Can I Serve a Party Wall Notice Myself or Do I Need a Surveyor?

Legally? Yes, you can serve a Party Wall Notice yourself.

But should you? That’s where most DIY attempts go wrong and it could cost you weeks of delay, extra fees, and even legal challenges.

At Grandline Party Wall Surveyors, we’ve seen dozens of homeowners lose time and money by serving notices themselves — only to find out later they were invalid.

Here’s what you need to know before attempting it on your own.

🧱 Yes, Anyone Can Serve a Notice — But It Must Be Legally Valid

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 allows the building owner (you) to serve a notice.

⚠️ Common Pitfalls of DIY Party Wall Notices

Incorrect or vague work descriptions

➤ You must detail exactly what’s being done — e.g., “removal of chimney breast on the party wall”, not “internal renovation.”

Wrong section of the Act referenced

➤ A wall you thought was a “party wall” might actually be a boundary wall (Section 1 vs Section 2 confusion is common).

Misidentifying the adjoining owner

➤ If the property is rented, you must serve the freeholder, not the tenant.

Inadequate notice period

➤ Giving 1 month when 2 months is required? That voids the process.

No proof of service

➤ If challenged, can you prove you served it? By post? In person? Recorded delivery?

⚖️ Real Case Law: Patchett v. Swimming Pool & Allied Trades Association Ltd (2009)

This case shows that technical errors in procedure can void an entire award, even when works have started. If a notice is defective or mis-served, any agreement that follows may be legally unenforceable.

🧠 Why Use a Party Wall Surveyor?

Hiring a professional ensures:

Notices are watertight and legally valid

You avoid disputes and delays

Everything is properly documented in case of future legal issues

Most importantly, it keeps the process stress-free, especially when tensions with neighbours run high.

🏘️ Local Expertise You Can Trust

We’ve served hundreds of notices across:

Newham – Stratford, Plaistow, Forest Gate

Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Redbridge, Waltham Forest

Essex – Romford, Chigwell, Barking

Greater London - All areas

Whether it's a loft conversion in Leytonstone or a side return in Ilford, we’ve seen it all.

📞 Let’s Do It Right The First Time

Call Grandline Party Wall Surveyors on 020 7205 4854 or use our contact form to have your notice served professionally.

We offer fixed-fee notice serving with free initial advice