Who owns the fence in Scotland?

It is determined by the title deeds. There is no general rule about the side the posts face.

Why do posts rot first?

The ground line stays damp and aerated, which is where timber decays fastest. Concrete posts or post supports avoid it.

Small works

Fence, gate and boundary repairs

Fix the post, but check the title plan first

The short answer

Replacing panels and refixing a gate is a half-day job; a snapped post usually needs digging out and re-setting, which takes longer. Before spending, check the title deeds — in Scotland boundary responsibility is set by the titles, not by a rule about which side the posts are on.

What the work involves

Checking post condition below ground, re-setting or replacing posts, fitting panels or boards, rehanging and adjusting gates, and treating exposed timber.

Rules and responsibilities in Scotland

Boundary ownership and maintenance obligations come from the title deeds. Height limits apply to fences and walls under permitted development rules, and higher structures may need planning permission.

What commonly goes wrong

Replacing a neighbour's boundary fence without agreement, and setting new posts into the ground without any preservative treatment.

What it usually costs

Indicative ranges only, to help you judge a quote. They are not an estimate for your property — only the business doing the work can give you that.

Panels are cheap; posts and labour are the cost.
Concrete posts cost more initially and outlast timber.
Access for machinery in a rear garden affects price.

What to do, in order

1Check the title plan for the boundary.
2Speak to the neighbour before starting shared work.
3Test every post for rot at ground level.
4Replace posts and panels together where rot is widespread.
5Treat exposed timber before winter.

Local detail for the Lothians

Exposed sites in East and West Lothian take repeated wind damage — heavier posts pay off.
Coastal salt air shortens the life of untreated fixings.
Shared rear boundaries in Edinburgh terraces are frequently in mixed ownership.

When you need a professional

Boundary disputes are a solicitor's question, not a joiner's; retaining walls need proper engineering advice.

Common questions

Who owns the fence in Scotland?: It is determined by the title deeds. There is no general rule about the side the posts face.
Why do posts rot first?: The ground line stays damp and aerated, which is where timber decays fastest. Concrete posts or post supports avoid it.

Lothian Property is a property information and professional-introduction service operated by Maybury Scotland Limited. Lothian Property is not an estate agency. Where requested, we may connect homeowners with independent estate agents and other property professionals. How we work.

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Small adaptations that make a home safer to stay in — fitted so they take real weight.
Doors that stick or will not close
Easing, planing and re-hanging internal doors that have dropped or swollen.
Repainting a single room
One room repainted properly, in a day or two, without repainting the whole property.

Last reviewed 5 September 2026.