Do I Need a Party Wall Notice? A Practical Guide for Developers and Homeowners
If you're planning a new-build, extension, loft conversion, or basement, you may have heard you need to serve a Party Wall Notice — but what exactly does that mean, and when is it required?
At ONFORM, we regularly advise developers and homeowners across Bournemouth, Poole, Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire, Berkshire, Surrey and London on how to stay compliant and avoid unnecessary delays. This guide sets out the basics of when a notice is needed, who it applies to, and what to expect from the process.
What Is the Party Wall etc. Act 1996?
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is a piece of legislation designed to prevent disputes between neighbours when building works affect a shared wall or close proximity to another structure. It gives you the right to carry out certain works — but only after serving formal notice to affected adjoining owners and, in some cases, reaching a legally binding agreement known as a Party Wall Award.
When Do You Need to Serve a Party Wall Notice?
You must serve a Party Wall Notice if your works fall into one or more of the following categories:
Work directly to a party wall, such as cutting into it, raising it, or removing chimney breasts
Excavating within 3 or 6 metres of a neighbouring structure, depending on the depth of foundations
Building on or astride the boundary line (even if it's your land)
Examples include:
Rear and side extensions
Loft conversions with steel beams
New basements
New builds close to another property
If you’re unsure whether the Act applies, we recommend getting professional advice early — the consequences of not serving notice can be costly.
Who Do You Need to Serve Notice On?
You must serve notice on:
The freeholder of the adjoining property
Any leaseholder with more than 12 months remaining on their tenancy
In some cases, long-term tenants under agreements such as shared ownership
Even if the building next door is divided into flats, you may need to serve multiple notices — including to the freeholder and each long-term leaseholder directly affected.
What Happens If a Neighbour Objects?
If your neighbour consents in writing, you can usually proceed after the notice period.
If they dissent (or simply don’t respond), then each party must either:
Appoint a surveyor (or agree to use the same one), who will resolve the dispute by issuing a Party Wall Award
This process ensures that work can still proceed, but under agreed conditions — and with safeguards in place.
At ONFORM, we often act as:
Building Owner’s Surveyor (on behalf of the party doing the work), or
Agreed Surveyor, if both parties are happy to use the same professional — which can simplify and streamline the process.
Adjoining Owner’s Surveyor (on behalf of the adjoining owner who has received a notice)
Why Early Advice Makes a Difference
Getting the party wall process wrong can lead to:
Delays to the start of works
Legal challenges from neighbours
Difficulty getting funding or insurance, particularly for developers
Difficulty selling your property if the buyer’s solicitor picks up building work has been undertaken without notifying the adjoining owner
We’re regularly appointed before planning is granted to:
Review who notices must be served on
Assess whether risks can be mitigated
Draft notices and manage the entire process
How ONFORM Can Help
With extensive experience across both residential and developer-led schemes, we:
Advise on party wall obligations during early design stages
Prepare and serve notices in compliance with the Act
Act as Building Owner’s, Adjoining Owner’s or Agreed Surveyor
Coordinate with architects, contractors, and adjoining owners
Prepare and issue Party Wall Awards where required
Assist with dispute resolution
✅ Planning works in Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Dorset, Hampshire or Wiltshire?
Get in touch with ONFORM for honest advice or a free, no-obligation chat about your project and whether party wall notices are required.