What Makes a Party Wall Notice Valid

When carrying out building works near a shared boundary, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 requires that you serve a valid Party Wall Notice. But what makes a notice valid?

A proper Party Wall Notice must include:

  • The full names and addresses of both the Building Owner and the Adjoining Owner(s).
  • A clear description of the proposed works, including structural changes or excavation.
  • The address of the property where the works will take place.
  • The proposed start date of the works.
  • The date of service and the signature of the Building Owner (or their authorised representative).
  • For excavation or structural works, drawings or plans should be provided.
  • It must be served correctly — either by hand, post, or another method allowed under the Act.

Why It Matters

If a notice is invalid, your works could be delayed, and you may need to re-serve it, costing you valuable time. A valid notice ensures your project remains compliant and helps avoid unnecessary disputes.

Why Use a Party Wall Surveyor?

While it’s possible to draft a notice yourself, mistakes are common — and an invalid notice can cause costly delays. By instructing a qualified surveyor, you can be confident that your notices are correct, compliant, and served properly. At Christopher Anthony Surveyors, we prepare and serve notices on behalf of our clients, ensuring the process is smooth from the start.

Find out more about our Party Wall Notice service here.


Q: How much notice do I need to give?

A: Two months for works to a party wall or structure, and one month for new boundary walls or excavations.

Q: What happens if my notice is invalid?

A: You will need to serve a fresh notice, which can delay your project start.

Q: Can my neighbour ignore the notice?

A: If they do not reply within 14 days, the law treats this as a “dissent,” and the Party Wall process must move forward with surveyors appointed.

Learn More

If you are planning works in London that may fall under the Party Wall Act, our team can help.

Government guidance: Party Wall etc. Act 1996

Read about our Building Owner Surveyor service

Read about our Adjoining Owner Surveyor service

Learn about our Schedule of Condition service

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