How much does a fencing cost in Melbourne?
Melbourne fencing costs have risen noticeably in 2024–2025, particularly in the wake of severe hailstorm events that damaged thousands of fences across the eastern and southeastern suburbs. Colorbond fencing typically costs $90–$180 per metre installed (with $170–$200+ common on Melbourne quotes once height, sleepers, and extras are added), while treated pine timber paling sits at $120–$180 per metre at standard 1.8m height.
For a standard 3-bedroom home requiring 40–50 linear metres of boundary fencing, expect $4,000–$9,000 depending on material and complexity. Melbourne's varied terrain — from flat western plains to hilly eastern suburbs — plus the city's extreme weather variability (hail, wind, freeze-thaw cycles) means material choice and installation quality matter enormously for longevity.
Under the Fences Act 1968 (Vic), your neighbour is generally liable for 50% of a "sufficient" dividing fence. Victoria recently modernised its fencing dispute resolution through VCAT, making the process more accessible. However, the definition of "sufficient" varies by locality, and Melbourne's diverse housing stock — from Victorian terraces in Fitzroy to modern estates in Tarneit — means there's no one-size-fits-all answer.
| Service | Low | High | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorbond fence (1.8m standard) | $79 | $126 | $100 /metre |
| Timber paling fence (1.8m) | $84 | $158 | $116 /metre |
| Hardwood timber fence | $126 | $263 | $179 /metre |
| Picket fence (1.2m) | $84 | $158 | $116 /metre |
| Glass pool fencing (frameless) | $315 | $630 | $473 /metre |
| Glass pool fencing (semi-frameless) | $210 | $420 | $294 /metre |
| Aluminium slat fence | $105 | $210 | $147 /metre |
| Chain link / wire fence | $32 | $84 | $53 /metre |
| Retaining wall (timber) | $158 | $420 | $263 /metre |
| Gate — pedestrian (Colorbond) | $315 | $840 | $525 per gate |
| Gate — driveway (sliding) | $1,575 | $5,250 | $2,940 per gate |
| Old fence removal | $16 | $47 | $26 /metre |
Prices include GST. Based on Melbourne metro area, Feb 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.
Tight access through narrow lanes and between terrace houses pushes labour costs up 15–30%. Heritage overlays in Fitzroy, Carlton, Richmond, and South Melbourne may restrict front fence materials to timber picket or iron. Rear boundaries are less restricted. Bluestone foundations can complicate post footings — hand-digging or core-drilling may be needed.
Hailstorm damage in December 2023 destroyed thousands of fences across Box Hill, Doncaster, and Glen Waverley, creating a backlog of replacement work that continues to affect pricing and wait times. Sloping blocks add 20–40% to costs. Aluminium privacy slats are increasingly popular in established suburbs upgrading from old timber.
Melbourne's most affordable fencing zone. New estates in Tarneit, Craigieburn, and Mickleham often include basic fencing in house-and-land packages. Flat terrain and easy access keep costs low. Reactive clay soils in the west require deeper footings (600mm+) with extra concrete to prevent post movement as ground expands and contracts seasonally.
Coastal salt spray demands corrosion-resistant materials — powder-coated aluminium or genuine BlueScope Colorbond (not cheap imports). Pool fencing demand is high along the bay. Sandy soils in coastal areas may need wider footing bases. Some Bayside councils have strict front fence height limits (0.9–1.2m) and material restrictions to maintain streetscape character.
45 linear metres of 1.8m Colorbond in Monument or Woodland Grey. Includes old timber fence removal and disposal ($10–$20/m), concrete footings, posts, rails, and panels. Flat block with driveway access. One pedestrian gate ($350–$600). Plinth base adds $25–$40/m if ground is uneven. Melbourne quotes typically come in higher than the national average — $170–$200/m is common once all inclusions are factored in.
Replacing 25m of Colorbond fencing dented and damaged by hail in Melbourne's eastern suburbs. Insurance typically covers like-for-like replacement less the excess ($500–$1,000). Key issue: contractor availability — after major hail events, wait times blow out to 8–12 weeks and some contractors inflate pricing. Get your own independent quote before accepting the insurer's recommended contractor.
20m of 1.8m treated pine paling with capping for a period home in the inner suburbs. Hardwood posts (preferably ironbark or red gum) last longest in Melbourne's wet winters. Tight access through the house or side lane adds labour time. Allow $5–$8/m extra for a quality water-based timber stain at installation — it protects the wood and looks far better than bare pine from day one.
8m of horizontal aluminium slat fencing (1.2m height) with powder-coated finish in black or charcoal. Includes automated pedestrian gate ($800–$1,500) with intercom compatibility. Popular in Bayside, inner south, and new estates. Clean modern lines complement contemporary architecture. No maintenance required — just an occasional hose-down.
55m of Colorbond fencing on a sloping eastern suburbs block requiring stepped panels and timber sleeper retaining (up to 600mm) at the base. Retaining component adds $50–$90/m. Engineer certification needed for retaining over 500mm. Rock may be encountered in hilly areas — drilling adds $30–$50 per post. This is a complex job — insist on a fixed-price quote with detailed scope.
Fence length
Longer fences benefit from economies of scale — the per-metre rate drops as the total length increases.
Material choice
Colorbond and timber paling are the most affordable. Hardwood, aluminium slats, and glass pool fencing are premium options.
Terrain and slope
Sloping or uneven ground requires stepped panels or raked fencing, which costs more. Rocky ground makes post holes harder to dig.
Height
Standard residential fences are 1.8m. Taller fences (2.1m privacy) use more material and may need council approval.
Old fence removal
Removing and disposing of an existing fence adds $15–$45 per metre. Concrete post removal costs more than timber.
Shared boundary
In most Australian states, neighbours share the cost of a boundary fence equally. This can halve your out-of-pocket cost.
Registration requirements: Victoria does not require a specific fencing licence for standard residential fencing. However, if fencing is part of a larger building project over $10,000, the builder must be a registered domestic builder. For standalone fencing, check that your contractor has appropriate public liability insurance (minimum $5 million recommended) and WorkCover if they have employees.
Fences Act 1968 (Vic): Victoria's framework for dividing fence cost-sharing. Similar to NSW: adjoining owners share equally in the cost of a "sufficient" fence. The process: (1) serve a written Notice to Fence describing proposed work, materials, and estimated cost; (2) allow 30 days for response; (3) if agreed, proceed and split 50/50; (4) if disputed, apply to the Magistrates' Court or VCAT for resolution.
What's "sufficient" in Melbourne? Generally, a 1.8m Colorbond or timber paling fence is considered sufficient for residential boundaries. Courts consider existing fences, local standards, privacy needs, and council policies. If you want a premium upgrade (e.g., aluminium slats instead of timber paling), you pay the difference above what a sufficient fence costs.
Building permits: Most Melbourne councils allow boundary fences up to 2.0m without a building permit. Front fences above 1.2m typically need a permit — and in some councils (Stonnington, Port Phillip, Boroondara), front fence regulations are especially strict. Heritage overlays add further restrictions. Always check your council's planning scheme before committing to a design.
Pool fencing: Must comply with AS 1926.1-2012 and the Building Regulations 2018 (Vic). Self-closing, self-latching gates. Minimum 1.2m height. Non-climbable zone requirements. Building permit required for pool barriers. Council or building surveyor must inspect and certify compliance before the pool is used.
Insurance claims after storm damage: Melbourne's hailstorms regularly damage fencing. Document damage with photos immediately. Contact your home insurer — fencing is typically covered under home building insurance (not contents). Be aware that insurers may appoint their own contractors — you have the right to get independent quotes and negotiate.
Best months: Late autumn (April–May) and early spring (September) are ideal — mild, dry weather with moderate demand. Avoid booking right after major storm events when every fencer in Melbourne is booked out and prices spike. Summer is busy with pre-Christmas rush; winter rain delays concrete curing and makes muddy sites harder to work on.
Weather considerations: Melbourne's freeze-thaw cycles (particularly in the Dandenong Ranges and outer east) can crack concrete footings if they're too shallow. Ensure a minimum 600mm footing depth. High winds during spring can damage newly installed but unsecured panels — make sure your fencer completes each section fully before moving on.
Material choice for Melbourne: Colorbond is the dominant choice and for good reason — it handles Melbourne's temperature extremes (0°C to 45°C), resists hail damage better than timber (dents vs. breaks), and requires zero maintenance. Timber paling suits heritage areas and those who prefer a natural look, but factor in staining every 3–5 years. Aluminium slats are premium but essentially maintenance-free and won't corrode in coastal areas.
Cost-saving tips: (1) Serve a proper Notice to Fence to your neighbour — the 50/50 split is your biggest saving. (2) Standard Colorbond colours are cheaper than premium. (3) Avoid lattice toppers unless you specifically want them — they add $20–$35/m. (4) Get quotes that include everything: old fence removal, concrete, posts, panels, gates, cleanup. Cheap per-metre quotes often exclude these. (5) If you're building new, negotiate fencing into the house-and-land package — builders get wholesale pricing.
Our Methodology
Prices on this page are compiled from publicly available cost guides, tradie marketplaces (ServiceSeeking, hipages, Airtasker, Service.com.au), industry body data (HIA, Master Builders), and individual tradesperson websites across Australia. We cross-reference ranges from multiple sources and adjust for city-specific cost differences based on advertised rates, salary data, and cost-of-living indicators. Our guides are independently produced — we don't employ tradespeople and have no financial incentive to inflate or deflate prices. All prices are estimates and will vary based on your specific job. Always get at least 3 quotes. Last reviewed February 2026. Read our full methodology →