Quick answer: The usual notice period is two months for work to an existing party wall under section 2, and one month for line-of-junction or excavation work under sections 1 and 6. An adjoining owner normally has 14 days to consent or dissent. Notices generally cease to have effect if the work has not begun within 12 months.
This article concerns England and Wales. It provides general information, not legal advice. The application of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 depends on the facts, ownership and proposed work.
Which notice period applies?
A section 2 party structure notice normally requires at least two months before the proposed work begins. A section 1 line-of-junction notice and a section 6 excavation notice normally require at least one month. More than one notice can be needed where a project includes several kinds of notifiable work.
What does the 14-day period mean?
The adjoining owner normally has 14 days to consent. If no response is received, a dispute is deemed to have arisen and the statutory surveyor procedure can begin. Silence is not consent, so work should not simply start when the response period expires.
How should owners plan the programme?
Allow time to identify every adjoining owner, prepare drawings and notices, obtain responses and, if necessary, agree an award. Serve notices well before the minimum period and retain evidence of service. A late design change may require a fresh or amended notice.
Do notices expire?
A notice generally loses effect if the notified work has not started within 12 months. Owners should re-check the design, ownership and timetable before relying on an older notice.
Frequently asked questions
Can work start before the notice period ends?
It may be possible where the adjoining owner gives valid written consent, but owners should ensure every relevant owner and notice has been dealt with.
Does planning permission replace notice?
No. Planning permission, building regulations and the Party Wall etc. Act are separate regimes.
Authoritative sources and further help
Read the official GOV.UK explanatory booklet and the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 on legislation.gov.uk. For the wider process see our building owners guide, adjoining owners guide and notice guidance.
Reviewed: 16 July 2026. Seek advice from a suitably experienced party wall surveyor or solicitor where the facts or legal position are disputed.