Your neighbour is liable for half. Here's how it actually works.
In Victoria, adjoining owners generally share the cost of a sufficient dividing fence. But what counts as sufficient, what happens if you want something better, and how you actually get your neighbour to contribute can be confusing.
You don't need to figure this out yourself.
The basic rule
Under the Fences Act 1968 (Vic), adjoining owners generally contribute equally to a sufficient dividing fence.
"Sufficient" isn't a fixed standard. It takes account of the existing fence, how the land is used, privacy and security, and the fences already in your area. For a residential property it's often 1.8m timber paling.
If one owner wants a higher, more expensive or otherwise better fence than the sufficient dividing fence, that owner generally pays the additional difference, unless both parties agree to share it.
Anyone who tells you "your neighbour pays half of whatever you pick" is overclaiming.
The process is a Fencing Notice
30 days passes → you may proceed with the works set out in the notice → contribution can then be pursued.
Different process → you generally need a Magistrates' Court order if you want their contribution before work begins.
Certain genuinely urgent damaged/destroyed fences can be dealt with without the standard notice/agreement process.
Get the Fencing Notice for free
You don't need to work out the paperwork yourself. Boundary Co. can prepare the Fencing Notice as part of the fencing process.
Filled in, served and followed up. We don't charge per neighbour and we don't charge for postage.
DOWNLOAD A FENCING NOTICE →
So who actually pays what?
Build your own example.
The neighbour's contribution doesn't change when you go higher. It's based on the sufficient dividing fence, not half of the more expensive fence. The additional difference belongs to whoever asked for the upgrade, unless the neighbour agrees otherwise. Your Boundary Co. quote shows these numbers separately.
It doesn't have to become a dispute
Not every fencing conversation turns into a dispute. Often, once both sides can see the proposed fence, the total cost and exactly what each person is being asked to contribute, it is much easier to have a straightforward conversation.
The Victorian Government's guidance recommends talking it through and negotiating before escalating. It's also a good idea to let your neighbour know the notice is coming, so it isn't a surprise.
The Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria is free, before anything goes near a court.
If it still can't be resolved, only the Magistrates' Court can decide fencing matters. It's the last step, not the first.
We handle the awkward part
We prepare the quote and the Fencing Notice, so you and your neighbour can both see the proposed fence, the total cost and the contribution breakdown clearly. We've done this before.
Want to know exactly what your fence will cost?
Tell us what you're looking to build and we'll work out the fence, the price and the neighbour's share.