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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:
Pancakesbythedozen · 20/02/2026 18:42

No is a complete sentence..
They will recreate the issue the previous ndn gave you.
Def leave your fence on your property.

Laneswim · 20/02/2026 18:42

No. Don’t go back to the problem you solved.

Happyjoe · 20/02/2026 18:43

They will take advantage, pretty much admitted it saying they don't have much space - they want the fence gone so they can use yours.

No, keep it up. You may feel a bit awkward now, but not as much as if they start taking the pee?

ellogov · 20/02/2026 18:44

LandOfFruitAndNut · 20/02/2026 18:37

Can’t you ask them why?

They said it was due to lack of space, but as pp have pointed out, taking it down won't make a difference unless they plan to use my side as well.

OP posts:
itsgettingweird · 20/02/2026 18:44

Ask them how the think it’ll give them more space as the fence is on your boundary side.

o think we all know the answer to that!

ParrotsAndLions · 20/02/2026 18:46

Don't do it. As PPs said, the only reason for them to do it would be to access your space. Otherwise there's no point in taking the fence down.

Seeingadistance · 20/02/2026 18:46

tealandteal · 20/02/2026 18:24

They won’t have any more space if the fence comes down, unless they start using your space. I would say no. Good fences make good neighbours.

All of this.

BananaPeels · 20/02/2026 18:46

ellogov · 20/02/2026 18:44

They said it was due to lack of space, but as pp have pointed out, taking it down won't make a difference unless they plan to use my side as well.

Exactly - they are clearly saying to you they want to use your drive to get more space. No other way to interpret it

MagnoliaTreeBlossom · 20/02/2026 18:48

I would not take the fence down and let them know you only put it up last year as part of other works and set it within your garden, not the boundary.

The narrow driveway can be increased by widening it in their garden, just as you have done. As a PP wrote, good fences make good neighbours.

Edited a typo fencing to fences. 🙂

Mochudubh · 20/02/2026 18:50

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"

ETA: Be pleasant but just affirm that the reason the fence is there is because of this very issue. As a PP said Good Fences Make Good Neighbours.

BasilParsley · 20/02/2026 18:56

No is a complete sentence.
So is "no, no and thrice no"

Give 'em an inch, they'll take a whole drive...

itsgettingweird · 20/02/2026 18:57

MagnoliaTreeBlossom · 20/02/2026 18:48

I would not take the fence down and let them know you only put it up last year as part of other works and set it within your garden, not the boundary.

The narrow driveway can be increased by widening it in their garden, just as you have done. As a PP wrote, good fences make good neighbours.

Edited a typo fencing to fences. 🙂

Edited

Yes - and perhaps mention you understand so widened yours and
give them the name of the people who did it.

Blackberrys1 · 20/02/2026 18:57

Absolutely not.
Don't be silly.
You put it up to solve a problem.
It did that job.
They bought the house as is.
I think you are asking for trouble and drama by even considering this.
Let them make changes to THEIR property, not yours.

Honestly, give your head a wobble, that you would even entertain this.

IMO they are complete cheeky fxxkers to ask.
You have been warned.

TheMorgenmuffel · 20/02/2026 19:00

Say no. I put it up because without it my old neighbour was parking on my driveway and I was sick of it.

If they say they won't then ask them why they need the extra space.

godmum56 · 20/02/2026 19:00

MagnoliaTreeBlossom · 20/02/2026 18:48

I would not take the fence down and let them know you only put it up last year as part of other works and set it within your garden, not the boundary.

The narrow driveway can be increased by widening it in their garden, just as you have done. As a PP wrote, good fences make good neighbours.

Edited a typo fencing to fences. 🙂

Edited

This. I wouldn't get into discussion about having problems with previous neighbours or that it won't get them more space unless they are intending to use your space. Just say that you prefer to keep your fence and that you will be happy to give them the contact details of the bloke who widened your drive.

StephensLass1977 · 20/02/2026 19:00

If the fence is entirely on your side, how are they going to gain more space by you removing it? They're like the last lot. They fully intend to use your property as a short cut and to take the piss.

Got to love these neighbours who get all butt hurt when people, gasp, fence off or otherwise defend their OWN property. Don't make any excuses or sound unsure. You've got to be clear voiced and know what you want to say, and just say it. Being too nice, making jokes, laughing awkwardly etc., people like this see all that as a sign of weakness.

We had similar recently. We each have two car spaces in a shared courtyard (ugh) and we only had one car initially, so they felt entitled to constantly use our 2nd space without asking, so every time we had guests, the guest had to park elsewhere or block the offending neighbour in. When we got a 2nd car, they threw us dirty looks when they saw us in the courtyard. They genuinely felt entitled to our space, and not one time did they ever ask.

Assert yourself from the start. You won't regret it.

BangFlash · 20/02/2026 19:01

It seems an easy one.

Sympathise about the lack of room, say yours was the same til you widened it and do they want to details of the guys who did it? And no, you like the fence but thanks for offering.

FindingMeno · 20/02/2026 19:03

I think I would just say that I've not long had the fence up, so I don't want it down again as I like it.
And leave it at that.

MyDeftDuck · 20/02/2026 19:03

You went to considerable expense in having the fence erected to stop the previous neighbours from accessing your property………why would you consider having it removed for the new neighbours? I’m surprised you even have to ask to be honest.

Bufftailed · 20/02/2026 19:03

say no. Keep the fence.

Keroppi · 20/02/2026 19:03

BangFlash · 20/02/2026 19:01

It seems an easy one.

Sympathise about the lack of room, say yours was the same til you widened it and do they want to details of the guys who did it? And no, you like the fence but thanks for offering.

100% this

BlueMoonBlueCheese · 20/02/2026 19:04

I'm guessing that without the fence they could park much closer to the edge and still open the door of their car.

BlueMoonBlueCheese · 20/02/2026 19:05

I'm not suggesting that's a reason for you to remove your fence

AxolotlEars · 20/02/2026 19:06

Mmmm.....are they asking because it will benefit both of you or them? The answer is them! Having the fence has been positive for you. If you take it down do you think it will cause anxiety?

HateThese4Leggedbeasts · 20/02/2026 19:07

"Hi Bob and Linda, I've thought about it but I like my fence as it is. Hope you find another solution and if you want the name of the people that widened my drive, I can pass it on".