STRICTLY speaking property boundaries don’t have to be marked, fenced or walled but in reality it is normally better for all homeowners if they are.

It is said that good fences make good neighbours and my own experience as a homeowner and an estate agent bears this out.

Most potential homebuyers, who can’t know whether the neighbours are nice or not, are keen to see clearly defined and secure marking of the limits of the property, however small. A robust fence or wall is sufficient but if some privacy can be offered so much the better.

For some of us it would be ideal if we still had Victorian-style high walled kitchen gardens. These were not only designed for privacy but also to create a sheltered environment to grow tender or exotic plants and vegetables as well as creating a magic secret garden away from the rest of the world.

However, most of us are happy with a timber fence or low wall which is a lot cheaper and allows some contact with the neighbours, which is important in our busy world.

If you are selling your house spend some time and a little money ensuring your fences are in good order and in the right place. Legal boundary disputes are not only expensive to resolve for all parties but create long-term bad feeling and will jeopardise future sales.

Even if that side is not your responsibility, agree with the neighbour who is responsible and that you will repair it at your expense as any broken or missing fence gives a bad impression and can easily lose you a sale.

You don’t need the Berlin Wall round your garden but some form of private area close to the house, where we increasingly tend to sit out or dine, is a good investment for you and your neighbours who will also benefit and respect you for it.

Professionally-installed fencing will cost up to about £60 per yard but if you’re handy and can do it yourself it’s much cheaper and a lot of fun on a sunny Bank Holiday weekend.

* Ron Kennor is general manager of Robinson & Jackson Estate Agencies.