Who pays for a boundary fence, me or my neighbour?

The boundary fence is the one job that comes with a neighbour attached. It is also the question almost no fencer answers straight. Here is the plain version of how the cost works, so you can have the conversation next door with the facts in hand.

The short answer

A dividing fence is the fence on the boundary between two properties. Under the Dividing Fences Act in your state, the cost of that fence is normally shared, split evenly between the two owners, for a fence of a sufficient standard. A sufficient standard is a normal, fit-for-purpose fence, not the cheapest thing going and not a feature wall.

If you want a fence that is dearer than the standard, a taller one, a premium material, or a pool-grade upgrade, you can have it. You just pay the difference above the shared standard yourself.

How the process works

• Get a quote first. You need a real number before you talk money. Our by-the-metre quote names the metres, height and material, so there is nothing vague to argue about.
• Serve a fencing notice. You give your neighbour a written notice that proposes the work, with the quote and the fence type. It starts the clock and gives them a chance to agree.
• Agree the share. Most neighbours agree once they see a fair, itemised quote. You each pay your half of the standard, and you cover any upgrade you chose.
• If you cannot agree. There is a tribunal process that can order a contribution. It is rare. A clear quote settles it most of the time.

The fight is almost never about the fence. It is about a vague number and who picks the colour. Take a clear, itemised quote next door and most of the heat goes out of it.

Where Postline makes it easy

We have done hundreds of dividing fences. We give you a clear quote you can put straight in front of the neighbour, plus a plain-English note on how the split works for your job. You can both see the same number, which is the whole point.

One more thing

This is general guidance, not legal advice, and the detail varies a little by state and by site. If your boundary is unusual, a retaining wall, an easement, or a disputed line, tell us on the measure and we will walk you through it.