A party structure notice is served under Section 2 of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 when you plan to carry out works to an existing party wall or party structure that you share with a neighbour. It is the most common notice for London homeowners undertaking loft conversions, extensions and internal alterations, and it must be served at least two months before the works begin.
What Counts as Work to a Party Structure
Section 2 covers a wide range of works to a wall or structure that is shared with, or forms the boundary with, an adjoining property. Typical examples include:
- Cutting into a party wall to insert a beam, padstone or flashing
- Inserting a damp-proof course through a party wall
- Raising the height of a party wall or rebuilding it
- Underpinning a party wall to strengthen its foundations
- Removing a chimney breast that is built into the party wall
- Demolishing and rebuilding a party wall
- Reducing the thickness or height of a party wall
These works differ from building a new wall on the boundary, which requires a line of junction notice under Section 1, and from excavation near a neighbour, which is governed by the 3 and 6 metre rule under Section 6.
What the Notice Must Contain
A valid party structure notice must set out enough detail for the adjoining owner to understand the proposals. It should include:
- The name and address of the building owner serving notice
- The address of the property where the works will take place
- A clear description of the proposed works, with plans or sections where the work involves cutting in, beams or underpinning
- The proposed start date, which must be at least two months after service
- The date of the notice
A notice that omits key detail can be challenged as invalid, so accuracy matters. Our page on party wall notices explains the wider notice requirements.
The Two-Month Period
| Section | Type of work | Notice period |
|---|---|---|
| Section 2 | Works to an existing party wall or structure | 2 months |
Once served, the notice remains valid for twelve months, and the works to which it relates must begin within that time. The adjoining owner has fourteen days in which to respond by consenting or dissenting. If they do not reply within that period, a dispute is deemed to have arisen and surveyors must be appointed.
What Happens After Service
If the adjoining owner consents in writing, the works may proceed without a formal award, though a schedule of condition is still wise. If they dissent, or do not respond, the matter proceeds to a party wall award prepared either by an agreed surveyor acting for both parties or by a surveyor appointed by each side. For guidance on responding, adjoining owners can read our adjoining owners page.
FAQs
Is a loft conversion a Section 2 work?
Usually yes. Most loft conversions involve cutting into the party wall to bear new steel beams, which is expressly covered by Section 2 and requires a party structure notice.
Can I start work before the two months are up?
Only if the adjoining owner gives written consent to an earlier start. Otherwise you must wait the full two months from service before beginning the notifiable works.
Does removing a chimney breast really need a notice?
If the chimney breast is built into the party wall, cutting it away is a notifiable work under Section 2 because it affects the shared structure. A notice protects you if any issue arises next door.
If you are planning works to a shared wall anywhere in London, our RICS-accredited surveyors will prepare a valid party structure notice and manage the process from start to finish. Contact us today.