Party Wall Notice Guide

If you are planning building work that may affect a neighbouring property, you may need to serve a party wall notice under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. Serving the correct notice is one of the most important steps in the party wall process and helps prevent disputes before construction begins.

This guide explains when notices are required, what they include and how the process works. At Bloomsbury Surveyors, we assist building owners and adjoining owners across Brighton, Hove and Sussex with professional party wall notice advice.

For a wider overview of the legislation, visit our Party Wall Act Explained page.

What Is a Party Wall Notice?

A party wall notice is a formal written document served by the building owner on the adjoining owner. It informs them of proposed works that fall within the Party Wall Act and gives them the opportunity to consent or dissent.

The notice starts the statutory process and must normally be served before work begins.

When Is a Party Wall Notice Required?

A notice is required where the proposed works fall within the categories covered by the Act. This often includes structural works to shared walls or excavation close to neighbouring buildings.

Common examples include:

Loft conversions involving steel beams in a party wall
Rear or side extensions near neighbouring foundations
Basement excavation
Cutting into a shared wall
Building on the boundary line

You can read more on our project pages:

Types of Party Wall Notice

There are different types of notice depending on the proposed works.

Party Structure Notice

This applies where works affect an existing party wall or party structure. Examples include inserting steel beams or cutting into the wall.

Line of Junction Notice

This applies where a new wall is proposed on the boundary line between two properties.

Notice of Adjacent Excavation

This applies where excavation takes place within the statutory distances of neighbouring buildings.

What Information Must a Notice Include?

A valid party wall notice must contain sufficient detail for the adjoining owner to understand the proposed works.

This usually includes:

Name and address of the building owner
Address of the property where works are proposed
Description of the proposed works
Relevant drawings where appropriate
Proposed start date
Date the notice is served

Providing clear and accurate information helps reduce the likelihood of disputes.

How Much Notice Must Be Given?

The Act specifies minimum notice periods depending on the type of work. In many cases this is either one month or two months before works begin.

Planning ahead is important because works should not normally begin until the notice period has expired and any dispute procedures have been resolved.

What Happens After a Notice Is Served?

Once notice is served, the adjoining owner has three main options:

Consent to the works
Dissent and appoint a surveyor
Do nothing, which is treated as dissent after the statutory period

If a dispute arises, surveyors can be appointed to prepare a Party Wall Award.

Read more on our Party Wall Awards Brighton page.

What If the Adjoining Owner Consents?

If the adjoining owner consents, works may proceed without a formal award in some situations. However, depending on the project, a schedule of condition may still be advisable to record the condition of the adjoining property.

This can help avoid later disagreements if damage is alleged.

What If the Adjoining Owner Dissents?

If the adjoining owner dissents, the Act requires surveyors to be appointed to resolve the matter. This does not necessarily mean conflict. It simply means the formal surveyor process must now take place.

Surveyors will review the works and prepare a Party Wall Award setting out how the project can proceed.

Further guidance is available on our Party Wall Dispute Resolution Brighton page.

What Happens If Notice Is Not Served?

If required notice is not served, the building owner may be exposed to greater risk of dispute and possible legal action. It can also make later issues more difficult to resolve because the statutory framework has not been followed.

If this situation arises, early professional advice is recommended. Read more on our Starting Work Without Party Wall Notice page.

Why Professional Advice Helps

Although it is possible to serve notices yourself, professional preparation often reduces the risk of errors and helps make sure the correct procedures are followed.

Professional support can help:

Confirm whether notice is required
Prepare accurate documentation
Reduce the risk of disputes
Ensure compliance with the Act
Support smooth project planning

How Bloomsbury Surveyors Can Help

Bloomsbury Surveyors assists building owners and adjoining owners across Brighton, Hove and Sussex with party wall notices and related matters. We provide clear professional advice on whether notices are required and how to proceed correctly.

Our aim is to make the process straightforward and professionally managed from the outset.

Related Party Wall Pages

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I serve a party wall notice myself?

Yes, but professional advice can help ensure the notice is correct and reduce the risk of problems later.

What happens if my neighbour ignores the notice?

If no response is received within the statutory period, a dispute is deemed to have arisen and surveyors can be appointed.

Can work start immediately after notice is served?

No. The required notice period must pass and any dispute procedures must be completed first.

Do all projects require notices?

No. It depends on whether the works fall within the Act.

Do you prepare notices in Brighton and Hove?

Yes, we assist clients throughout Brighton, Hove and Sussex.

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