Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Property/DIY

Join our Property forum for renovation, DIY, and house selling advice.

New neighbours asked if they could take my fence down

467 replies

ellogov · 20/02/2026 18:22

Around two years ago, I put up a fence to divide my driveway from my neighbours. I made sure it was entirely on my side, not intruding on their area at all. The reason behind this was that they kept using my side to move their cars around, and they, along with their guests, would walk up and down my side to get around their vehicles all the time. They weren’t thrilled about it, but I was already doing some renovations, so I used that as my excuse. I never actually told them the real reason, though I have a feeling they figured it out. The driveways are pretty narrow, but that’s just how they were constructed. I had mine widened last year, so it’s much better now.

They moved out in September. New neighbours moved in just before Christmas, and they seem nice. I’ve chatted with them a few times, asking how they’re settling in. This morning, they asked how I’d feel about taking the fence down. They mentioned it’s because they don’t have much space and offered to pay for its removal. I’m a bit torn on what to do. While they seem friendly, I’m concerned they might end up being like the previous neighbours. If they’re really in need of more space, they could always pay to widen their side, and even though they’ve offered to cover the removal costs, it doesn’t compensate for the money I spent putting it up last year, and I’d have to pay again to put up another one if they start taking advantage of the situation.

What do you think? Should I say no sorry and keep them separate?

OP posts:
Fatchilli99 · 21/02/2026 17:48

It's your new fence. Why on earth would you even consider removing it after paying out good money to put it up . Just no.

Bikergran · 21/02/2026 17:48

Say no, and point out that's why you had the drive widened on your side.

hcee19 · 21/02/2026 17:49

Definitely a no from me. They viewed the house before they bought it. I find it a bit cheeky ...

Greenshed · 21/02/2026 17:55

You know you have to say “no” don’t you? If you take the fence down there’s no way that they’ll consider widening their drive, they’ll just impinge on yours.

Don’t let them browbeat you, don't offer any reasons, just stick to your guns and say no.

Pancakeflipper · 21/02/2026 17:59

I'd say, sorry but no. As much as you are sure they are lovely, you had a few issues with the previous people and for now want the fence to remain.

Seelybe · 21/02/2026 18:03

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

KeepOffTheQuinoa · 21/02/2026 18:03

OP: anyone with the brass neck to ask you such a request certainly has the resilience to manage an equally robust answer.

Just say “I’m happy with my fence and won’t be taking it down”

If they protest ‘so tight / can’t get out of car / park both cars’ say ‘yes I know, that’s why I had my drive widened. Would like the name of my contractor?’

domenica1 · 21/02/2026 18:04

It may have been mentioned already but there was a recent thread on exactly this with a poster complaining the neighbour was walking past her living room window in exactly these circumstances.
as you mention, they only want it down so they can swing over your side… no thanks!

Hmwales · 21/02/2026 18:06

No question about it you say NO ~ there is no reason at all for the fence to be removed.

AlwaysIntrigued · 21/02/2026 18:06

You’ve recently paid to have the fence put up so that’s all you need to say. Why would anyone think that they could ask you to remove it is beyond me.

Dugongs · 21/02/2026 18:06

ellogov · 20/02/2026 18:22

Around two years ago, I put up a fence to divide my driveway from my neighbours. I made sure it was entirely on my side, not intruding on their area at all. The reason behind this was that they kept using my side to move their cars around, and they, along with their guests, would walk up and down my side to get around their vehicles all the time. They weren’t thrilled about it, but I was already doing some renovations, so I used that as my excuse. I never actually told them the real reason, though I have a feeling they figured it out. The driveways are pretty narrow, but that’s just how they were constructed. I had mine widened last year, so it’s much better now.

They moved out in September. New neighbours moved in just before Christmas, and they seem nice. I’ve chatted with them a few times, asking how they’re settling in. This morning, they asked how I’d feel about taking the fence down. They mentioned it’s because they don’t have much space and offered to pay for its removal. I’m a bit torn on what to do. While they seem friendly, I’m concerned they might end up being like the previous neighbours. If they’re really in need of more space, they could always pay to widen their side, and even though they’ve offered to cover the removal costs, it doesn’t compensate for the money I spent putting it up last year, and I’d have to pay again to put up another one if they start taking advantage of the situation.

What do you think? Should I say no sorry and keep them separate?

Say Nooooooooo !!

They will start using your land!

There are clear boundaries. If they want more space they should offer to buy some off your for an "extremely exorbitant" price! Otherwise you are just going to be gradually put out. Say no !

I had neighbours like that and they used my land temporarily.. to find when I came home from work they started a brick wall on our land. We had to remind them of the boundary so luckily they realised we weren't taking their crap, so they took it down as it was just getting started.

They were chancers so take my warning.. stick to your guns (politely!) from the start .. otherwise you set yourself up for "give an inch, they take a mile !!"

Good luck

Zerosleep · 21/02/2026 18:07

CactusSwoonedEnding · 20/02/2026 18:35

I think it would be reasonable to say something like : "you are right that the driveways are narrow, that's why I had my driveway widened. Taking the fence down would only give you more space if you intend to use my land, and I wouldn't be happy with that, so it's best that you get the extra space you want by widening your driveway as I have"

Exactly this

Picklelily99 · 21/02/2026 18:11

Oh hell yes, keep the fence!

5arahM · 21/02/2026 18:12

Hey! I think you tagged the wrong person maybe 😊

Dugongs · 21/02/2026 18:13

ellogov · 20/02/2026 18:36

I thought that too, but I couldn't say it without it sounding like I was accusing them. It doesn't really make much sense, but clearly, they just want the cheapest option. There's a space on the road outside my house that I told them to use if they needed a place to park. It's a public road anyway, so they're welcome to do that, and as long as they leave me a little room to get in and out of the driveway, I wouldn't care. My driveway can fit 3 cars, so my guests can always park in front of me if they need to.

Why would you even offer that?!? They could start blocking your drive.

Don't be too nice. Just be firm and polite. Don't offer too much .. as I said .. an inch = a mile ..

5arahM · 21/02/2026 18:15

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Hi! @Seelybe I think you tagged the wrong person. 😊

cinnamongirl123 · 21/02/2026 18:17

Keep the fence!!!!

OldScribbler · 21/02/2026 18:18

I have always found it pays to explain to people why you think what you think, then they are at liberty to make a suggestion that suits you or simply understand and give up

JennyBG · 21/02/2026 18:18

Do you have small children, or likely to have small visitors? If so, it is entirely important to have a dividing fence for safety. (I’m assuming that you have a gate also, even if it’s a sliding one).

HAPPYBRIT · 21/02/2026 18:18

You put the fence up for a purpose. It solved your problem then.

Your new neighbours want to remove it to solve their problem,
however it will recreate your original problem.

My advice, Do not remove your fence no matter how nice or sweet they are.

They can widen their driveway from their side. Let them do.

The old expression : Good fences make good neighbours

I have learned this lesson the hard way.

Halfwaythere26 · 21/02/2026 18:21

How did they take it OP?

PUGMEISTER21 · 21/02/2026 18:21

ellogov · 20/02/2026 18:22

Around two years ago, I put up a fence to divide my driveway from my neighbours. I made sure it was entirely on my side, not intruding on their area at all. The reason behind this was that they kept using my side to move their cars around, and they, along with their guests, would walk up and down my side to get around their vehicles all the time. They weren’t thrilled about it, but I was already doing some renovations, so I used that as my excuse. I never actually told them the real reason, though I have a feeling they figured it out. The driveways are pretty narrow, but that’s just how they were constructed. I had mine widened last year, so it’s much better now.

They moved out in September. New neighbours moved in just before Christmas, and they seem nice. I’ve chatted with them a few times, asking how they’re settling in. This morning, they asked how I’d feel about taking the fence down. They mentioned it’s because they don’t have much space and offered to pay for its removal. I’m a bit torn on what to do. While they seem friendly, I’m concerned they might end up being like the previous neighbours. If they’re really in need of more space, they could always pay to widen their side, and even though they’ve offered to cover the removal costs, it doesn’t compensate for the money I spent putting it up last year, and I’d have to pay again to put up another one if they start taking advantage of the situation.

What do you think? Should I say no sorry and keep them separate?

My mum worked as a legal sec and driveways was/is one of the biggest causes of arguments between neighbours. Keep it keep it keep it. Protect your space. They can donwhatvyou have done and widen there side onto there own property. They saw it was there when they viewed the house so knew the score.

gentilleprof7 · 21/02/2026 18:21

No

Winter2020 · 21/02/2026 18:22

Hi OP,
You might have already spoke to your neighbours but just in case I wanted to suggest that they might not know that it is YOUR fence and on YOUR land. They may not be aware of this.

I would say something like "you might not be aware but I paid for the fence to be put up last year and put it completely on my side - it was a case of good fences make good neighbours - it's entirely on my side so I don't see any reason to take it down. If you need a wider drive you could consider widening at the other side...."

WearyAuldWumman · 21/02/2026 18:22

OldScribbler · 21/02/2026 18:18

I have always found it pays to explain to people why you think what you think, then they are at liberty to make a suggestion that suits you or simply understand and give up

I do recommend putting it in writing, given my previous experience.