Fencing Your Lot at Panorama: A Simple Guide to Cost-Sharing
When you purchase land in a new estate like Panorama Portarlington, one of the first steps in establishing your new home is installing fencing. Fences not only provide privacy and security, but they also help clearly define the boundaries of your property.
In Victoria, boundary fencing is governed by the Fences Act 1968, which outlines that the cost of fencing between two properties should be shared equally by the adjoining owners. However, when you’re building in a new community, the process can be a little different – especially if your neighbouring lots are still undeveloped.
To make it easier, we’ve outlined the key steps to take when fencing your lot in Panorama, including how to approach neighbours for cost-sharing and details on a special fencing offer just for Panorama purchasers.
Step 1: Identify the Owners of Neighbouring Lots
Before you can request a contribution, you’ll need to find out who owns the lots next to yours.
If the neighbouring land has already been sold, Panorama cannot share owner names directly due to privacy regulations. However, we can assist by contacting the owners on your behalf and asking them to get in touch with you.
Here’s how it works:
Contact the Panorama team at info@panoramaportarlington.com.au with your lot details and the neighbouring lot you’re enquiring about.
We’ll reach out to the adjoining owner and ask for their permission to share their contact info with you.
If they agree, we’ll connect you both directly.
If they don’t consent, we can still pass along a message from you and invite them to get in touch if they wish.
Another approach is to submit request through the City of Greater Geelong – Request Adjoining Owner Details. This enables you to apply for the adjoining owner’s contact information for fencing purposes.
If the lot is still unsold, you're welcome to proceed with installing the fence at your own expense. Later, when the adjoining property is purchased, you may be able to recover half the cost from the new owner. While this isn’t guaranteed, the Fences Act allows for reimbursement under certain conditions.
Other ways to find out who owns an adjoining lot include:
Reviewing your land title or council rates notice – These may indicate neighbouring lot numbers or details.
Conducting a land title search via Landata (note that fees apply).
Leaving a polite note on the vacant lot with your contact details, inviting the owner to get in touch.
Step 2: Select a Fence That Meets the Panorama Design Guidelines
Before reaching out to your neighbours, it’s important to choose a fencing design that complies with Panorama’s requirements.
Check the Panorama Design Guidelines or refer to your Panorama Portarlington Design Panel (PPDP) approved house and landscaping submission. Fences that don’t meet the guidelines may need to be replaced or modified – so it’s best to get it right from the start.
Key fencing specifications at Panorama:
Material & Colour Options:
Colorbond in Basalt or Mystique
Think Fencing PVC in Grey Ridge (an eco-friendly alternative)
Standard Height: 1.8 metres
Costs: Fencing prices can vary based on materials and contractors, so we recommend obtaining at least two quotes before contacting your neighbours.
Exclusive Offer for Panorama Purchasers
Panorama has partnered with Think Fencing, one of Australia’s leading suppliers of premium PVC fencing. As part of this partnership, Think Fencing is offering a 20% discount on their Mystique Fencing in Grey Ridge – an option that is fully compliant with Panorama’s updated Design Guidelines.
To learn more or request a quote, visit thinkfencing.com.au or call 03 5259 2555. Be sure to mention that you’re a Panorama purchaser to receive your exclusive 20% discount.
Step 3: Request a Cost Contribution
Once you have your fence design, quotes, and the adjoining owner's details, you’re ready to send a fencing contribution request. This can be a simple and friendly letter or email outlining the key information.
Include the following in your message:
The location of the proposed fence
Fence type, material, and colour
Height (typically 1.8m)
Total cost and each party’s share
Contractor details (if known)
Proposed installation date or timeframe
Sample Fencing Contribution Letter
[Your Name]
[Your Lot Address]
[Your Contact Details]
Dear [Neighbour's Name],
I hope you’re well. I’m getting in touch to discuss the boundary fence between our lots at [Your Lot Address] and [Neighbour’s Lot Address].
In accordance with Victoria’s Fences Act 1968, I’d like to propose a shared cost arrangement for the installation of the fence.
Proposed Fence Details
Fence Type: [e.g., Colorbond in Mystique / Think Fencing in Grey Ridge]
Height: 1.8 metres
Estimated Cost: [$Total]
Your Contribution: [$Total ÷ 2]
Preferred Contractor: [Contractor Name, if applicable]
Proposed Installation Date: [Date]
Please let me know if you’re happy to proceed or if you’d like to suggest alternatives. I’m happy to chat and work together to find a solution that suits us both.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
Final Tips for a Smooth Fencing Experience
Start early: Contact your neighbour well in advance of any works beginning.
Be collaborative: Be open to discussing preferences for materials and contractors.
Keep a written record: If you reach an agreement, document it via email or message.
Fencing your property is a key milestone in your build journey – so let’s make it easy, compliant, and community-minded.
