Can I Draft and Serve My Own Party Wall Notice to Save Money?
Yes, the Act does not require a surveyor to draft or serve a notice. You can do it yourself. But an incorrect or badly served notice can be invalid, which can delay your project and cost more than you saved.
What the law requires
A notice must be in writing, describe the proposed work, and be served properly on every adjoining owner. Excavation notices need plans and sections. Notice periods are two months for work to an existing party wall and one month for a new wall on the line of junction or excavation.
Common mistakes
- Serving on the tenant, not the owner.
- Missing an owner, such as a freeholder as well as a leaseholder.
- Vague description of the work.
- Leaving out plans and sections for excavation.
- Starting work before the notice period has run.
| Cost item | Who normally pays | What drives it |
|---|---|---|
| Drafting the notice | Building owner | Clarity of the work description |
| Serving the notice | Building owner | Number of owners and method of service |
| Correcting an invalid notice | Building owner | Delay and reissuing costs |
| Surveyor once a dispute arises | Building owner, as the award directs | Complexity and neighbour's response |
| Delay to the builder | Building owner | Contract terms and start dates |
Serving it
Serve by hand, or by post to the owner's address, or as the Act allows. Keep proof. Where an owner cannot be found, other rules apply and professional advice is sensible.
When doing it yourself is reasonable
A single, clearly defined job with a friendly neighbour and correct drawings may be manageable. Complex jobs, multiple owners, or hostile neighbours are better handled by a surveyor.
What happens after
The neighbour has 14 days to respond. If they dissent or stay silent, surveyors must be appointed and an award made. You will need a surveyor at that point anyway.
If you do serve your own notice and a surveyor is later needed, tell the surveyor exactly what you served and when. They can then check it against the Act and advise if it needs correcting before the neighbour raises the point.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an official form?
No fixed form is required, but the content must meet the Act's requirements.
Can I use a template?
Templates can help, but they must be adapted to your work and your neighbours.
What if I served the wrong person?
Take advice quickly. You may need to reissue the notice correctly.
Related guides
- Party Wall Notices, Awards, and Agreements Explained
- When Do You Need a Party Wall Surveyor?
- Step-by-Step Guide to Appointing a Party Wall Surveyor
- How Much Does a Party Wall Surveyor Cost?
Last updated: . This page is general information about the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 (England and Wales). It is not legal advice. Every property and dispute is different, so take advice from a party wall surveyor or a solicitor before you act.