Advice on fences and gates
Four guides on what to know before a post goes into the ground: the Dutch rules, the boundary and your neighbours, choosing a material, and what a quote should include. With sources and the date we last checked them.
- Fence rules and permitsIn the Netherlands, a fence or gate up to 1 metre high needs no permit anywhere (art. 2.29 under j Bbl, the national building rules). Up to 2 metres is usually permit-free too, if the fence stands behind the front of the house, on a plot with a main building. Stricter rules apply at monuments, in protected townscapes and above 2 metres. Your municipality's zoning plan (omgevingsplan) decides.
- Fence on the property boundaryIf a fence stands exactly on the property boundary (erfgrens), it belongs to you and your neighbours together. You decide together, you share the cost of maintenance and renewal, and so you need their consent. If you put the fence entirely on your own land, it is yours alone and you pay for it yourself. If you are not sure where the boundary lies, have it established first.
- Fence materials comparedIf you want privacy with little maintenance, composite is a strong choice, although it costs more than wood and expands in the heat. Wood is cheaper to buy but needs regular maintenance. Wood-and-concrete is heavy and sturdy. Twin wire mesh is a strong, open partition; chain-link is the lighter, more affordable option. ZuidHek installs composite, twin wire mesh and chain-link.
- Getting a fence quoteFor a good quote, a fence installer needs four things: the length, the height you want, the material and photos of the spot. The price also depends on posts, gravel boards, gates, the ground, changes in level, access and whether the old fence must go. A quote to a private customer states the price including btw (Dutch VAT).
- Frequently asked questions about fencesThe questions we get most often, with the source. Last checked: 5 October 2026. Rules differ per municipality and per address, so if in doubt, always use the permit check (Vergunningcheck). This is not legal advice.
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