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Can I build a new fence next to my Neighbours?

Author

Rachel Ellis

Published Jan 18, 2026

Yes. Yes, you can build next to your neighbour's fence. As long as you're inside your property line you're fine. One consideration: your posts might have to be staggered relative to the fence posts of the existing fence.

How close to a Neighbours fence can I build?

In most areas, fences can be installed between 2-8 inches from the boundary line. However, some areas may allow you to build right up to the property line.

Can my Neighbour stop me putting up a fence?

Whether or not your neighbour can actually stop you from putting up a fence will depend entirely upon where you want to put it. If you're someone who wants to put your fence in a place which is completely on your property, then you don't have any issues, and you're free to do whatever you please.

How close can I build to my Neighbours fence UK?

As a rule of thumb, a build that reaches 7.2 feet is considered acceptable and anything over that we do recommend speaking to your neighbour.

Can I put a fence up without my Neighbours permission UK?

As long as it's not higher than 2m, your neighbour is free to put up a fence on their property. If you have an issue with the fence, you should always try to resolve the situation in an informal way. If you can't come to an agreement, you can hire a mediator or a solicitor to help.

20 related questions found

What is the law regarding boundary fences?

This might surprise you, but you don't have to have fencing – there's no law that says you do. You're only legally obliged to put up fencing under certain conditions. The most common are if you live next to a railway, if you need to prevent livestock from leaving their fields and if your deeds require you to.

Can I paint my side of my Neighbours fence?

If your neighbour owns the wall or fence

Your neighbour doesn't have to change a wall or fence just because you want them to, for example making it higher for privacy. You can't make changes to your side without their permission, such as painting it.

Can a Neighbour put fence posts in my garden?

Regardless, the posts of their fence should be within the boundary of their land, absolutely. It shouldn't encroach on your land at all.

Can my Neighbour grow plants up my fence?

For creeping plants that will grow up and over your side of a neighbour's fence, you must ask permission from the owner of the fence, which will likely be graciously given.

Can I build right up to my boundary?

The party wall act allows an absolute right to build up to the boundary between you and your neighbour. It also allows you to build astride the boundary line, but only with your neighbour's consent.

How close to the fence can I build a shed?

You typically can't build a shed within 10 feet of the rear property line and 15 feet from a side property line. There should be sufficient room between your shed and your neighbor's yard.

How close can I build to my Neighbours side boundary UK?

In common cases your property will share boundaries with immediate neighbours on one or both sides. In this case you can normally have the following options: Build up to 50mm from the neighbouring boundary under permitted development or with planning permission.

Does my Neighbour have to cut my side of his hedge?

Both you and your neighbour should be trimming each other's respective side of the hedge. You are free to cut back roots or branches that are within your property's boundaries. However, you're only allowed to trim the growth on your property.

Do I have to give Neighbour good side of fence?

If you're the courteous type and enjoy getting along with your neighbours, it would be generous to show the smooth side of the fence towards them, but this is far from being an established convention and there's absolutely no obligation to do so if you don't want to.

Can my Neighbour remove fence between our properties UK?

Can I remove a neighbour's fence on my property? Under UK law, you will need to legally prove that your neighbours' fence is on your property before you can go about the process of removing the fence.

Who owns the fence between two houses UK?

Article Summary. In England and Wales, there is no legal presumption that a person owns or must maintain a fence or other boundary barrier on the left or on the right. Ownership of the boundary is normally determined by the builder who erects the buildings.

How do you tell if a fence is yours or neighbors?

The best way to determine whether a fence is yours or not is by examining where it falls on the property line. If the fence is placed on your side of the property line between your house and your neighbor's, the fence is yours.

Can I go on my neighbors property to maintain my fence?

Generally, if you go onto your neighbour's land without their permission, you are trespassing. However, if you need to repair your home and to do so need access via your neighbour's land, you may go onto your neighbour's land without getting their permission.

Can my Neighbour nail things to my fence?

Can my neighbour attach or nail things to my fence? The short answer to this question is, of course, “no”. If you own the fence and you have not granted your neighbour permission to do so, they are not allowed to attach or nail things to your fence.

Who has the best side when putting up a fence?

The finished side should face toward your neighbor. Not only is this more polite, but it's the standard. Your property will look a lot nicer with the “good” side facing the outside world. Otherwise, your fence will look like it was installed backward.

Can you stain one side of a fence?

Generally, this is the best approach, but it is not cast in stone. In reality, if one side of the fence faces a neighbor and they choose not to stain or seal their side will discolor and yours won't, without this affecting the structural integrity of the structure.

Can you build a fence next to another fence?

Yes. Yes, you can build next to your neighbour's fence. As long as you're inside your property line you're fine. One consideration: your posts might have to be staggered relative to the fence posts of the existing fence.

Who is responsible for fencing between properties?

When looking at the plans, the ownership is indicated by a “T” marked on the plans on one side of a boundary. If the “T” is written on your side of the boundary, you're responsible for maintaining it. If there's an H (although actually it's two joined Ts) the boundary is the joint responsibility of both parties.

Is it a legal requirement to have a fence?

Surprisingly, there are no laws stating that home owners must erect fences around their property. Rather, many people opt for fencing or gates for the added privacy and security this will provide.

What is the legal height of a Neighbours hedge?

permission is not required to grow a hedge over two metres high. action may not be taken when a hedge grows over two metres high. your neighbour may not be ordered to reduce the height of their hedge.