When do I need to serve a party wall notice?

In the UK, you need to serve notice before building on or at the boundary line (Section 1), carrying out works to an existing party wall (Section 3), or excavating within 3 or 6 metres of a neighbouring building at certain depths (Section 6).

What if my neighbour does not respond?

If the adjoining owner does not respond within 14 days, a dispute is deemed to have arisen and the surveyor appointment process is triggered. You cannot proceed with the works until the dispute is resolved through a party wall award.

Do I need a party wall notice for a loft conversion?

If the loft conversion involves works to a UK party wall (such as inserting steel beams), a Section 3 notice is required. If the works do not affect the party wall, a notice may not be needed, but it is wise to check with a British party wall surveyor in England and Wales.

Can my neighbour stop my building works?

A neighbour cannot prevent works that comply with the British Party Wall Act and have been authorised by a party wall award. UK law allows them to require conditions and safeguards, but they cannot unreasonably prevent the works from proceeding.

Who pays for the party wall surveyor?

The building owner typically pays all surveyor fees, including the cost of the adjoining owner’s surveyor. The award will set out the precise cost apportionment.

Can we agree to use one surveyor?

Yes. Both British parties can agree to appoint a single agreed surveyor to prepare the award in England and Wales. This is usually cheaper and faster than each party appointing their own surveyor. Either party can insist on separate UK surveyors if they prefer.

What is a schedule of condition?

A schedule of condition is a photographic and written record of the state of the adjoining property before works begin. It is prepared by the surveyor and forms part of the party wall award. It provides evidence if damage is claimed after the works.

Does the Act apply to garden walls?

The UK Act applies to party walls and party fence walls (boundary walls not forming part of a building) in England and Wales. A garden fence is not covered by the Act. If you are building a new wall on the boundary line in Britain, a Section 1 notice is required under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.

ConstructionUnited Kingdom

Free Party Wall Notice Template

A party wall notice formally informs your neighbour about planned building works that may affect a shared wall, boundary or their property foundations. Use our free UK template to serve a valid notice under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.

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PARTY STRUCTURE NOTICE

Party Wall Etc. Act 1996 · England And Wales

BUILDING OWNER

James Edward Whitfield

14 Oak Lane, London SE1 7BT
020 7946 0321
james.whitfield@example.co.uk

Serving this notice

ADJOINING OWNER

Patricia Joanna Hayes

16 Oak Lane, London SE1 7BT

Receiving this notice

Notice Type: Party Structure Notice

Date: 2026-04-14 · Works Start: 2026-06-22

To: Patricia Joanna Hayes of 16 Oak Lane, London SE1 7BT

I, James Edward Whitfield of 14 Oak Lane, London SE1 7BT, being the owner of the property at 14 Oak Lane, London SE1 7BT, HEREBY GIVE YOU FORMAL WRITTEN NOTICE under Section 3 of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 (notice of intended works to an existing party structure) of my intention to carry out the works described below. This notice is served on you as an "adjoining owner" within the meaning of section 20 of the Act, and the statutory notice period is not less than TWO (2) months before the intended start date.

DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED WORKS

1.1 Property of the Building Owner: 14 Oak Lane, London SE1 7BT.

1.2 Proposed works:
Removal of chimney breast on the party wall at ground and first floor between 14 and 16 Oak Lane. Insertion of a steel RSJ (203 x 133 x 30 UB) to support the remaining chimney stack at roof level. Making good of all disturbed plasterwork, brickwork and finishes to match existing. Structural design by Watson and Reid Consulting Engineers, drawing ref WR-23-104.

1.3 Contractor: BuildRight Construction Ltd (FMB Member No. 12345); Public Liability insurer: Hiscox Insurance (Policy PL5M / EL10M)

INTENDED START DATE AND PROGRAMME

2.1 The intended date of commencement of the works is 2026-06-22, being a date not earlier than the expiry of the statutory notice period required by section 3 of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. 2.2 Expected duration of the works: approximately 3 weeks. 2.3 Proposed working hours: 08:00-18:00 Monday to Friday; 08:00-13:00 Saturday; no Sunday working, subject to any local authority controls, planning conditions and section 60/61 notices under the Control of Pollution Act 1974.

YOUR STATUTORY RIGHTS — 14-DAY RESPONSE PERIOD (S.5)

3.1 Within 14 days of service of this notice under section 5 of the Act you must respond in writing, stating whether you: (a) consent to the works as described, in which case the matter proceeds without further formality; (b) dissent but agree to the appointment of a single "agreed surveyor" under section 10(1)(a) of the Act; or (c) dissent and appoint your own surveyor, in which case each owner's surveyor selects a third surveyor and the "three-surveyor tribunal" determines the matter under section 10(1)(b). 3.2 If no written response is received within 14 days, a dispute is deemed to have arisen under section 5 and the statutory dispute resolution procedure in section 10 will apply. 3.3 Under section 10(13) the surveyor(s) determine the costs of the dispute, ordinarily payable by the Building Owner.

BUILDING OWNER'S PARTY WALL SURVEYOR

4.1 The Building Owner has appointed the following party wall surveyor, in compliance with section 10(1)(b) of the Act:

Name: Richard Higgins MRICS
Firm: Higgins and Associates Party Wall Surveyors Ltd
Contact: 020 7000 1234 | richard@higgins-pw.co.uk

4.2 The appointed surveyor is not a party to the dispute within the meaning of section 20 of the Act and will act impartially to determine matters in accordance with section 10.

RIGHTS OF ENTRY (S.8)

5.1 The Building Owner may require reasonable rights of entry onto the adjoining property to carry out the works. Under section 8 of the Act, 14 days' written notice of the intention to exercise rights of entry will be given, save in the case of emergency. 5.2 The Building Owner and any workmen or surveyors entering the adjoining property shall cause no unnecessary inconvenience (s.7(1)) and shall make good or compensate the Adjoining Owner for any loss or damage caused (s.7(2)).

COMPENSATION AND MAKING GOOD (S.7)

6.1 The Building Owner confirms the duties in section 7 of the Act: the Building Owner shall not exercise any right conferred by the Act in such a manner or at such time as to cause unnecessary inconvenience to the Adjoining Owner or the Adjoining Occupier. 6.2 The Building Owner shall compensate the Adjoining Owner and Adjoining Occupier for any loss or damage which may result to them by reason of any works executed in pursuance of the Act. 6.3 The Building Owner shall either make good any damage or, at the election of the Adjoining Owner, pay in lieu of making good the damage. 6.4 Nothing in this notice affects the parties' common-law rights in respect of negligence, private nuisance, trespass or rights of light (which remain governed by the Rights of Light Act 1959 and the common law).

SECURITY FOR EXPENSES (S.12)

The Adjoining Owner may, before the works commence, require the Building Owner to give such security as may be agreed or determined by the surveyor(s) under section 12 of the Act for the payment of all such expenses, costs and compensation in respect of the works as may become payable by the Building Owner.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION (S.10)

8.1 Any dispute or difference arising in relation to any matter connected with the works or this notice shall be determined under the procedure set out in section 10 of the Act. 8.2 The determination of the surveyor(s) shall be embodied in a document called an "award". An award is conclusive as between the parties and shall not, except as provided in section 10, be questioned in any court. 8.3 Either party may appeal to the County Court against an award within 14 days of service of the award (s.10(17)).

VALIDITY AND LAPSE OF NOTICE (S.3(2) / S.6(8))

Under section 3(2) (party structure) or section 6(8) (adjacent excavation) of the Act, a notice ceases to have effect if the works to which it relates are not begun within 12 months of service and pursued with due diligence. A fresh notice will be served if the works are not commenced within that period.

10.

SCOPE, PLANNING AND BUILDING REGULATIONS

10.1 This notice is given solely for the purposes of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. It does not discharge any requirement for planning permission, listed building consent, conservation area consent, Building Regulations (Building Regulations 2010 and Approved Documents A-Q), Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, section 60/61 Control of Pollution Act 1974 notices, or consents under any lease or restrictive covenant. 10.2 This notice applies to England and Wales. Different legislation applies in Scotland and Northern Ireland. 10.3 Service of this notice is effected in accordance with section 15 of the Act, by delivery in person, by post to the usual or last known residence or place of business, or by leaving it at the property (affixed to a conspicuous part if vacant or unlet).

BUILDING OWNER

Dated: 2026-04-14

Serving the notice

James Edward Whitfield

Date: ____________________

Guidance: If you require independent advice, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) maintains a list of accredited party wall surveyors. The Government's Party Wall etc. Act 1996: explanatory booklet (MHCLG) contains the official guidance. This notice is served under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996; it is not a request for planning permission or consent under any other enactment.

Available as a print-ready PDF or an editable Microsoft Word (.docx) file.

What Is a Party Wall Notice?

A party wall notice is a formal notification served by a building owner on an adjoining owner under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. It informs the neighbour of proposed building works that affect a party wall, a boundary line or foundations close to the neighbouring property.

The Act requires that notice is served before certain types of building work can begin. There are three main types: a Section 1 notice for building a new wall on or at the boundary line, a Section 3 notice for works to an existing party wall or party structure, and a Section 6 notice for excavation within specified distances of a neighbouring building.

If the adjoining owner consents to the proposed works, the building owner may proceed. If the adjoining owner dissents or does not respond within 14 days, the UK Act requires the appointment of surveyors to resolve the dispute and prepare a party wall award setting out the terms under which the works may proceed under English law.

What's Covered in This Template

Our party wall notice template covers all three notice types under the Act.

Building Owner Details

Full name and address of the person proposing to carry out the building works.

Adjoining Owner Details

Full name and address of the neighbour affected by the proposed works.

Property Addresses

Addresses of both properties and identification of the party wall, boundary or structure affected.

Type of Notice

Selection of the appropriate notice type: Section 1, Section 3 or Section 6 of the Act.

Description of Proposed Works

Clear description of the building works proposed, including the nature, extent and method of construction.

Plans and Drawings

Reference to accompanying plans and drawings showing the proposed works in relation to the party wall or boundary.

Proposed Start Date

The intended start date for the works, which must be at least two months after service for Section 1 notices and one month for Sections 3 and 6.

Consent Request

Formal request for the adjoining owner’s consent, with explanation of the response options and timeframes.

Surveyor Information

Information about the right to appoint a surveyor if the adjoining owner dissents or does not respond.

Service Date

Record of the date the notice was served and the method of service.

How to Create a Party Wall Notice

Follow these steps to serve a valid party wall notice on your neighbour.

1
Identify the Notice Type
Determine whether you need a Section 1 (new boundary wall), Section 3 (existing party wall works) or Section 6 (excavation near neighbour) notice based on your planned works.
2
Prepare the Notice
Complete the template with full details of both properties, the proposed works and the intended start date. Attach plans or drawings where appropriate.
3
Serve the Notice
Deliver the notice to the adjoining owner by hand, by post or by leaving it at their property. Keep proof of service.
4
Wait for Response
The adjoining owner has 14 days to respond. They can consent in writing, dissent (triggering the surveyor appointment process) or simply not respond (treated as a dispute).
5
Appoint Surveyors if Needed
If consent is not given, each party appoints a surveyor (or a single agreed surveyor) to prepare a party wall award setting out the terms for the works.

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Legal Considerations

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 sets out specific requirements for notices, timing and dispute resolution.

This template is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified solicitor for advice specific to your situation.

Reviewed for England & Wales law

Notice Periods

Under the UK Party Wall etc. Act 1996, a Section 1 notice (new wall at boundary) requires two months’ notice before the intended start date. Section 3 (works to existing party wall) and Section 6 (excavation) notices require one month. Work must not begin until consent is obtained or a British party wall award is made.

Consequence of Not Serving Notice

Carrying out notifiable works in England and Wales without serving a valid party wall notice is a breach of the Act. The adjoining owner may seek an injunction in the UK courts to stop the works and claim compensation for any damage. The lack of a party wall award also means there is no formal record of the condition of the neighbour’s property before works began.

Party Wall Awards

If the adjoining owner dissents under United Kingdom law, the appointed surveyors prepare a party wall award. The award sets out the works permitted, any conditions, the schedule of condition of the adjoining property and responsibility for costs. Either party can appeal the award to the British County Court within 14 days.

Costs

The building owner is generally responsible for the costs of the UK party wall process, including the adjoining owner’s surveyor fees. However, if the adjoining owner has requested additional works, costs may be shared. The award will specify cost apportionment under English law.

Frequently Asked Questions

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