If you’re planning to carry out building work near or on a shared wall or boundary, you may need to serve a Party Wall Notice under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.

This guide explains how to serve a Party Wall Notice, which types of works are notifiable, and how to avoid common mistakes — in plain English. Whether you're a homeowner, builder, or developer, this is your go-to guide.

What is a Party Wall Notice?

A Party Wall Notice is a formal, written notice you must serve on your neighbour(s) — known as Adjoining Owners — before starting certain types of construction work.

This is a legal requirement under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, and failing to do it properly can delay your project.

What Types of Work Require a Party Wall Notice?

Section 1: New Walls on the Line of Junction

Applies when you're building a wall on or astride the boundary line.

Examples:
- Building a new wall directly up to or over the boundary line
- Constructing an extension where the side wall is on the boundary

- Placing foundations on a neighbours land.

Notice period: At least 1 month before works start

Section 3: Work to a Party Structure (Party Structure Notice)

Applies when you're working on a shared wall or structure between properties.

Examples:
- Cutting into a party wall for steel beams
- Raising a party wall or parapet wall
- Removing chimney breasts on a shared wall
- Demolishing and rebuilding a party wall (or party fence wall)

- Underpinning a party wall

Notice period: At least 2 months before works start

Common mistake: Serving a Section 3 Party Structure Notice for excavation works (this is incorrect — see Section 6 below).

Section 6: Excavation Near a Neighbour’s Property

Applies if you're excavating near a neighbouring building, deeper than their foundations.

Examples:
- Digging for foundations within 3m (or 6m depending on depth and angle – applies for deep foundations such as piling)
- Excavating for drainage within 3m of a neighbouring property

Notice period: At least 1 month before works start

You must include a drawing or foundation detail showing:
- Position
- Depth
- Size

This is required by Section 6(5) of the Act.

Hand deliver a party wall notice?

You can hand deliver the Party Wall notice or send in the post. However we do not recommend dropping the letter through the letterbox.

How to Serve a Party Wall Notice (Step-by-Step)

1 Identify the Adjoining Owners

This includes anyone with a legal interest in the neighbouring property:
- Freeholders
- Leaseholders (with leases over 12 months)

2 Choose the Correct Type of Notice

Match the notice to the type of work (Section 1, 3 or 6). This is vital — using the wrong notice is a common error.

3 Include Required Information

All notices must include:
- Your name and address
- Description of the proposed works – be specific! For example – when undertaking works for a loft conversion you will need to state the works which may impact the neighbour, ie inserting a steel beam into the party wall. We commonly see generic descriptions such as ‘undertake loft conversion’.
- The notice type and relevant section of the Act
- The start date (no less than the minimum notice period)

For Section 6 — don’t forget to attach foundation drawings!

4 Serve the Notice Properly

You can serve it by:
- Hand-delivery to the Adjoining Owner(s)
- Posting to their usual or last known address

Just leaving it on the doorstep or emailing (unless you have prior consent for them to receive over email) does not count as proper service under Section 15 of the Act.

Should I Use a Surveyor?

While you can serve a notice yourself using free online templates, many homeowners and developers get it wrong.

Serving the wrong type of notice or missing key info can:
- Delay your project
- Lead to disputes
- Invalidate the notice

Meon Surveyors offer:
- Fixed-fee Party Wall Notices
- Expert advice on which works are notifiable
- Quick turnaround & peace of mind

Contact us for a competitive quote — we’re happy to help with as little or as much as you need.

A quick checklist

Please see our easy to read guide to double check what you need in your party wall notices

Summary: Quick Checklist

✅ Know which section applies
✅ Include the correct details
✅ Serve it properly
✅ Seek advice if unsure

📞 Need Help?

At Meon Surveyors, we’ve helped hundreds of owners navigate the Party Wall process. Whether you just need a notice or full party wall services we’re here to help — affordably and efficiently.

Email us at info@meonsurveyors.com
📞 Or call us today on 0370 042 9939

How to Serve a Party Wall Notice? An Easy-to-Read Guide