Which section of the Act applies to you?
The Party Wall Act has three triggers. Answer one question about your works and find your section, the notice you need, and how long it takes.
People talk about a party wall notice as if there is just one. There are three, and which you need depends on what you are actually doing. Pick the closest description and this finder names your section.
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 has three main triggers. Section 1 covers building a new wall on or at the boundary line. Section 2 covers works to an existing party wall, served by a party structure notice under Section 3. Section 6 covers excavation near a neighbour’s building. Each has its own notice and notice period.
Which best describes your works?
The three sections in plain terms
Three triggers, three notices. Here is each one without the legal density.
Section 1, the line of junction
This covers building a new wall on or right up to the boundary line where there is not one already. The notice is a line of junction notice and needs one month.
Section 2, works to the party structure
This covers work to a wall or structure you share, such as cutting in steel beams, taking out a chimney breast, or raising the wall. It is served by a party structure notice under Section 3 and needs two months.
Section 6, excavation
This covers digging near your neighbour’s building, caught by the 3 metre and 6 metre rules. The notice is an excavation notice and needs one month. Check it with the excavation distance checker.
When more than one section applies
Bigger projects often trigger more than one section at once. A basement, for example, can involve both Section 2 work to the party wall and Section 6 excavation, which means serving more than one notice. That is normal, and a surveyor will set out exactly which notices your specific job needs so nothing is missed.
The notice periods, verified. A party structure notice for Section 2 works needs two months. A line of junction notice under Section 1 and an excavation notice under Section 6 each need one month. After any notice, the neighbour has 14 days to respond, and silence counts as dissent under Section 10.
Why this finder helps
Names your section
The only interactive section finder for the Act. One answer, one clear result.
Gives the timeline
It tells you the notice period too, so you can plan back from your build date.
Teaches as it answers
You leave understanding the Act, not just clicking a button, which builds trust.
Feeds the next step
Once you know your section, it links straight to serving the right notice.
Three situations London homeowners face
These are representative situations, not named clients, but they show how the sections map to real jobs.
The beam that needed two months
An owner cutting steel beams into the shared wall for a loft learned it was Section 2 work, needing a party structure notice with two months’ notice. Knowing that early, they served in good time and avoided delaying the build. The lesson: party structure works need the longest notice, so start early.
The dig they almost overlooked
An owner focused on the wall work and nearly missed that the foundation dig was Section 6. The finder flagged the excavation trigger, so both notices went out. The lesson: a single job can hide a second section.
The new wall on the line
An owner building a new boundary wall on the line learned it was Section 1, a line of junction notice with one month. Simple, but still a notice. The lesson: even a new boundary wall has its own section and notice.
Know your section, now serve it right
Tell us your works and we will serve the correct notice with the right wording and period, so it cannot be challenged on a technicality.
Message us on WhatsAppFrequently asked questions
Section 1 covers building a new wall on or at the boundary line. Section 2 covers works to an existing party wall or structure, served by a party structure notice under Section 3. Section 6 covers excavation near a neighbour’s building.
A party structure notice for Section 2 works needs two months. A line of junction notice under Section 1 and an excavation notice under Section 6 each need one month.
Yes. A project such as a basement extension can trigger both Section 2 works to a party wall and Section 6 excavation, which means more than one notice. A surveyor can confirm exactly which notices you need.
Important: This finder is a guide based on the answer you give and is not legal advice. Some projects trigger more than one section and need more than one notice. The exact notices for your works should be confirmed by a party wall consultant before serving. Survey of Party Wall can identify and serve the correct notices for you.