Who Pays for My Retaining Wall cost in Adelaide? – Square Gardens Guide

When it comes to retaining wall costs in Adelaide, few topics spark more heated discussions between neighbours than who should pay.The answer depends on where the wall is, who benefits from it, and how much excavation or filling each property requires.

At Square Gardens, we’ve helped countless Adelaide homeowners navigate these tricky cost-sharing situations — here’s what you need to know.

Understanding Cost Responsibility

Under South Australian property laws, each landowner must ensure their soil is retained if they’ve altered the natural ground level — whether by excavating (cutting into the land) or filling (building up the land).

This means:

• If you’ve excavated below the natural soil level, you must retain your soil so it doesn’t collapse onto your neighbour’s property.

• If you’ve filled above the natural soil level, you must retain the soil so it doesn’t spill onto their land.

How Costs Are Usually Split Retaining Wall in Adelaide

Cost-sharing is based on the proportion of benefit each property gets from the wall.For example:

• If you fill 300 mm above ground level and your neighbour excavates 700 mm below ground level, you might pay 30% and they pay 70% of the cost.

This is only a guide — the final arrangement should be agreed upon in writing before construction begins.

Boundary Retaining Walls

If a retaining wall is built on the boundary, both neighbours may share responsibility for its cost — but only if both properties benefit.

Key considerations:

• Material choice – Both parties should agree on whether to use concrete sleepers, stone, brick, timber, or gabion walls.

• Height and design – Walls over 1 metre generally require council approval and an engineer’s design.

• Drainage – Poor drainage can damage both properties, so it must be planned correctly from the start.

Avoiding Disputes

The best way to avoid disputes is to:

1. Get a professional site assessment – At Square Gardens, we measure slope, soil type, and water flow before giving cost estimates.

2. Agree in writing – Outline who pays what, the wall design, and timelines.

3. Use a licensed builder – This ensures the wall meets Australian Standards and council requirements.

When You Might Pay More

You may be asked to contribute more if:

• You’re the only one benefiting from the wall.

• Your property’s changes (fill or excavation) require the wall.

• You request premium finishes or materials.

Square Gardens – Your Adelaide Retaining Wall Experts

We not only design and build retaining walls — we also:

• Help mediate between neighbours on cost-sharing

• Handle council approval paperwork

• Recommend the best materials for your budget and site conditions

• Ensure drainage, structural integrity, and long-term durability

If you’re unsure about who pays for your retaining wall, let us inspect your site and provide a clear, professional recommendation.

📞 Call Square Gardens on 0425 015 911Your trusted retaining wall specialists in Adelaide — building strong, stylish, and compliant walls that last.