Who owns the fence between me and my neighbour?

Check property deeds — boundary plans typically have T-marks indicating ownership. T-mark on one side = that owner owns the fence. Where unclear or no T-marks, ownership is often joint (especially in newer estates). Replacement: technically only owner can replace; neighbour can dispute changes. Best practice: discuss with neighbour, share cost if both benefit, document agreement in writing. Avoid altering shared fence without neighbour discussion — common cause of disputes.

How tall can I build a fence without planning permission?

2m height general boundaries (rear and side gardens) — permitted development. 1m height adjacent to highway (front boundaries onto street, footpaths within 2m of carriageway). Conservation areas: usually require planning for any visible boundary changes. Listed buildings: LBC required for boundary structures within curtilage. Always check borough — Article 4 directions may further restrict permitted development in specific streets.

How long do timber fences last?

Treated softwood closeboard: 12–18 years (posts fail first — rot at ground line). Concrete-post timber-board: 18–25 years (posts last longer). Cedar slat: 20–35 years. Hardwood (oak, iroko): 25–40 years. Composite: 30–50 years (manufacturer warranty 25 years typical). Failure modes: rot at ground contact; weathering of panels; nail/screw corrosion. Annual oiling extends life 30–50%; ignoring maintenance halves lifespan.

Should I build brick wall or fence?

Brick wall: 50–100+ year lifespan, premium aesthetic, sound-blocking, expensive (£450–£950/m vs £85–£280/m fence). Fence: 12–40 year lifespan, lower cost, faster install (1–2 days vs 1–2 weeks), less planning friction. Use brick: front boundary on heritage property, conservation area requirements, premium £1M+ homes, security-driven sites, long-life investment in main residence. Use fence: rear gardens, side returns, budget-driven, plant-supported boundary, properties expected to be sold short-term.

Boundary Wall Fence Cost London 2026 | Builderr

How Much Do Boundary Walls and Fences Cost in London?

Boundary walls and fences in London cost £85–£950 per linear metre. Timber fence £85–£280/m (closeboard, hit-and-miss, premium horizontal). Brick wall £450–£950/m installed (engineered class B, double-skin 1.8m). Hardwood gate £950–£3,800 each. Planning required above 2m (or 1m next to highway). Party Wall Act applies to shared boundaries. Conservation areas often need matching brick and capping detail.

Timber fence types and rates

Closeboard fence (vertical featheredge boards on arris rails, 1.8m height, treated softwood): £85–£140 per linear metre supplied and installed. Concrete posts and gravel boards added £25–£55/m. 12–18 year lifespan. Hit-and-miss fence (alternate-spaced vertical boards allowing airflow and partial views): £140–£220/m. Premium horizontal slat fence (Western Red Cedar, treated softwood, or composite): £180–£280/m — modern aesthetic, 20–35 year lifespan cedar; 30–50 year composite. Trellis topper over solid fence (for climbing plants and softening): £35–£85 per linear metre. Hardwood fence (oak, iroko, balau slats in steel posts): £280–£450/m — 25–40 year lifespan; high-end residential standard. Composite fence panels (BetterFence, Eco Fencing UK): £180–£320/m — 25-year warranty, no maintenance. Wire and post for boundary marking only: £25–£65/m. Premium boundary spec for £1.5M+ homes typically combines hardwood slats + bespoke gates + integrated planting £350–£650/m.

Masonry wall rates

Brick wall single-skin half-brick width (low decorative or sub-1m height): £180–£320/m. Brick wall double-skin one-brick width (engineered, up to 1.8m): £450–£700/m. Heritage-match brick wall (lime mortar, reclaimed brick, traditional capping): £650–£950/m — required in conservation areas. Stone wall (Yorkstone, granite, reclaimed): £550–£1,200/m. Rendered blockwork wall (concrete block carcass, smooth or textured render finish): £280–£450/m for 1.8m height. Capping: brick-on-edge £15–£35/m; stone coping £25–£75/m; bespoke metal cap £45–£140/m. Foundation: 400×400mm concrete strip 600mm deep typical for 1.8m wall — included in pricing. Wall thickness rules: 1.8m height walls require minimum 215mm thickness (one brick); 2.4m height requires 330mm (one-and-a-half brick); piers every 3m for stability.

Planning, party wall, and consent

Walls and fences require planning permission when: over 2m height (or 1m next to highway/footpath); in conservation areas if visible from public realm; affecting listed building curtilage; demolishing wall in conservation area (Article 4 may apply). Permitted development covers fences/walls under 2m elsewhere. Application fee £258 (householder), 8-week decision. Party Wall Act 1996 applies to walls shared with neighbours: written notice required minimum 2 months before work; neighbour can dissent triggering surveyor process £900–£3,800. Replacement of shared fence: ownership often unclear; check deeds; T-marks indicate which side owns each boundary. Heritage matching: conservation areas require matching brick (London Stock, London Brindle), lime mortar, traditional capping (brick-on-edge, stone, or precast concrete). Pre-application advice £450–£950 strongly advised for any boundary work in conservation areas.

Gates, security and integration

Gates: timber side gate 0.9m wide £350–£950 supplied and installed; hardwood entrance gate (1.2m × 1.8m) £950–£2,800; pair of large hardwood drive gates (3.6m wide) £2,800–£6,500; electric automated gates (sliding or swinging) £4,500–£14,500 including motor, control, intercom, key fob/app entry. Premium specifiers: F.H. Brundle, Castle Tracks, Charles Henshaw. Security spec: anti-climb spikes/rotating barriers (£25–£85/m); CCTV integrated in piers/wall £450–£1,800 added; lighting integrated in coping £45–£140/m. Vehicular access: cross-overs (dropped kerb to allow car access from highway) require Highway Authority application £950–£3,800 + works cost; conservation areas usually refuse. Bin/storage integration: bespoke timber bin stores in wall recess £450–£1,800. Planting integration: walls with built-in planters or trellis-and-climbing scheme £85–£280/m premium.