Party Wall Notices

Before starting any building work covered by the Party Wall Act, you must serve written notice on your neighbours. Here is everything you need to know.

The Three Types of Party Wall Notice

The type of notice required depends on the nature of your works. Most projects trigger one or more of the following:

Section 1

New Wall on the Boundary

When you intend to build a new wall astride or at the line of junction between two properties.

Notice period: 1–12 months before work startsExample: Building a new boundary wall, garden wall, or party fence wall.

Section 2

Works to an Existing Party Wall

When you intend to cut into, raise, repair, underpin, or demolish and rebuild an existing party wall or party fence wall.

Notice period: 2 months before work startsExample: Rear extensions, loft conversions, cutting beams into a shared wall, inserting a damp proof course.

Section 6

Excavation Near a Neighbouring Building

When you intend to excavate within 3 metres of a neighbouring structure (or 6 metres if the excavation depth exceeds the neighbour's foundation depth).

Notice period: 1 month before work startsExample: Basement extensions, deep footings near the boundary, underpinning works.

Common Questions

What happens after I serve a notice?

Your neighbour has 14 days to respond. They can consent in writing, in which case no Award is needed and you can build once the notice period for your section has run (two months for section 2, one month for sections 1 and 6, or sooner if your neighbour agrees to an earlier start in writing). They can dissent, which means surveyors are appointed and an Award is produced. Or they can do nothing, which the Act treats as a dissent after 14 days.

Can I serve the notice myself?

Yes. The Act does not require a surveyor to serve notices. However, incorrectly drafted or served notices are invalid and can cause significant delays. We handle this for you as part of every instruction.

What if my neighbour ignores the notice?

If there is no response within 14 days, a dispute is deemed to have arisen. Surveyors must be appointed and a Party Wall Award produced before works can begin.

Do I need a notice if my neighbour has already consented verbally?

Yes. Verbal consent has no legal standing under the Act. The notice and written consent must follow the statutory process to be valid.

We prepare and serve all notice types

Notices served within 24 hours of instruction. A fixed price, agreed before you instruct.

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