurate description of the proposed works, including the scope, method, and purpose. Attaching drawings or plans is strongly recommended.
3. Include Required Details
Your notice must set out:
- The names and addresses of both owners
- The address of the property where work is planned
- A description of the works
- The proposed start date
- A statement that the notice is served under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996
4. Give Adequate Notice Period
- 2 months’ notice for works to an existing party wall
- 1 month’s notice for excavations or new boundary walls
5. Serve the Notice Properly
You can deliver notices by hand, by post, or electronically (if the neighbour accepts this). Always keep a copy for your records and proof of delivery.
6. Wait for a Response
Neighbours have 14 days to respond. They can:
- Consent → Allow the works to proceed.
- Dissent → Appoint surveyors to resolve matters through a Party Wall Award.
- Not reply → Treated as dissent, triggering the surveyor process automatically.
Why Notices Matter
Serving a Party Wall Notice isn’t just a legal requirement—it helps maintain good neighbourly relations and avoids costly disputes later. By setting expectations early, both sides have clarity on what will happen, when, and how their property will be protected.
Key Points to Remember
- Notices are a legal requirement under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996
- They must be served on all affected owners (residential, commercial, or leasehold)
- Correct details and timings are crucial; errors can invalidate the notice
- If no response is received, it counts as dissent and surveyors must be appointed
- Surveyors act impartially to prepare a Party Wall Award, which governs how works proceed
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