Queensland builder-developer MAYD has revealed the first look at its major North Kirra beachfront development, lodging amended plans that reduce the number of apartments and increase the proportion of larger residences.

The project is planned across a substantial 4,742 sqm amalgamated site spanning seven lots at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/2-6-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">2-6 Pacific Parade</a> and 27-33 Golden Four Drive in Bilin​ga, directly opposite Nor​th Kirra Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD</a> secured the site for $32.5 million in 2025, in what was one of the Gold Coast's largest property transactions of the year.

The development will be delivered across two stages, with the first stage carrying an estimated gross realisation value of around $360 million.

The latest amendments seek to reduce the overall apartment count and shift the project further toward the owner-occupier market, with larger residences designed for buyers wanting considerably more space than traditionally offered in a beachfront apartment.

The residential mix will include townhomes, oversized two-bedroom apartments, substantial three-bedroom residences and four-bedroom homes.

MAYD has appointed Cera Stribley to lead the architecture and interiors, with the Melbourne-based design practice drawing on the beachfront setting through a series of ocean-facing terraces and heavily landscaped balconies.

Strong horizontal forms and curved balconies will define the exterior, with subtropical landscaping integrated throughout the building to soften the built form and increase the connection between the residences and the beachfront.

The project will also include an extensive collection of resident wellness and lifestyle facilities, continuing the broader shift across the Gold Coast's luxury apartment market toward larger homes supported by resort-style amenity.

<img alt="MAYD" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1bcbb05-e659-4b47-8bd4-1e595315e2ad" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%202.05.03%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=jj0XEud1X1DuLt7_KyElhjMdZGOXmLHP" />

MAYD Founder Todd Mould said North Kirra was increasingly appealing to buyers attracted to the more established, lower-density character of the southern Gold Coast.

"North Kirra presents one of the most compelling luxury residential opportunities currently emerging in Australia, combining absolute beachfront with the character and authenticity that buyers are increasingly seeking, and the same sense of tight-knit community that defined Burleigh and Currumbin perhaps 10 or 15 years ago," Mould said.

"With Gold Coast Airport on its doorstep, it also offers a level of accessibility that broadens its appeal across almost every market demographic."

The project comes as the southern Gold Coast continues to attract an increasing share of high-end apartment development and buyer activity.

Kirra in particular has emerged as one of the region's more tightly held beachfront markets, with its relatively low-density character, established surf and hospitality scene and proximity to Gold Coast Airport differentiating it from the higher-density markets further north.

Mould said those characteristics had informed the approach MAYD and Cera Stribley had taken to the project.

"We've worked closely with Cera Stribley to create a vision that is deeply connected to its surroundings," he said.

"Inspired by the coastline itself, the architecture has been shaped around space, privacy and resort-style living, creating a collection of homes that reflects the next generation of luxury on the southern Gold Coast."

MOTIV Managing Director Carly Cottam, who has been appointed to market the project, said buyer attention had continued to move south along the Gold Coast.

"Purchasers who may once have defaulted to Broadbeach, Main Beach or Surfers Paradise are increasingly recognising the value of a genuine beachfront location that offers lower density, strong amenity and a more established sense of community," Cottam said.

"Kirra has a powerful combination of growing demand and genuine scarcity. Beachfront supply is inherently constrained, the area remains relatively low density, and buyers are increasingly placing a premium on locations that feel established, uncrowded and authentic rather than heavily developed."

Cottam said the proximity to Gold Coast Airport was also proving increasingly important for interstate and second-home buyers.

"Being minutes from Gold Coast Airport makes it particularly compelling for interstate buyers, frequent travellers and second-home purchasers who can access an authentic coastal lifestyle almost immediately after stepping off a flight."

The acquisition takes MAYD's active development portfolio to more than $500 million, with the North Kirra project representing one of its largest undertakings to date.

MAYD is targeting an early 2027 launch.

Joel Robinson

First look at MAYD's North Kirra mixed-use precinct

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Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377679]

The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.

It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]

Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.

Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.

Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]

Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.

"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.

A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.

It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.

At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.

Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]

Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.

"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.

The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.

More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152737]

<h3 data-end="3697" data-section-id="q3n5ak" data-start="3672">&nbsp;</h3>
</main>

Nova Rêve arrives as Reve Group bets on Castle Hill's next growth phase

A collection of just 25 large-format apartments and penthouses overlooking Goodwin Park is entering the Coolangatta market, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marea-residences-coolangatta-27-27a-dixon-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Maréa Residences</a> combining a low-density, residential-only approach with uninterrupted park and Pacific Ocean outlooks.

Located at 27 Dixon Street, Maréa comprises three and four-bedroom residences alongside a limited number of dual-level penthouses, with the project positioned between Goodwin Park and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/coolangatta-qld-4225">Coolangatta</a>’s coastal precinct.

Construction has commenced, with completion currently estimated for late 2027. Three-bedroom residences are priced from $1.8 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374005]

The project has been designed around its northern outlook across the park, with the building’s architecture, landscaping and material palette intended to establish a connection with the neighbouring green space. The residences have been configured to maximise natural light and views across Goodwin Park towards the ocean.

Inside, the material palette incorporates timber, stone and brushed brass, complemented by curved detailing and ambient lighting. Kitchens and bathrooms carry the same natural material approach, while residences also include basement parking, storage and lift access.

Maréa’s penthouses are arranged over two levels and include private pools, adding another layer to the project’s focus on larger-format apartment living. Across the development, residences are configured with three or four bedrooms rather than the broader mix of smaller apartment types commonly found in larger projects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374010]

Resident amenity is concentrated at rooftop level, where landscaped entertaining terraces and pools take advantage of elevated views across Coolangatta and the Pacific Ocean.

The project has so far been particularly well received by local owner-occupiers and downsizers, according to Urban Activation Property Sales and Marketing Director Matt George, with the residential-only format, construction quality and northern park outlook among the features resonating with purchasers.

“The uninterrupted northern aspect overlooking Goodwin Park has been a key point of difference, with buyers attracted to the sense of serenity and open space the park provides, while still enjoying easy access to the ocean and being within walking distance of the lifestyle and amenities Coolangatta has to offer,” George said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374002]

“The combination of high-quality construction, a residential-only building, park outlook and proximity to the beach has resonated strongly with the local downsizer market.”

The Dixon Street address is within walking distance of Coolangatta Beach and the broader southern Gold Coast coastline, including the surf breaks at Snapper Rocks and Kirra. Coolangatta’s cafés, restaurants and retail are nearby, while Gold Coast Airport is also within close proximity.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150999]

Maréa Residences brings parkside apartments to Coolangatta

Melbourne developer PDG has secured Victorian Government approval for its $1.5 billion Southbank development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-one-1-queens-bridge-street-southbank-vic-3006">The One</a>, clearing the way for the long-dormant riverfront site opposite Crown to finally be developed.

The Minister for Planning has approved the project at 1-29 Queens Bridge Street, with the Department of Transport and Planning issuing the planning permit following its assessment.

The approval will allow PDG to develop the prominent 5,059 sqm site with a major mixed-use tower comprising premium apartments, including branded residences, a luxury hotel and boutique office space.

PDG acquired the site in late 2024, with its position directly opposite Crown's main entrance and near Melbourne's Arts Precinct making it one of Southbank's most significant remaining development opportunities.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3933013e-6332-4386-b9be-089df05caf17" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.22%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sITIgBqDL0N3VNSMwWEmF5UA.uvcsRyu" />

Designed by COX in collaboration with ODO and PDG, the tower's architecture draws on the movement of the Yarra River, with six vertical pleats running the height of the sculpted facade.

The project will also see the heritage-listed Queens Bridge Hotel restored and incorporated into the development&nbsp;with new hospitality and public uses, including a rooftop venue.

A significant component of The One will be its residential amenity.

More than 5,000 sqm of resident facilities will be delivered across a single level, making it one of the largest consolidated residential amenity offerings proposed in an Australian apartment development.

The planning approval also incorporates a major upgrade of Queensbridge Square, which PDG will deliver in partnership with the City of Melbourne.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73167fcd-1031-4b6f-a408-a064cfe45ed1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.17%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Pf1AEWxw6SNmBqR0zQW5lyEze.MtxgFp" />

The existing square will be revitalised as a new civic and pedestrian space along the Yarra River, strengthening the connection between the project, Southbank and the riverfront.

PDG Founder and Managing Director Vince Giuliano said the approval represented a major milestone for a site which has remained largely underutilised for more than 15 years.

“This is the most significant Planning Permit approval Melbourne has seen in recent years,” Giuliano said.

“For more than 15 years, this site has remained underutilised. This approval enables us to deliver a project that will contribute meaningfully to the revitalisation of Southbank, restore and reactivate an important heritage building, and create a new civic and hospitality destination for Melbourne.”

The latest approval follows an earlier planning permit issued by the City of Melbourne covering demolition works across part of the site at 9-29 Queens Bridge Street. Those demolition and early works are already underway.

PDG has also started generating early interest in the residential component from owner-occupiers ahead of a planned public launch in early 2027.

PDG secures approval for $1.5bn Southbank apartment development, The One

Local developer Harridan is seeking to turn its Woolloongabba apartment project into the first stage of a broader transformation of Burke Street, using a new 16-storey mixed-use building to establish a greener pedestrian connection toward the rapidly evolving Boggo Road transport and knowledge precinct.

The South East Queensland developer has filed plans for 154 apartments on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-burke-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">southern side of Burke Street</a>, where its proposal has been designed alongside a wider vision by LatStudios for the street.

That vision positions the southern side of Burke Street for buildings of 15 storeys and above, while envisaging lower-rise development of up to five storeys on the northern side to transition into Woolloongabba's existing character housing. It also proposes wider pedestrian verges, deep planting, new street trees and upgrades to the pedestrian approach to Boggo Road Station.

The Harridan development itself has been designed by Brisbane-based Arqus Design and will comprise 154 apartments across 16 storeys. The mix is weighted heavily toward two-bedroom apartments, with 121 proposed alongside 10 one-bedroom and 23 three-bedroom residences. There will typically be around 14 units per floor.

A lower-ground car park and three podium levels will accommodate 156 resident parking spaces, along with visitor and commercial parking. There will also be 154 resident bicycle spaces and 40 visitor bicycle parks.

&nbsp;

Harridan is a family-owned developer and part of the Holmwood Highgate Group, with more than three decades of development activity across South East Queensland. Its portfolio spans residential, commercial and industrial property, with current residential projects including Riverbank on Byron in Bulimba, Esperance Residences in Carina and The Precinct at Kinross Road in Thornlands.

Wooloongabba has been popular for apartment developers, particularly since the announcement of the 2032 Summer Olympics games in Brisbane.

While there have been a lot of development applications, it has failed to materialize into real supply.&nbsp;

Sarazin has been the major player in the area. They are under construction at Murcia Residences, on the fringe of East Brisbane and Woolloongabba. They have just launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-stanley-residences-woolloongabba-8-trafalgar-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">The Stanley Residences</a>, in Woolloongabba on Trafalagar Street. They also have Nuage coming soon on the nearby <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nuage-woolloongabba-14-wellington-road-woolloongabba-qld-4102">Wellington Road</a>.

First look: Harridan plans Burke Street transformation beside Boggo Road transport hub

Neighbours

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<div style="text-align: left;" align="center">Findings from an independent survey commissioned by CouriersPlease reveal that only one in four Aussies don’t trust their neighbours enough to let them collect their mail.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">The survey of a nationally representative panel of 1021 Australians asked respondents to think about their past and present neighbours when asked what they would trust their neighbours with.
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">The results found that 74 per cent of respondents would trust their neighbours with responsibilities such as collecting mail and deliveries, looking after pets and plants, and holding a set of house keys while they are away.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/7/20/Trusting%20Aussies.JPG" alt=""></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">It also found that collecting mail (chosen by 82 per cent of respondents) and allowing couriers to leave parcels with them (69 per cent of respondents) were tasks we’d most trust them with.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">Surprisingly, more respondents would leave their pet with their neighbour while they were away (49 per cent of respondents) than trusting them with their home key (46 per cent of respondents). </div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">When asked how many neighbours they trust, 37 per cent of respondents revealed they only trust one neighbour, while a quarter trust two to three neighbours around them.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">38 per cent trust their neighbours more now than they did 10 years ago.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">The survey also found that Baby Boomers are most trusting of their neighbours than Millennials.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">84 per cent of over 60s trust their neighbour, compared with just 64 per cent of 19-to-29-year olds.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">CP CEO, Mark McGinley, says “It’s heartening to see that Aussie neighbourhoods have remained strong."</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">CP has an existing parcel delivery option that enables those receiving parcels to redirect their delivery to a nominated neighbour up to three houses away if they won’t be home to collect it. 
</div>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Three quarters of Australians trust their neighbours

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More than one-third of Australians have no interest in getting to know their neighbours, according to a recent study by realestate.com.au.
The same survey said that 15 per cent said they go out of their way to avoid speaking to a neighbour, while one in five revealed they’d previously had a dispute with someone living in their street.
Realestate.com.au executive general manager of Residential, Andrew Rechtman, said the findings showed that for the most part Ramsay Street really is more fiction than fact.
“The results are somewhat surprising when you consider Australians are known for their relaxed and friendly nature, but it seems that doesn’t always extend to our neighbours. We need to take a leaf out of Ramsay Street,” he said.
“We know that when people are searching for a home one of the first questions they ask is – what are the neighbours like and what will my neighbourhood be like? Good neighbours can make or break a street, which is why understanding and getting insights on a potential neighbourhood can often give a buyer the confidence to make an offer on a house.” 
Survey key findings:
•More than a third of Australians don’t have any interest in getting to know their neighbours (37 per cent);
•15 per cent of Australians go out of their way to avoid speaking to neighbours;
•One in 10 admits to spying on a neighbour (10 per cent);
•One in five Australians has had a dispute with a neighbour (20 per cent);
•More than one in 10 uses their neighbour’s bin without asking them (11 per cent).
“Stronger neighbourhood relationships foster a deeper sense of community and a greater support network. We know that more connected neighbours can lead to safer communities, as residents are more inclined to look out for one another,” Rechtman said.
There was not a major difference in responses between capital city dwellers and those living in regional/rural areas. Responses were also similar between age groups, the survey revealed.
“The common perception is that older Australians have stronger relationships with their neighbours than younger people, but it seems that isn’t the case. Baby Boomers are avoiding their neighbours just as much as Gen Y,” Rechtman said. 
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Australians not so neighbourly: realestate.com.au study  

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Australian actress Portia de Rossi, alongside TV host wife Ellen DeGeneres, have been voted the fourth most desirable neighbours of 2017.
They claimed seven percent of the voting, according to the 10th annual Zillow Celebrity Neighbour Survey.
The outgoing presidential family the Obama's topped the list with 14 percent, edging out wrestler turned Hollywood star Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson who took out 13 percent of the public vote.
The Obama family saw strong votes among both male and female voters and across generations.
Chip and Joanna Gaines, the stars of the TV show 'Fixer Upper', came in third with eight percent.
Portia and Ellen achieved more votes than the likes of British singers Adele and Taylor Swift. Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner made the top eight with five percent.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/10/Screen%20Shot%202017-01-10%20at%209.50.19%20am.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/01/10/Screen%20Shot%202017-01-10%20at%209.50.19%20am.jpg" alt="">
Pop sensation Justin Bieber was voted as the least desirable neighbour, earning the most votes in the survey's history, topping his own record from 2014.
He scored a massive 36 percent of the votes, a two point percentage increase from his 2014 result.
Way back in second were reality stars Rob Kardashian and Blac Chyna, who scored 23 percent of the vote.
Taylor Swift, also among the top in the most desirable neighbour section, came in fourth with four percent of the votes, behind Tom Cruise with seven percent.
Twenty-eight percent of surveyed adults said they would not want to live next to any of the celebrities listed in the poll.
 
 
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Aussie Portia de Rossi outranks Bieber but the Obama's voted the 2017's Most Desirable Neighbour

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Fencing is one of the most common sources of friction between neighbours, and this is just as likely within a strata scheme as it is between house owners.
Issues concerning fencing are governed by the Dividing Fences Act 1991 (NSW), and the first thing to do is establish whether the fence in question falls under the Act’s jurisdiction.
What does the Dividing Fences Act 1991 (NSW) say?
While the Act covers all fences defined as ‘dividing fences’, it does not cover common property fences which divide two lots within a strata scheme, or common property fences which separate a lot from communal property.
According to Look Up Strata, it’s also important to consider the various definitions of a ‘fence’. The definition of fences under the Act includes any hedge, ditch, structure, embankment or natural water course running along the boundary that separates two stretches of land.
Any wall that is part of a house, garage or other building is not included, neither is a retaining wall defined as a fence – unless it is classed as part of a foundation necessary to support the fence.
So what does this mean in practice? Perhaps your unit is partially separated from the one next door by a brick garage wall. Extending from this wall is a small hedge which runs up to the footpath.
Only the hedge section of this divide would be classified as a fence under the Act.
 
So who is responsible for strata fencing?
The owners corporation or body corporate is responsible for repairing and maintaining the principal fences which divide the communal area from the road and external footpath.
It is left to individual owners, however, to deal with fences running between their lots.
If no sufficient dividing fence exists between lots, the neighbours on each side are jointly and equally responsible for building and maintaining one.
What is the definition of a ‘sufficient dividing fence’? This is not spelled out in the Act. It is up to neighbours to agree on a definition and type of fencing they are both happy with.
If one owner wants a higher, stronger or fancier fence than the agreed basic, it is up to that individual to bear the extra cost incurred.
An Individual owner also takes financial responsibility for any extra trimming or aesthetic pruning of a boundary hedge which goes beyond a reasonable definition of ‘sufficient’ – topiary, for instance!
How various strata fence costs are broken down
Ask your strata management services for access to the scheme’s strata plan.
According to <a href="/news">NSW Government Land &amp; Property Information</a>, incorporating a 2011 memorandum covering strata schemes, responsibility for fencing is broken down as follows:
Any fence shown as a thick line on the strata plan is deemed to be a common wall, and therefore the responsibility of the body corporate.
Fencing marked as a thin or dotted line on the strata plan – or not marked at all – is the responsibility of individual owners and neighbours as laid down in the Dividing Fences Act.
The owner’s financial responsibility is broken down accordingly:
<ul>
<li>Fence dividing two lots: each owner responsible 50%-50%.</li>
<li>Fence dividing one lot from common property: owner 50% – OC 50%.</li>
<li>Fence dividing one lot from adjoining property: adjoining owner 50%- OC 50%.</li>
</ul>
For more information from Jamesons Strata Management, <a href="https://jamesons.com.au" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Property 101: Who repairs fences dividing neighbours in a strata scheme?

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Fences between neighbouring land should be located on the boundary but many aren't precise.
This doesn't change the ownership of the land and doesn't matter if both you and the neighbour can accept it. There is no legal requirement for a fence to be erected between neighbouring land.
Regardless of whether the fence sits precisely on the boundary or not, it is still jointly owned by both of you. Even if you plan to pay for the entire cost of repairing, replacing or erecting a fence yourself, you must get the consent of the owner of the neighbour land to:
<ul>
<li>remove an existing fence </li>
<li>repair or carry out maintenance work on an existing fence </li>
<li>erect a new fence </li>
<li>enter their property to carry out work on the fence.</li>
</ul>
Although a fence is considered equally shared there is no legal obligation for your neighbour to contribute towards the cost of repairing, maintaining or erecting a fence unless:
<ul>
<li>they have agreed to it </li>
<li>the proper notices have been given </li>
<li>a court orders them to.</li>
</ul>
You should check with your local council about fences that need development approval or any other legal requirements you must meet before you begin work. Restrictions apply for:
<ul>
<li>masonry fences higher than one metre </li>
<li>any other kind of fence higher than two metre </li>
<li>fences higher than one metre less than six metres from a road intersection </li>
<li>brush fences.</li>
<li>Giving notice for fencing work</li>
</ul>
If urgent fence repairs are required you don't have to give written notice to your neighbour, but it is recommended you give them as much notice as you possibly can. 
If you want to erect a new fence you must give the owner of the neighbouring land notice of intention to erect a fence.
If you want to repair, replace or carry out maintenance work on an existing fence you must give the owner of the neighbouring land notice of intention to replace, repair or maintain a fence. 
These notices can either be delivered to your neighbour personally or sent through registered post. 
Your neighbour then has 30 days to give you a cross-notice if they object to your proposal. You can't start work until these 30 days have passed or you have received written notice from your neighbour consenting to the work. If you haven't received a written objection within 30 days you can assume they consent to your proposal. 
Your neighbour doesn't have to state why they object or give an alternative option in the cross-notice. If the matter goes to court they will have to give good reason as to why they object - otherwise the court may order the work to proceed. 
For an alternative version of these documents contact the Legal Services Commission of South Australia.
Finding the owner of neighbouring land
If you don't know who owns the neighbouring land you can contact your local council or access SAILIS. If you still can't find the owner you can prominently display the notice on their land. If you haven't received a written objection to your proposal within 30 days you can assume they consent to the work.
Disputes over fences
You should talk to the owner of the neighbouring land in a calm and courteous manner if you are in disagreement about: 
<ul>
<li>sharing costs </li>
<li>carrying out the work </li>
<li>the type of work required - eg repair the fence rather than replace it </li>
<li>accessing their land to carry out the work.</li>
</ul>
If you can't reach an agreement you can contact Community Mediation Services. They can act as an independent third party to help you reach agreement. 
If the issue is still unresolved you may choose to take the matter to the Magistrates Court. It is recommended that you seek independent professional advice from a solicitor. 
The court can determine: 
<ul>
<li>whether the fence should be erected </li>
<li>type of fencing used </li>
<li>its location </li>
<li>who does the work </li>
<li>when and how the work is carried out </li>
<li>how costs are shared </li>
<li>orders for entry or access to the adjoining property.</li>
</ul>
Boundaries
The boundary is where your land meets another person's land. Boundary locations can only be determined by a licensed surveyor. 
If you are in dispute with a neighbour about the boundary location you can engage a licensed surveyor to mark  the boundary.  
Once this has been marked out anyone found to be moving or removing a survey mark may face fines and legal action. 
A fence may not necessarily be an accurate representation of the boundary line but regardless of its location it doesn't alter the actual boundary or the legal rights to ownership of the land.
Encroachment
This is the intrusion of a structure or other object - eg driveway, onto another person's land. This includes overhanging structures - eg balconies. 
To determine if encroachment has occurred on your property, you can engage the services of a licensed surveyor. They will be able to mark the boundary and assess the encroachment. If your neighbour refuses to have a survey carried out you can take the issue to the Supreme Court. They can make a legal order for the survey to be conducted. 
If a structure is found to be encroaching on your property you can apply to the Supreme Court for: 
<ul>
<li>the removal of the encroachment </li>
<li>compensation for the encroachment </li>
<li>the land to be transferred or leased to the encroaching neighbour.</li>
</ul>
When making their decision the court will take into consideration: 
<ul>
<li>who made the application </li>
<li>the nature and degree of the encroachment </li>
<li>the losses involved for each person </li>
<li>the circumstances in which the encroachment occurred.</li>
</ul>
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