Step by step: how to serve a party wall notice
How to prepare, serve and follow up a party wall notice correctly.
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In short
Identify the sections that apply, find every adjoining owner, prepare a notice with the required details and drawings, serve it properly with proof, and diary the 14-day response deadline.
The steps
- Confirm which sections apply (1, 2 and/or 6)
- Find all owners on HM Land Registry, including leaseholders
- Prepare the notice: names, addresses, work description, start date, and plans for Section 6
- Serve it by hand, post, or email if agreed
- Diary 14 days for a response
- Follow up if there's no reply
Common mistakes
- Missing an owner, such as a leaseholder or joint owner
- Using the wrong section, or too short a notice period
- No drawings with a Section 6 notice
- No proof of service
Do it yourself or use a surveyor
For a simple project you can use our £100 notice generator. For anything more complex, we'll draft and serve the notices for you.
Common questions
Can I email a party wall notice?
Only if the neighbour has agreed to receive notices by email. Otherwise serve by hand or post.
Source: Party Wall etc. Act 1996 (applies in England and Wales).
Written by Guy Crouch BSc (Hons) MRICS, Director and Chartered Building Surveyor at Manchester Party Wall Surveyors. Last reviewed 26 October 2026. This page is general guidance, not legal advice. About our team
Planning work near a neighbour?
Speak to a chartered surveyor before you start, not after.