Can a fence decrease property value?

Author: Maximillian Bailey  |  Last update: Friday, January 9, 2026

Fencing can have both positive and negative impacts on property value, depending on several factors such as the type of fence, its condition, and the location of the property.

What lowers property value the most?

What Lowers Property Value – 15 Surprising Factors
  • Things Bringing Down Your Home's Value. ...
  • 1) Delayed or Neglected Maintenance. ...
  • 2) Sloppy Home Improvement Projects. ...
  • 3) Outdated Kitchens and Bathrooms. ...
  • 4) Damaged Roof. ...
  • 5) Mold or Mildew Damage. ...
  • 6) Asbestos. ...
  • 7) Smoking.

Does a fence increase property taxes?

Wood barriers are the most common type of fence, and they can increase and impact your property taxes. Vinyl fences are also popular, and while they may not raise your taxes as much as a wood fence, they can still have an impact. Metal fences, such as wrought iron, have also been known to increase property taxes.

Does a fence lower homeowners insurance?

But the barrier may also save you some money by helping you reduce your homeowners' insurance rate. You may not realize it, but some insurance company underwriters will slash your rate because the fence lowers the chances of a burglar or vandal striking your home.

What are the disadvantages of fences?

Disadvantages of Fences
  • Maintenance. No doubt, fences can provide a decorative element to your landscape, but they can detract if they're not well cared for. ...
  • Lack of Consensus. Boundary fences can be tricky business – especially if you want one and your neighbor doesn't. ...
  • Expense. ...
  • Hassle. ...
  • Wildlife.

Will A Fence Increase Your Home Value?

Do fences bring down property value?

There are many homes that do not have a fence just as there are many buyers that may prefer not to have a fence. Since a fence is a preferential amenity, the home's appraised value is not adjusted based on having one or not having one.

Should you fence your property?

A fence is a practical and attractive solution for keeping small children and pets from wandering away from your home. If you have a backyard pool, a fence may be required by law. Security: A fence keeps your family safe by making it harder for someone to enter your yard and home.

Will my insurance go up if I hit a fence?

In California in 2017, the average rate increase after an at-fault accident was around 39%. Now, you need to consider this over 3 years, as that's how long it will stay on your insurance record. I would recommend getting an estimate for the damage to the fence before taking out a claim.

Is a fence considered a home improvement?

Improvements include: Putting a recreation room in your unfinished basement. Adding another bathroom or bedroom. Putting up a fence.

How much to fix a fence?

The average fence repair cost is $609, including materials and labor. Most homeowners pay between $303 and $938 depending on the extent of damage, the fence's material, its size, and more. While your home's fences are meant to secure your property, everything from strong winds to wood rot can make them weak.

What type of fence adds the most value?

Keeping that in mind, here are some of the most popular fencing materials homeowners have chosen that seem to increase their home value.
  • Wooden Picket Fence. The American dream is still alive and well. ...
  • Wrought Iron-Style Steel Fence. ...
  • Vinyl. ...
  • Live Fence.

Is a fence a depreciating asset?

The IRS considers fence replacements as improvements that extend the life or value of the property, even if it's replacing an old, damaged fence. The depreciation period for a fence on a rental property is 15 years under the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS).

What increases home value?

The size of your home dramatically affects the value, but square footage isn't the only space that counts. Visual space or how large a home feels also counts. The key is to make each room in your house feel larger.

What devalues a house the most?

8 things that will devalue your home
  • It's important to every homeowner that their property retains its value. ...
  • 1) Poor workmanship. ...
  • 2) An increase in crime levels. ...
  • 3) A substandard kitchen. ...
  • 4) Noise pollution. ...
  • 5) Uninspiring exterior. ...
  • 6) How silent are the neighbours? ...
  • 7) Not energy efficient enough.

Can neighbors lower property value?

Believe it or not, the people living next door can play a significant role in determining your home's value. From aggressive pets to neglected maintenance, neighbors can impact your property in ways you might not have considered.

How do I make my property value go down?

Factors That Bring Down Property Value
  1. Deferred Maintenance.
  2. Outdated Kitchen or Bathroom.
  3. Mold and Mildew.
  4. Home Improvement Projects Gone Wrong.
  5. Roof Damage.
  6. Bad Landscaping.
  7. Proximity to Certain Businesses.
  8. Declining Neighborhood.

Does a fence affect appraisal?

It can, but not always. The construction and material of the fence, the reason for adding one, and the area where you live factor into the value a fence adds to your home.

Is a fence a fixture in real estate?

Improvements to real property like air conditioners and solar panels and land improvements like fences and paved parking areas are attached to the property and therefore are considered fixtures. Fixtures may be transferred, leased, or taxed as a part of the real property.

How long do you depreciate a fence?

MACRS 15 year for improvements made directly to land like adding a fence or sidewalk. MACRS 20 year for Farm Buildings.

How does a fence affect home insurance?

Your homeowners insurance likely covers damage to your fence if it was due to a covered cause of loss. This may include things like a storm, fire or vandalism. However, if the damage is caused by wear and tear or lack of upkeep, it's likely not covered.

Is it better to have a $500 deductible or $1000?

Remember that filing small claims may affect how much you have to pay for insurance later. Switching from a $500 deductible to a $1,000 deductible can save as much as 20 percent on the cost of your insurance premium payments.

What happens if a neighbor's tree falls on my fence?

Most people assume that they are liable since it is their tree. However, this is not always true. When a tree falls over onto a neighbor's property, that neighbor should submit a claim to his or her insurance company immediately. The insurance company is usually responsible for taking care of the damages.

What are the cons of fencing?

Cost: Adding a fence can be expensive, depending on the type of fence you choose and the size of your property. It's important to factor in the cost of materials and installation before you make your final decision! Maintenance: Fences require maintenance, including regular cleaning and staining or painting.

Do you need a permit to put a fence around your property?

In the unincorporated Los Angeles County area, a freestanding fence or block wall may be constructed up to a height of six (6?) feet without a permit. However, if the wall is to retain any soil, a permit may be necessary.

Do I have to give my Neighbour the good side of the fence?

Make Sure Your Neighbors Get the Good Side of the Fence

A common courtesy is to share the good side with your neighbor. It is important to note that any fence visible from the street should have a smooth side facing out toward the street. Many, if not most, HOAs require this.

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