Who pays for a dividing fence in Victoria?

Short version: in most cases, you and your neighbour split the cost of a dividing fence 50/50. This is set out in Victoria's Fences Act 1968, and it applies regardless of who wants the fence built or whose yard benefits more.

Here's what that actually means in practice.

The basics

A dividing fence is the fence on the boundary between two properties. Under Victorian law it's treated as joint property, so both owners have equal rights and equal obligations. When it needs building, repairing or replacing, the law says both owners contribute in equal shares.

The catch is the word "sufficient." You're only both liable for a sufficient dividing fence, meaning a fence that's reasonable for the area and the way the properties are used. The law doesn't set an exact height or material. For a normal residential block, a sufficient fence is usually something like a 1.8 metre timber paling fence.

How we handle it

To keep things straightforward, most of our jobs run through a single point of contact. You accept the quote, we invoice you and collect payment from you, and we build the fence. That's usually the simplest way for everyone.

We're not able to get involved in mediating between neighbours on splitting price, style, height etc. In our experience the easiest approach is to have a friendly chat with your neighbour, agree on how you'll split the cost, and then one of you lets us know you're ready to go ahead.

Where we fit in

We'll give you a clear, itemised quote you can put in front of your neighbour to help you agree on the split, and then build to whatever standard you land on. If you have any questions call us on 0422 258 131.