Ever had a disagreement with a neighbour over where your fence should go? Or worried about building too close to the edge of your property? You’re not alone.
In Australia, property boundary disputes are shockingly common—and they can get messy, expensive, and downright stressful if you’re not careful.
So, before you start putting up a fence, building a shed, or planting a row of trees, let’s talk about why property boundaries matter—and how you can avoid a whole lot of unnecessary drama.
Frequently Asked Questions – What You Might Not Know
What if my fence isn’t actually on my boundary line?
You could be accidentally giving away part of your land—or worse, building on your neighbour’s property! This can lead to legal disputes, council fines, and even forced removal of the fence.
How do I find my property boundary in NSW?
Council records and title deeds aren’t always accurate. The only sure-fire way to know where your land starts and ends is to get a professional land survey.
Can I build right up to my boundary?
Not necessarily! NSW has setback laws, which mean you might need to leave a gap between your building and the boundary.
Who pays for a fence between neighbours?
Under NSW law, fence costs are usually split 50/50, but this depends on the situation.
Do I really need a land survey for my fence?
If you want peace of mind and zero neighbour disputes, then yes!
Now, let’s get into why boundaries matter more than most people realise.
Why Are Property Boundaries So Important?
Avoiding Neighbourhood Disputes
Few things create tension faster than an argument over land.
Imagine this: you’ve just built a beautiful new fence, and your neighbour comes knocking, furious, saying it’s on their land.
Or worse—your neighbour builds a fence that steals a metre of your land, and you don’t even realise until years later.
A simple land survey can prevent all this. It clearly marks out who owns what, so there’s no confusion, no drama, and no unnecessary legal battles.
Following the Rules (and Avoiding Hefty Fines!)
Australia has strict boundary and fencing laws—and if you break them, you could be hit with fines, demolition notices, or expensive legal fights.
Common mistakes that get people in trouble:
🚧 Building too close to the boundary (illegal in some areas).
🚧 Putting up a fence that’s too high (council regulations apply).
🚧 Ignoring an easement (some land sections can’t be built on at all!).
A land survey ensures you’re following all the rules from the get-go.
Knowing Where You Can Build
Planning to add a pool, shed, or home extension? Without a proper survey, you could be building on land you don’t actually own.
✔ Your neighbour could demand you move it (goodbye, hard-earned dollars).
✔ The council could order you to demolish it (yes, really).
✔ You could end up in a costly legal battle (stressful and expensive).
A professional survey clears up any doubts before you start building.
Keeping Your Property’s Value High
Buyers love properties that have clearly defined, legally sound boundaries. If there’s any uncertainty about where your land starts and ends, you might struggle to sell or refinance.
✔ A properly surveyed property = higher value
✔ Legal proof of boundaries = fewer headaches when selling
✔ No disputes = more buyer confidence
Think of it as an investment in your future property value.
Preventing Costly Mistakes
A land survey isn’t just about avoiding neighbour drama—it can also save you thousands in unexpected costs.
❌ Fence in the wrong spot? You might have to pay to move it.
❌ Built too close to the boundary? You could face council fines or demolition orders.
❌ Encroaching on someone else’s land? You might lose part of your property.
A land survey is way cheaper than fixing a boundary mistake.
How a Professional Survey Can Help
So, how does a land survey actually work?
A qualified land surveyor will:
📍 Use advanced tools to pinpoint your exact boundary lines.
📜 Provide a legal document proving your property’s limits.
🏡 Ensure your fences, structures, and buildings are all in the right spot.
At EastWest Surveyors, we handle everything from boundary marking to council approvals—so you never have to worry about legal issues, disputes, or costly mistakes.
Why You Should Choose EastWest Surveyors
Getting your property boundaries right isn’t just important—it’s essential.
At EastWest Surveyors, we:
✅ Have years of experience in NSW land surveys.
✅ Use the latest technology for pinpoint accuracy.
✅ Know all the council rules and regulations.
✅ Offer fast, hassle-free service at competitive rates.
Don’t leave it to guesswork. Make sure your property is 100% legal, accurate, and dispute-free.