How to Serve a Party Wall Notice? An Easy-to-Read Guide
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 neighbour's land
Notice period: At least 1 month before works start
Section 3: Work to a Party Structure (Party Structure Notice)
This applies when you're working on a shared wall or structure between properties.
Some examples include:
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.
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)
Use Land Registry if needed to confirm names and addresses. If you need help, please contact us and Meon Surveyors can make these searches for you.
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
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.
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.
Tip: Should I Use a Surveyor?
While you can serve a notice yourself using free online templates, many homeowners and developers may get it wrong, which is why we recommend always using a trusted Party Wall Surveyor.
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.
Summary: A Quick Checklist
Know which section applies
Include the correct details
Serve it properly
Seek advice if unsure
Need Some 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