How much does a fencing cost in Sydney?
Sydney fencing costs sit at the upper end of Australian pricing, driven by high labour rates, strict council regulations, and strong demand across suburbs. Colorbond fencing — the most popular choice — typically costs $100–$160 per metre installed, while timber paling ranges from $75–$150 per metre. For a standard 3-bedroom home with 40–50 linear metres of boundary fencing, expect to pay $4,000–$8,000 for Colorbond or $3,000–$7,500 for timber.
What makes Sydney fencing uniquely expensive? Three factors: the Dividing Fences Act 1991 (NSW) creates a complex cost-sharing framework with neighbours, heritage conservation areas restrict materials and heights across dozens of inner-city suburbs, and Sydney's varied terrain — from sandstone shelf in the Eastern Suburbs to clay soils in Western Sydney — affects footing costs significantly. A fence on flat, accessible ground in Blacktown costs far less per metre than one on a steep, rocky block in Mosman.
The good news: under the Dividing Fences Act, your neighbour must contribute 50% of the cost of a "sufficient" dividing fence. This can halve your out-of-pocket expense for boundary fencing — but navigating the process requires understanding the rules around fencing notices, what constitutes "sufficient," and when disputes can escalate to NCAT.
| Service | Low | High | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorbond fence (1.8m standard) | $86 | $138 | $109 /metre |
| Timber paling fence (1.8m) | $92 | $173 | $126 /metre |
| Hardwood timber fence | $138 | $288 | $195 /metre |
| Picket fence (1.2m) | $92 | $173 | $126 /metre |
| Glass pool fencing (frameless) | $345 | $690 | $518 /metre |
| Glass pool fencing (semi-frameless) | $230 | $460 | $322 /metre |
| Aluminium slat fence | $115 | $230 | $161 /metre |
| Chain link / wire fence | $35 | $92 | $57 /metre |
| Retaining wall (timber) | $173 | $460 | $288 /metre |
| Gate — pedestrian (Colorbond) | $345 | $920 | $575 per gate |
| Gate — driveway (sliding) | $1,725 | $5,750 | $3,220 per gate |
| Old fence removal | $17 | $52 | $29 /metre |
Prices include GST. Based on Sydney metro area, Feb 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.
Heritage overlays in Paddington, Balmain, and Newtown restrict materials — timber picket or federation-style fencing may be mandated for front fences. Rear boundaries are less restricted but access is often tight through narrow terrace house laneways, adding 15–25% to labour. Sandstone bedrock in the Eastern Suburbs means post footings sometimes require rock drilling ($20–$40 per post extra).
Coastal salt air accelerates corrosion, making Colorbond and powder-coated aluminium the preferred choices over bare steel. Pool fencing demand is extremely high — many properties have pools requiring compliant barriers. Steep blocks in areas like Mosman, Cremorne, and Avalon push installation costs up 20–40% due to stepped or raked panel requirements.
The most affordable fencing area in Greater Sydney. New estates in Marsden Park, Oran Park, and Box Hill often include fencing allowances in the house-and-land package. Flat terrain and good access keep costs lower. Clay soils require proper post footings — 600mm depth minimum with concrete to prevent movement during wet/dry cycles.
Bushfire-prone areas (BAL ratings) require non-combustible fencing within the Asset Protection Zone — typically Colorbond or aluminium. Pool fencing is common in the Shire. Sand-over-rock ground conditions vary widely between suburbs, affecting footing costs. Aluminium slat fencing has become increasingly popular for a modern street presence.
45 linear metres of 1.8m Colorbond in Woodland Grey or Monument. Includes removal of old timber paling fence ($10–$20/m), new concrete footings, posts, rails, and panels. Standard flat block with good access. Two pedestrian gates add $400–$800 total. Timeline: 2–3 days. Your neighbour's 50% share brings your cost to $2,700–$3,600 if they agree under the Dividing Fences Act.
12m of 1.2m hardwood picket fence in a heritage conservation area (Balmain, Haberfield, Hunters Hill). Includes council-compliant design with capped posts and pointed pickets. Heritage restrictions may require specific timber species and paint colours. Gate with self-closing hinges: $500–$900. Allow 2–4 weeks for council DA if required.
15 linear metres of 12mm toughened frameless glass with stainless steel spigots. Self-closing, self-latching gate compliant with AS 1926.1. Includes engineering certification and council inspection. North Shore and Eastern Suburbs properties often require premium finishes. Core-drilled footings into concrete: $80–$120 per spigot. Compliance certificate: $200–$400.
30m boundary fence on a sloping block in the Hills District or Northern Beaches. Stepped Colorbond panels with retaining sleepers at the base to manage level changes. Each step adds material and labour costs — expect 30–50% premium over flat-ground installation. Retaining component (timber sleepers, up to 500mm): adds $40–$80/m. Engineer certification may be required for retaining over 600mm.
65m of 1.8m Colorbond for a new home in Western Sydney (no old fence removal needed). Includes concrete footings on flat clay soil, three boundaries plus return, one double gate for side access ($600–$1,000), and one pedestrian gate. Large run offers better per-metre rates ($100–$130/m). Builder fencing packages may be even cheaper but check quality of materials and footing depth.
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.
NSW Fair Trading contractor licence: Required for any residential building work valued over $5,000 (including GST). Most full-property fencing jobs exceed this threshold. Verify your fencer's licence at the NSW Fair Trading website. Unlicensed work over $5,000 means you lose access to NSW home building compensation if things go wrong.
Dividing Fences Act 1991 (NSW): This is the key legislation for boundary fencing. The core principle: adjoining owners must share equally in the cost of a "sufficient dividing fence." The process works like this: (1) serve a written Fencing Notice on your neighbour describing the proposed work, materials, and estimated cost; (2) allow 30 days for response; (3) if agreed, proceed and split costs 50/50; (4) if disputed, either party can apply to NCAT or the Local Court for a Fencing Order.
What is "sufficient"? The Act doesn't specify a material — it considers the existing fence, the purpose of the land, local standards, privacy concerns, and council policies. In most Sydney suburbs, a 1.8m Colorbond or timber paling fence is considered sufficient for rear boundaries. Front fences may have council-imposed height limits (typically 1.2m in residential zones, sometimes 0.9m for corner lots).
Upgrading beyond sufficient: If you want a higher-standard fence than what's "sufficient" — say, aluminium slat instead of timber paling — you must pay the difference. Your neighbour only contributes 50% of what a sufficient fence would cost.
Council permits: Most Sydney councils allow boundary fences up to 1.8m without a Development Application (DA). Front fences over 1.2m, fences in heritage areas, and pool fencing typically require a DA or Complying Development Certificate (CDC). Always check with your local council — rules vary significantly between LGAs.
Pool fencing compliance: Must meet AS 1926.1-2012. Self-closing, self-latching gates. Minimum 1.2m height. Non-climbable zone of 900mm. Council inspection and compliance certificate required before pool can be used. Penalties for non-compliance are severe — up to $22,000 for individuals in NSW.
Best months: Autumn (March–May) and late winter (August) offer the best combination of mild weather and lower demand. Sydney fencers are busiest in spring and early summer when homeowners prepare for outdoor entertaining season. Booking in the quieter months can save 5–15% and reduce wait times from 4–6 weeks to 1–2 weeks.
Wet weather impact: Heavy rain delays concrete footing curing and makes access difficult on soft ground. La Niña seasons (wetter than average) can push timelines out. If your block has drainage issues, address these before fencing — water pooling against fence posts accelerates rot in timber and corrosion in steel.
Cost-saving strategies: (1) Use your neighbour's 50% contribution — serve the Fencing Notice properly and negotiate openly. (2) Get three quotes minimum and compare inclusions (old fence removal, concrete footings, gates). (3) Standard Colorbond colours (Woodland Grey, Monument, Surfmist) cost less than premium colours. (4) Longer straight runs are cheaper per metre than short sections with corners. (5) Group fencing with other landscaping work for better package pricing. (6) Consider timber paling for rear boundaries (cheaper) and Colorbond or aluminium for street-facing fences (better aesthetics and lower maintenance).
Timber vs Colorbond long-term: Timber paling costs 20–30% less upfront but needs staining/painting every 3–5 years ($8–$15/m per cycle) and typically lasts 10–15 years. Colorbond costs more initially but lasts 20–30+ years with virtually zero maintenance. Over 20 years, Colorbond is almost always cheaper overall.
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 →