Planning building work that affects a shared wall or boundary? Under the UK Party Wall Act 1996, you’re legally required to notify your neighbours before starting work. This guide walks you through creating a compliant party wall letter, with templates and examples to make the process straightforward. Whether you’re planning a loft conversion, extension, or basement dig, understanding how to properly notify adjoining owners can save you time, money, and potential legal headaches.
What Is a Party Wall Letter?
A party wall letter (also called a party wall notice) is a formal document sent to neighbours (adjoining owners) when you plan to carry out work that might affect a shared wall, boundary, or structure. This notice is a legal requirement under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 in England and Wales.
The letter informs your neighbours about your planned construction work and gives them the opportunity to consent or object. Proper notification is not just a courtesy—it’s a legal obligation that protects both you and your neighbours’ interests.
When is a Party Wall Letter Required?
You must send a party wall notice if you plan to:
- Build on or at the boundary between properties
- Work on an existing party wall or structure
- Excavate near your neighbour’s property (within 3-6 metres)
Key Elements to Include in Your Party Wall Letter
A legally compliant party wall letter must contain specific information to be valid under the Party Wall Act. Missing elements could render your notice ineffective and delay your project.
Essential Information
- Your full name and address (the building owner)
- Neighbour’s name and address (the adjoining owner)
- Property addresses affected by the work
- Detailed description of proposed works
- Planned start date (allowing for proper notice period)
- Date the notice is served
- Reference to relevant section of the Party Wall Act
Additional Helpful Elements
- Drawings or plans of the proposed work
- Suggested surveyor details in case of disputes
- Response template for your neighbour
- Information about the Act and their rights
- Your contact information for questions
- Clear instructions on how to respond
Statutory Notice Periods: You must provide at least 2 months’ notice for work on a party wall or structure, and at least 1 month for new walls at the boundary or excavation work. Plan your project timeline accordingly!
Types of Party Wall Notices
Depending on the nature of your building work, you’ll need to serve one of three types of party wall notices. Each has specific requirements and notice periods.
Party Structure Notice
For work directly affecting an existing party wall, party fence wall, or party structure.
- Cutting into a party wall
- Removing a chimney breast
- Raising the height of a party wall
- Demolishing and rebuilding a party wall
Notice period: 2 months before work begins
Line of Junction Notice
For building a new wall up to or astride the boundary line between properties.
- Building a new wall at the boundary
- Creating a new party wall structure
- Building foundations that cross the boundary
Notice period: 1 month before work begins
Adjacent Excavation Notice
For excavation or construction within 3-6 metres of neighbouring buildings.
- Digging foundations for an extension
- Creating a basement
- Underpinning shared foundations
Notice period: 1 month before work begins
Sample Party Wall Letter Template
Below is a template for a Party Structure Notice that you can adapt for your specific situation. This format follows the requirements of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Contact Details]
[Date]
To: [Neighbour’s Name]
Of: [Neighbour’s Address]
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996
Notice of Proposed Works under Section 2 of the Act – Party Structure Notice
As the owner of [Your Property Address] that is adjacent to your premises at [Neighbour’s Property Address], I/we [Your Name] notify you that in accordance with our rights under section 2 of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, I/we intend to carry out building works.
Further information regarding the Act can be found in the explanatory booklet available to download from: https://www.gov.uk/party-wall-etc-act-1996-guidance.
The proposed works are: [Detailed Description of Works]. The proposed works do/do not involve special foundations.
I/we intend to start work on [Start Date – at least 2 months from the date of this notice].
If you are content for the works to go ahead as proposed, please complete, sign, and return the attached letter of agreement within 14 days of receiving this letter. Please note that all joint owners should sign.
If you do not confirm in writing that you are content for the work to go ahead as proposed, we will be ‘in dispute’ under the Act.
In the event of any dispute between us under the Act, would you be willing to agree to the appointment of an ‘agreed surveyor’? If so, I suggest using [Surveyor’s Details] but would be happy to receive your alternative proposal.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
Need a Ready-to-Use Template?
Download our customizable Party Wall Letter Template in Word format. Simply fill in your details and print.
Neighbour’s Response Template
Include this template with your party wall notice to make it easier for your neighbour to respond. This helps streamline the process and ensures you receive a proper written response.
To: [Your Name]
Of: [Your Address]
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996
Acknowledgment of Party Structure Notice
As [Neighbour’s Name] of [Neighbour’s Address] and having received notice dated [Date] in respect of proposed works at [Your Property Address] and without prejudice to any of my/our rights under the Act,
Please tick as appropriate:
□ I am/We are content for the works set out in your notice to go ahead as proposed.
□ I/We give consent to the special foundations (if applicable).
□ I/We am/are content for you to start work on the date of [Start Date]
□ I/We dissent from your proposals and request that a Party Wall Award be prepared by surveyors.
□ I/We agree to the appointment of [Surveyor’s Name] as the agreed surveyor.
□ I/We will appoint my/our own surveyor, who is [Alternative Surveyor’s Details].
Signed: ______________________
Date: ________________________
Print Name: __________________
What Happens After Sending Your Party Wall Letter
After serving your party wall notice, your neighbour has several options for responding. Understanding this process helps you plan your project timeline effectively.
Consent
If your neighbour consents in writing within 14 days, you can proceed with the work on the proposed start date.
Make sure to:
- Keep the written consent for your records
- Follow the works as described in your notice
- Maintain good communication throughout
No Response
If your neighbour doesn’t respond within 14 days, a “dispute” is automatically deemed to exist under the Act.
Next steps:
- Appoint a surveyor to act for both parties
- Or each party appoints their own surveyor
- Surveyors prepare a “Party Wall Award”
Dissent
If your neighbour explicitly disagrees with the proposed work, a dispute exists.
Resolution process:
- Surveyors are appointed as above
- They inspect the properties and plans
- They create a legally binding award
- Work can proceed according to the award
Important: Even with a dispute, your project can still proceed. The Party Wall Act provides a clear resolution mechanism through surveyors. The resulting Party Wall Award is legally binding and allows work to continue while protecting both parties’ interests.
Pro Tips for Party Wall Letters
Follow these expert recommendations to ensure your party wall notice is effective and helps maintain good neighbour relations throughout your building project.
Legal Compliance
- Send via recorded delivery to prove the date of service
- Keep copies of all correspondence and proof of delivery
- Allow extra time in your project schedule for the notice period
- Include all required information to ensure validity
- Serve notice to all adjoining owners, including freeholders and leaseholders
Maintaining Good Relations
- Speak to neighbours informally before sending formal notice
- Provide clear drawings to help them understand the work
- Be available to answer questions and address concerns
- Consider timing – avoid serving notices during holidays
- Use plain language in addition to legal terminology
What if I can’t identify or locate the adjoining owner?
If you can’t identify or locate the adjoining owner, you can serve the notice by:
- Addressing it to “The Owner” and delivering it to the property
- Attaching it to a conspicuous part of the property
- If the property is unoccupied, posting it through the letterbox
Document your attempts to find the owner and how you served the notice.
Can I start work if my neighbour ignores my notice?
No, you cannot start work immediately if your neighbour ignores your notice. After 14 days of no response, a dispute is deemed to exist. You must then:
- Appoint a surveyor to act for both parties (if your neighbour fails to appoint one)
- Wait for the surveyor to prepare a Party Wall Award
- Only begin work after the Award is in place
Starting work without following this process could result in legal action against you.
Complete Party Wall Notice Pack
Get our comprehensive Party Wall Notice Pack including templates for all three notice types, response forms, and a step-by-step guide.
Conclusion
Creating a proper party wall letter is a crucial step in any building project that affects shared structures or boundaries. By following the guidelines in this article, you can ensure your notice complies with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 and helps maintain good relations with your neighbours.
Remember that the party wall process is designed to protect both you and your neighbours’ interests. Taking the time to prepare proper documentation and follow the correct procedures will help your project run smoothly and avoid costly delays or legal complications.
If your project is complex or you’re unsure about any aspect of the party wall process, consider consulting a professional party wall surveyor or solicitor for advice specific to your situation.
Ready to Start Your Building Project?
Download our free Party Wall Letter Template and Guide to ensure you’re fully compliant with UK regulations.
