Do I need my neighbour's permission for a new Melbourne fence?

Not "permission" — but the Fences Act requires you to serve them written notice before starting work you intend to recover cost on. If they don't respond within 30 days, you can proceed. If they object, you go to the tribunal (SACAT in SA, VCAT in VIC) for adjudication.

Who pays for boundary fencing in Victoria?

Both neighbours contribute equally to a "sufficient" fence between owner-occupied lots. A "sufficient" fence is usually 1.8m Colorbond or standard timber paling. If you want an upgrade, you fund the difference. Serve the Notice to Fence in writing.

Do I need council approval for a fence in Melbourne?

Standard 1.8m boundary fences don't need Development Approval in Victoria in most cases. Fences over 2.1m, corner-block fences that affect sight-lines, and fences in heritage or character overlays DO need approval via Victorian Building Authority (VBA) or the local council.

Colorbond vs timber paling — what's better for Melbourne?

Colorbond is faster, cheaper, needs no maintenance and lasts 25+ years — best value for straight boundaries. Timber looks warmer and can be re-oiled but rots in the ground within 10-15 years without proper post treatment. In coastal or hills suburbs, always spec galvanised posts even for timber palings.

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Independent Melbourne Guide

Fencing Melbourne

Name: BuildPilot Adelaide Building Industry Dataset
Creator: BuildPilot
License: https://buildpilot.com.au/terms

Every Melbourne fence type from Colorbond to acoustic timber — real pricing, the Fences Act rules 1 in 3 neighbours get wrong, and how to split the cost cleanly.

Match me with a Melbourne fencer 1300 885 919

By George Giannakakis · B.Arch.Studies · M.Arch (UniSA) · RLA300580

Last reviewed: 28 February 2026 · How we research

Fencing feels straightforward until you realise Melbourne boundary rules are governed by the Fences Act, and every wrong assumption costs money and neighbour goodwill. This guide covers the real Melbourne pricing spread, which fence type suits which situation, how to legally split the cost with your neighbour, and how to shortlist a fencer who does the work properly.

Real Melbourne fencing prices by type

Boundary fencing is priced per linear metre installed. The variables that push the price: post spacing (2.4m standard, tighter on windy blocks), concrete type in footings (Melbourne clay needs proper mix depth), and whether the fence is one-sided or double-sided finish.

Colorbond 1.8m sheet fence — $95-$140/m installed
Hardwood timber paling (single sided) — $110-$160/m
Merbau / spotted gum feature paling (double sided) — $180-$260/m
Aluminium slat / privacy screen — $220-$380/m
Acoustic fence (rated 25dB reduction) — $260-$420/m
Standard swing gate + hardware — $400-$1,200
Retaining fence (fence over 300mm grade change) — add $150-$280/m for engineering

Fences Act — splitting the cost legally

In both Victoria (Fences Act 1968), a boundary fence between two owner-occupied lots is a "shared fence" and both neighbours are legally required to contribute to a "sufficient" replacement. If you want anything above sufficient (e.g. a $250/m feature screen when a $110 Colorbond would suffice), you fund the difference yourself. Serve a "Notice to Fence" in writing before you start — otherwise you can't recover the neighbour's share through the tribunal.

Melbourne climate + boundary conditions

Reactive basalt clay across most of metro Melbourne makes shallow post-holes fail. Proper footings in metro Melbourne are 600mm deep minimum, 900mm on reactive clay. If you're on a slope, the fence needs stepping or raking rules that stop water tracking down the boundary. Pool fencing has its own regime (Class A) — never overlap boundary fence with pool fence and assume they'll co-exist.

How to shortlist a Melbourne fencer

Fencing is one of the trades with the largest quote spread. On a 30m boundary, we routinely see $2,900 vs $5,400 quotes for the same 1.8m Colorbond. The difference is usually footing depth and gauge of steel.

Verify VBA (practitioner registration) for jobs above state DBI threshold
Get 3 quotes on the same spec sheet (height, material, footing depth)
Ask for pole and rail gauge in writing (not just "Colorbond")
Confirm concrete mix, hole depth and post-spacing in writing
Serve your neighbour a Notice to Fence before signing anything
Sight recent jobs — a good fencer's alignment and gate hang give them away

Frequently asked questions

A standard 30m boundary Colorbond fence is 1-2 days on site once footings cure. Timber paling is 2-3 days. Feature or acoustic screens 3-5 days depending on complexity. Full replacement including demolition of the old fence adds a day.

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Disclaimer: Pricing ranges are based on Feb 2026 Adelaide market observations and are indicative only. Actual costs depend on site conditions, block access, materials and finish level. BuildPilot is an independent home-build CoPilot and does not build or supply. Always obtain three fixed-price quotes on identical inclusions, verify SA building licences via Consumer & Business Services SA and lodge council approvals via PlanSA.

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