Party Wall Notices Explained: Types and Timescales

Section 1 — Line of Junction Notices

Section 1 concerns certain new walls being built at the boundary between properties.

The rules differ depending on whether the proposed wall is wholly on one owner's land or astride the boundary.

The statutory notice period is normally at least one month.

Building a new party wall astride the boundary requires the adjoining owner's written consent.

Section 2 — Party Structure Works

Works covered by Section 2 are generally notified through a Party Structure Notice under Section 3.

Common examples include cutting into a party wall for beams, raising a party wall and certain chimney breast works.

A Party Structure Notice normally requires at least two months' notice.

Section 6 — Adjacent Excavation

Section 6 applies to certain excavations near neighbouring buildings or structures.

The two principal tests involve excavations within 3 metres and certain deeper excavations within 6 metres.

Whether a Notice is required depends on the distances, relative depths and proposed excavation details.

The statutory notice period is normally at least one month.

What happens after serving a Notice?

The adjoining owner's response and any resulting surveyor procedure depend on the type of Notice.

Party Structure and Adjacent Excavation Notices generally involve a 14-day consent period, after which a dispute may be deemed to have arisen.

Line of Junction Notices operate differently and shouldn't be treated as though the same response rules apply in every case.

What should you do next?

Send us your drawings and we'll advise which types of Notice may be required for your proposed works.

Related guide: Party Wall Notice for an extension