Party wall notices
A valid notice is the foundation of the whole party wall process. We draft the right notices for your project, serve them properly and handle your neighbours' responses. Each notice costs £100.
Which notice do I need?
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 sets out three main types of notice. Many projects need more than one. A rear extension with deep foundations might need both a section 1 and a section 6 notice, for example.
| Notice | Typical work | Minimum notice |
|---|---|---|
| Section 1, line of junction | Building a new wall on, or wholly on your side of, the boundary with a neighbour | 1 month |
| Section 2, party structure | Steel beams into a party wall, chimney breast removal, raising, underpinning or cutting into a party wall | 2 months |
| Section 6, adjacent excavation | Excavating within 3m of a neighbouring building to below its foundations, or within 6m in some cases | 1 month |
Notices must be served before work starts. A notice lapses if the work doesn't begin within 12 months, so time it to fit your build programme.
Why it matters that a notice is valid. If a notice isn't valid, everything that follows from it can be challenged, including the award. For example, a section 6 notice must be accompanied by plans and sections showing the proposed excavation. This is often missed in home-made notices.
What's included (£100 per notice)
We prepare and serve the notice on your behalf and manage all responses from your neighbours. This includes:
- Drafting the notice and serving it correctly in accordance with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996
- Including the plans and sections the Act requires
- Recording proof of service
- Tracking and handling your neighbours' responses, including follow-ups if needed
- Advising you on next steps once responses are received
This is ideal if you want a hands-off, compliant process with minimal hassle. Neighbours are also often more reassured by a notice from a professional than by one from a home-made template, and that can make consent more likely.
What happens after the notice is served?
Your neighbour has 14 days to respond. They can:
- Consent in writing. The work can go ahead once the notice period has passed. We'd still recommend a schedule of condition.
- Dissent. A dispute arises, and surveyors are appointed to prepare a party wall award.
- Not respond. After 14 days, the law treats this as a dispute.
Notice questions
Can I serve a party wall notice myself?
Yes, the Act allows it. But notices are often more readily accepted when they come from a professional, and an invalid notice can undermine the whole process. Having us prepare and serve the notice, for £100, makes sure it's right first time.
How far in advance should I serve notice?
At least one month before starting work for section 1 and section 6 notices, and two months for section 2 notices. In practice, serve as early as you can so that any dispute can be resolved without delaying your builder.
Do I need planning permission before serving notice?
No. The party wall process is separate from planning and building control. You can serve notice once you know what you're building, and your drawings need to be detailed enough to describe the work.
Not sure if the Act applies to your project?
Tell us what you're planning. We'll tell you, free of charge, whether you need to serve notice and what happens next.