Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

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:
wanderingstarz · 20/02/2026 20:00

We don't have fences between our drives and I couldn't care less if the NDN steps on my drive to get in and out of their car.

SyntheticFluff · 20/02/2026 20:00

So what did you actually reply? Clearly you can't have said 'er, can I get back to you after I've consulted Mumsnet?' so you must've replied something?

OldRocker99 · 20/02/2026 20:00

CoffeeBeansGalore · 20/02/2026 18:28

Absolutely not.
Tell them you put the fence up entirely within your boundary due to previous neighbours & their visitors taking liberties with your drive.

If they need more room then they can pay to widen their driveway as you have. You could be nice & pass on the details of the contractor you used.

This 💯%

Howwilliknow122 · 20/02/2026 20:00

MrFluffyDogIsMyBestFriend · 20/02/2026 19:55

So the neighbours were just walking on your side to get in their car? And occasionally using your drive to manoeuvre? Why would you be bothered enough about that the put up a fence? You sound bonkers but maybe I'm the bonkers one as everyone seems to agree with you.

Its defo you who is bonkers! 🤦🏻‍♀️

7238SM · 20/02/2026 20:01

Don't remove YOUR fence. Why would you?

As others have said:
'No Jane, I won't be removing MY fence so no need for you to pay for that- thanks anyway. I know the drives are narrow and that is why we had ours widened. Would you like the name of the tradesperson we used???'

That leaves a NO to fence removal and the ball in their court to sort out their own drive.

letshavetea · 20/02/2026 20:02

It’s got to be a ‘no’! It’s your land and your fence. They just need to manage with the land/drive they bought.

Newusername0 · 20/02/2026 20:03

It’s awkward but they only want it down so they can use your space. I would say no but keep it breezy! Maybe something along these lines

“Hey. I’ve had a think about the fence and I’m going to keep it for now — partly the hassle of reinstating it if we ever need to, and partly just keeping things tidy on my side. Hope you understand”.

Mancity08 · 20/02/2026 20:04

Definitely NO
you don’t have to give a reason why especially if the fence is on your side of the boundary . Cheeky even for asking. If they have a car issue then they shouldn’t have bought the house !
not your problem OP

nothing worse than a parking argument

SockFluffInTheBath · 20/02/2026 20:05

Next time they mention it I’d play dumb, say the fence is entirely on your side so you’re unsure what space they think they’d gain,

Kalanthe · 20/02/2026 20:06

If you built the fence on your land, where will their extra space come from if you take it down? Obviously they’re another chancers who want to use your driveway, even if they seem nice. Absolutely keep the fence or you will be putting it back on in 2 months time

wanderingstarz · 20/02/2026 20:06

Why are people telling the OP what to say? It's cringey.

FancyKeyboard · 20/02/2026 20:06

They will 100% use it the way your old neighbours did. And it's completely normal to be bothered by that. So keep the fence!

FloofyKat · 20/02/2026 20:09

Say no. If they press you can always point out that as the fence is on your land removing it wouldn’t give them any more space on theirs!

FaintingGoats · 20/02/2026 20:09

BananaPeels · 20/02/2026 19:57

There is a whole other thread on this very issue….

most people have fences between their properties. It is not abnormal.

duplicate

Woodfiresareamazing · 20/02/2026 20:11

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.

This.

No backstory about the previous CF neighbours needed.

FaintingGoats · 20/02/2026 20:14

BananaPeels · 20/02/2026 19:57

There is a whole other thread on this very issue….

most people have fences between their properties. It is not abnormal.

I once viewed a house where the four neighbours in the block had all decided to replace the fences between their back gardens with ankle-height picket fences so it was all completely open - “we are very much a community here 😁”.

I nearly ran screaming from that house 😂😬

ScribblingPixie · 20/02/2026 20:15

Wow no, don't even think about it. It would be colossal mistake. As a PP said earlier, just look puzzled and say, but it wouldn't give you any more space because my fence is on my property.

Newusername0 · 20/02/2026 20:16

wanderingstarz · 20/02/2026 20:06

Why are people telling the OP what to say? It's cringey.

To give ideas on how to manage the awkward exchange. What’s cringey is commenting nothing original or of any value and taking up space on her thread because you felt like you had to say something.

ellogov · 20/02/2026 20:17

@MrFluffyDogIsMyBestFriend @wanderingstarz

The area they were walking through is near my living room window, so I could be watching TV and they could see when they walked past. I didn’t fancy closing the curtains constantly just to have some privacy. Once in a blue I wouldn’t have minded, but not all the time, especially with visitors who I didn’t know. It just felt awkward. There are plenty of houses around me with fences and walls to mark their boundaries, so I don’t think it’s that unusual. It’s nice if you let your neighbours do this sort of thing, but I don’t think it’s crazy to want a little privacy.

OP posts:
BlackCat14 · 20/02/2026 20:18

What was your immediate response when they asked?

wanderingstarz · 20/02/2026 20:20

Newusername0 · 20/02/2026 20:16

To give ideas on how to manage the awkward exchange. What’s cringey is commenting nothing original or of any value and taking up space on her thread because you felt like you had to say something.

I did comment on the original OP.

Mags1001 · 20/02/2026 20:21

Are they being nice because they want something?
Good fences make good neighbours.

The fence stays!

IcantFeelMyFaceNow · 20/02/2026 20:22

Say no but take a photo of it (date stamped) ASAP before it is 'stolen'.

Not a chance would I move that fence. They are cheeky fuckers who bought the house with the fence in situ.

Glittertwins · 20/02/2026 20:24

Definitely keep the fence

Noshowlomo · 20/02/2026 20:24

Can we have a diagram OP?
Also, it’s very CF of them to ask! Someone else trying to make their problem, a YOU problem