Buying a property, neighbor has pipes overhanging

Hi everyone,

Im looking at purchasing a property in Sydney (inner west), its a deceased estate and the neighbour has an extension right on the boundary line, with cabling running what seems to be over the boundary. Check the photo, this is from the side access of the property im looking to buy:



The brick wall in the foreground is actually a brick fence, which stops and this ugly extension juts out. The extension might even be over the boundary line itself, considering that its directly in line with the fence.

My question is, are you allowed to build ON the boundary line like this? And even if you can, are you able to run pipes / cables that clearly overhang?


Because its a deceased estate, i'm worried that they just got the "ok" from the old lady who owned the place and she didnt mind. But I really dont think its right and it might end up being a mess with the new neighbour. if you look, they've actually had to cut under the post thats holding up the gate, what If I wanted to replace this gate in the future? Would I need to not obstruct their pipes?





Thanks everyone

Hi adjwhite86

Yes you can build on the boundary line (usually 20mm inside) and it's called zero lot. However you can't then run pipes along the outside. The only way to know for sure would be to get a survey done of that boundary so you know if they are encroaching on your land.

The other issue would be the legalities of the construction. That's not a brick wall so they really would struggle with the required fire rating if it's zero lot. I'd wonder if they actually have council approval for what is constructed there. It's certainly not up to code.