Working on or near a wall shared with a neighbour? You may need to serve formal notice first.
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies in England and Wales when you work on a shared (party) wall, build at the boundary, or excavate within 3–6 metres of a neighbour's building.
Covered work includes cutting into a party wall (e.g. inserting beams), raising it, or underpinning. You must serve written notice on affected neighbours — typically 2 months before starting for wall works.
Neighbours can consent or dissent; if they dissent, surveyors draw up a Party Wall Award. Skipping notice can get you an injunction stopping the job.
This is guidance, not legal advice — always check with your local Building Control before starting work.