Imagine that you have just purchased your dream property, complete with a picturesque view of the harbour. Until one day, your neighbour directly in front of you decides it's time for them to expand their family, and so they build another storey on top of their house, effectively blocking your view....

Both the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal and the Land and Environment Court commonly hear matters regarding dividing fence disputes between neighbours. The applicable legislation which regulates this neighbourly relationship is the Dividing Fences Act 1991 (NSW) (“the Act”).

The main provisio...

There are a number of reasons why it’s a good thing to know your neighbours and be on good terms … but one situation that may not come immediately to mind is when you want to renovate or develop your property.  Having a good relationship with your neighbour can be the difference between a quick, has...