Understand the Importance of a Boundary Survey
A boundary survey is essential for property owners across Australia. It determines the legal boundaries of a property, ensuring landowners know exactly where their land starts and ends. This is particularly important if you’re planning to build a fence, extend your home, or subdivide the land. Without an accurate boundary survey, you could unintentionally encroach on your neighbour’s property, leading to costly legal disputes.
Councils and state authorities also require boundary surveys for certain types of development applications. Even if you’re not planning to build, having a clear understanding of your property’s legal limits can help prevent any future issues with neighbours or government regulations.
Hire a Registered Land Surveyor
In Australia, property boundary surveys must be conducted by a registered land surveyor. These professionals have the expertise and legal authority to measure and define property boundaries accurately. Each state and territory has its own regulatory body overseeing land surveyors, such as the Board of Surveying and Spatial Information (BOSSI) in New South Wales.
When hiring a surveyor, check their credentials and ensure they are registered with the appropriate authority. An experienced surveyor will not only provide accurate boundary measurements but will also help interpret historical records, subdivision plans, and any potential discrepancies in your land title.
Review Existing Documentation
Before conducting a boundary survey, gather any available documents related to your property. This may include:
- Title deeds – The official record of property ownership, often including a legal description of boundaries.
- Previous survey reports – If a survey was conducted in the past, comparing it to the new survey can reveal changes or discrepancies.
- Subdivision plans – If your property was part of a larger subdivision, these plans can provide valuable insight into boundary placements.
- Council records – Local councils may have maps or documents relating to your land’s legal boundaries.
Historical documents are important, but keep in mind that older surveys may not align with modern measuring techniques. Technology and mapping accuracy have improved significantly over the years, so it’s best to rely on the latest survey data.
Communicate with Neighbours
Good communication with neighbours can help avoid disputes before, during, and after the survey process. If you’re planning a fence or any other structure near the boundary, it’s courteous (and often legally required) to discuss it with your neighbours beforehand.
In Australia, fencing disputes are common, and each state has specific laws governing shared boundary fences. For example, in New South Wales, the Dividing Fences Act outlines the responsibilities of property owners when building or repairing fences.
Letting your neighbours know about the survey can also be beneficial if there are any unclear or disputed boundary lines. In some cases, neighbours may have historical knowledge or documents that could assist in confirming property lines.
Be Present During the Survey
While it’s not mandatory to be present during the survey, it can be helpful to observe the process and ask any questions. Being on-site allows you to:
- See exactly where your property boundaries are marked.
- Discuss any discrepancies with the surveyor in real-time.
- Gain a better understanding of the surveyor’s findings and methodology.
Additionally, if you have specific concerns—such as an old fence that may not align with the true boundary—it’s easier to address them while the surveyor is there.
Keep Detailed Records
Once the boundary survey is complete, ensure you keep all related documents in a safe place. These records may be useful in the future if:
- You sell the property and need to provide accurate boundary information.
- A neighbour disputes a boundary line.
- You plan further development or renovations.
- You need to apply for council approvals.
A professional surveyor will provide you with a detailed report, including maps and legal descriptions. If necessary, they can also lodge survey results with the relevant state authority to update official records.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a property boundary survey?
A boundary survey is a professional measurement of a property’s legal boundaries. It identifies the exact points where one property ends and another begins, ensuring compliance with legal land divisions.
Why do I need a boundary survey?
A boundary survey ensures you’re aware of your property’s true limits, preventing encroachments, legal disputes, and compliance issues when developing your land.
How does a surveyor determine property lines?
Surveyors use historical land records, subdivision plans, existing boundary markers, and advanced measuring tools like GPS and total stations to establish property lines.
How much does a boundary survey cost in Australia?
The cost of a boundary survey varies depending on the size and location of your property. In general, residential boundary surveys range from $500 to $2,500. Larger rural properties or properties with complex boundaries may cost more.
How long does a boundary survey take?
Most residential surveys take between a few hours to a full day, depending on the complexity of the land and the availability of historical records.
Why should choose East West?
A property boundary survey is an essential tool for landowners looking to protect their property rights and avoid disputes. Whether you’re planning to build, sell, or simply clarify your boundaries, following these six tips will help ensure an accurate and legally compliant survey process.
By working with registered professionals and maintaining proper records, you’ll have the confidence that your property’s boundaries are clearly defined and legally sound.
Get Started Today!
Contact us today to schedule your Detail and Contour survey and start your project on the right foot.