Sharing a boundary fence
Understand shared boundary fence costs, neighbour notices, two-sided fence options and how to compare quotes for a dividing fence in Australia.
In NSW, QLD and VIC, dividing fences legislation generally provides that neighbouring owners share the cost of a sufficient dividing fence. Exactly what counts as “sufficient”, plus the process for recovering costs, varies between states.
FenceBuddy can generate a quote you’re welcome to share with your neighbour as a starting point for that conversation.
Ask for the Mirrascreen profile within our Fenscreen range, available across Classic, Plus and Unique. Both sides still show the rails and posts, but the panel is mirrored so the look is identical either way: both neighbours enjoy the same clean appearance rather than one side showing rails while the other doesn't.
That symmetry tends to make it an easier sell when you're asking a neighbour to go halves on a shared fence.
You're generally free to build a better fence than the shared standard, but you'll usually cover the difference in cost yourself. Your local council or a legal adviser can confirm the specific rules where you live.
In most states, you need to formally notify your neighbour before work begins if you want them to contribute to the cost. This protects your right to recover their share later.
We can't provide legal advice, but your council or a legal adviser can walk you through the notice process for your state.
