Fence - on the boundary or in my land?

breakfast_epiphanies

I’m buying a house that on one side (the side I’m responsible for according to the deeds) is fenced and needs no work, so no problem there. The other side just has low-height chicken wire. Since we have a dog, I need a fence on this side too. I intend to discuss with the neighbours, and if they’re happy for me to do so I’ll replace the existing boundary fence at my cost. But then I was thinking about it and wondered if it would be better to install it inside my boundary line, so that in future it can’t be removed/tampered with/replaced with something else? 

princeofpounds

Usually better, yes. Your fence, on your land, paid for by you. No potential for arguments. 

People being responsible for boundaries in a deed rarely actually means they need to maintain a fence. Any old marker would do. 

Alfrescodave

I don't think you can make any decision until you've spoken with your neighbour who might not agree to you replacing "their" wire fence.  My neighbour did what you're considering but the concrete supports for "my" wire fence were too much of a hassle to remove and so he ended up erecting the new wooden fence just inside his boundary. This would make your decision a lot easier

greatcrested

I get what princeofpounds is saying above, but personally, and assuming the neighbour is in agreement, I'd put it on the boundary.

I had chicken wire between my and neighbour's gardens for 10 years. Neighbour wanted to put a decent fence up and neither of us had any idea who owned the chicken wire, or the boundary. We shared the cost, agreed a colour, and each painted our own side with preservative.

If some future owner comes along wanting.... well, I don't know quite what, then I'll deal with that when it happens. Meantime we have a nice fence marking the boundary.