Redefinition Plans: Everything You Need to Know 

Redefinition Plans: Everything You Need to Know

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Imagine you’ve found the perfect piece of land, but years later, a neighbour disputes a fence line, or you discover an old shed is slightly over the boundary. What do you do when property lines aren’t as clear as they seem? Redefinition Plans are absolutely essential for confirming the exact legal limits of your land, preventing future disputes, and protecting your ownership rights

hese plans are more than just paperwork; they play a key role in ensuring your property’s boundaries are accurate before any major steps like strata registration or title updates. A Redefinition Plan doesn’t change who owns what or how the land is laid out; it simply verifies that the existing boundaries match the legal record. Without one, things like strata registration or boundary adjustments can face frustrating delays and unexpected costs. Having a Redefinition Plan prepared by a licensed surveyor ensures your boundaries are correct, your documents are compliant, and your property project moves forward smoothly. At East West Surveyors, we make Redefinition Plans simple and stress-free. Our licensed surveyors deliver fast, precise, and fully compliant results, keeping you updated every step of the wa I y. Avoid costly delays and get your Redefinition Plan done with confidence today.

At East West Surveyors, we make Redefinition Plans simple and stress-free. Our licensed surveyors deliver fast, precise, and fully compliant results, keeping you updated every step of the way. Avoid costly delays to get your Redefinition Plan done with confidence today.

Understanding Redefinition Plans

What does redefinition mean in surveying?

Redefinition in surveying is all about accurately re-establishing or clarifying existing land boundaries. when they’ve become uncertain over time. This can happen for many reasons, like fences shifting, original survey marks disappearing, or old records becoming a bit fuzzy. A redefinition ensures your property correctly aligns with its original legal description, giving you peace of mind and helping to prevent future disagreements.

What is a Redefinition plan?

A Redefinition Plan is a special type of survey plan created by a Registered Surveyor. It’s used when an existing piece of land needs its boundaries redefined, but the land itself isn’t being split up or changing ownership. In simple terms, it’s like updating the boundary information without changing the lot or who owns it. This plan makes sure the correct position of boundary lines are exactly where they should be, and any missing survey marks are confirmed against the legal boundaries defined in the original title deed. It’s often needed when property owners find inconsistencies between what their title says, where fences are located, and what they see on the ground.

What does a Redefinition Plan include?

A typical Redefinition Plan is quite detailed and includes several key elements: 

  • The original parcel boundaries as defined by legal documents.
  • Surveyed redefined lines and precisely marked corner points.
  • Information on any portions affected by encroachments or discrepancies.
  • References to adjoining lots or public roads for context

Once this plan is lodged and registered with the relevant authorities, it becomes the official record for the redefined boundaries, providing much-needed clarity for property owners, potential buyers, and councils alike.

Why You Might Need a Plan of Redefinition

Common reasons property owners need a redefinition plan

There are several common situations where a Redefinition Plan becomes incredibly useful, if not essential:

  • Boundary marks have been lost or destroyed over time, leaving the exact corner points uncertain.
  • There are fence encroachments or visible disagreements between neighbours about where the boundary lies.
  • You’re preparing for construction and need precise site limits to ensure compliance with setbacks and regulations.
  • You plan to sell or refinance your property, and your lender requests updated boundary evidence.
  • Your local council requires an updated survey before granting development approval.

In each of these cases, a redefinition plan helps establish a clear and legally defensible boundary position, saving potential headaches down the line.

Can my neighbor move the boundary without a Redefinition Plan?

Absolutely not. Boundaries are legally fixed by the land title and cannot be arbitrarily altered simply by moving a fence or a structure. If a neighbour’s fence or building happens to encroach onto your land, or vice versa, a licensed surveyor can prepare a redefinition plan. This plan will determine the true boundary line and provide the necessary evidence for dispute resolution, ensuring fairness for everyone involved.

What is the main purpose of delimitation?

Delimitation and redefinition are closely related concepts in land surveying. While redefinition focuses on accurately reinstating existing boundaries that may have become uncertain, delimitation specifically defines those boundaries when they are uncertain or have been lost. The main purpose of a delimitation is to legally define and record these unclear boundaries so they can be accurately included in updated survey or title records, bringing certainty to property lines.

The Redefinition plan Process Explained

How long does a Redefinition Plan take?

A standard redefinition plan typically takes about two to four weeks to complete, However, this timeframe can vary depending on a few key factors:

  • The availability of previous survey data for your property
  • The size and complexity of the property itself, and the processing times of the council or land registry
  • If the land has missing or conflicting records, the process may take longer to confirm legal boundaries accurately.

Do I need mortgagee approval before submission for a Redefinition plan?

Yes, in most cases. If your property is currently under a mortgage, you will generally need your lender’s consent before the redefinition plan can be officially registered. This step is important to ensure that the updated plan aligns with their security interest in the property.

Is there such a thing as emergency redefinition plans?

Yes, there is. Some surveying firms offer priority or urgent redefinition services. These are particularly helpful when time-sensitive issues arise, such as during property sales, in court matters, or for urgent building approvals. However, it’s crucial to remember that accuracy and compliance with legal standards must always come first, even in urgent situations.

Are there licensed redefinition plan services?

Absolutely. Only Registered Surveyors, who are accredited under state surveying legislation, have the authority to prepare and certify redefinition plans. Engaging a licensed professional is vital because it ensures your plan meets all the necessary land registry standards and carries full legal validity.

At East West Surveyors, our team includes fully registered and experienced surveyors who are qualified to handle all types of boundary and redefinition surveys. You can learn more about our Registered Surveyors in Sydney and how they ensure accuracy and compliance in every project.

Cost and Documentation for Redefinition Plans

Cost of redefinition plan services

The cost of a redefinition plan typically ranges between $1,000 and $3,000, depending on:

  • Property size, terrain, and the amount of fieldwork needed
  • Historical data availability
  • If property has boundary disputes, additional time and costs may apply

Smaller residential lots are generally quicker and cheaper to survey, while large or irregular properties may take longer and therefore cost more. Your surveyor will always provide a detailed quote before starting work, so you’ll know exactly what to expect financially.

What documents are included in redefinition plans ?

A Redefinition Plan usually includes several important documents

  • A detailed survey plan clearly showing dimensions, bearings, and boundaries.
  • A survey report that outlines the methods used and the surveyor’s findings.
  • Title reference details and existing lot information.
  • A lodgment sheet for submission to the relevant land authority.

It’s important to note that a strata plan is different. A strata plan typically includes lot layouts within a multi-unit complex or building, common property boundaries, and unit entitlements that show ownership percentages.

What documents are usually contained in a strata plan?

A strata plan differs from a redefinition plan. It includes:

  • Lot layouts within a multi-unit complex or building
  • Common property boundaries
  • Unit entitlements showing ownership percentages

Related Land and Survey Plans

How do I get survey plans for my property?

You can typically request a copy of your property’s survey plan from a few key sources:

  • Your state’s land registry office (such as NSW LRS, Land Use Victoria, or Queensland Titles Registry) is a primary source
  • Your local council or building archives
  • A registered surveyor, who can retrieve and interpret it for you

Where can I find a survey plan?

Survey plans are officially stored with the land registry, usually referenced by your Lot and Deposited Plan (DP) number or title reference. Most land registries offer digital downloads of these plans, often for a small fee, making them more accessible than ever before.

How much does a land survey cost in Australia?

General property surveys can cost anywhere between $500 and $2,500, with the price varying based on the property’s size and complexity. Redefinition and subdivision surveys usually come with a higher price tag because they involve more extensive legal documentation and detailed work.

How much should you pay for a survey?

For a standard residential block, you can expect to pay around $1,000 to $1,500 for accurate boundary marking. Keep in mind that larger or rural properties, which require more extensive fieldwork, may cost upwards of $3,000.

How do I get a copy of my house plans?

House plans, which detail the building itself, can usually be obtained from your local council, your builder, or the architect who designed the home. If these aren’t available, a surveyor can conduct a measured building survey to recreate the layout for you. 

How do I see the plans for my house?

You can often check with your local council’s planning department or their online property portal. Many councils now provide online access to approved building plans, which can be a quick way to retrieve this information.

RP, SP, and Redefinition Plans: Key Land Terms Explained

What does RP stand for in land?

In land terminology, RP often stands for ‘Registered Plan.’ This was an older system used in some parts of Australia before the Deposited Plans system became standard.

What does SP stand for in property?

SP in property usually means ‘Strata Plan.’ This refers to properties that are part of a multi-lot or apartment-style development, where ownership is divided into individual units and shared common areas

What is the difference between RP and SP?

The key difference is that RP identifies traditional, single land parcels, whereas SP relates to properties within a building or complex that have been divided into multiple ownership units..

What is the difference between RP and RRP?

RRP stands for ‘Redefined Registered Plan.’ This is essentially an updated version of an existing RP that has been corrected or redefined to address any boundary discrepancies that were identified. 

What is RP in surveying?

In surveying, RP refers to a registered cadastral plan that clearly shows the surveyed boundaries, measurements, and adjoining lots of a piece of land.

What does SP mean in land?

When you see SP in land context, it indicates a strata-titled property. This means owners have separate titles for their individual units but also share rights and responsibilities for common areas within the development. 

Delimitation and Subdivision

What is a plan of delimitation?

A Plan of Delimitation is specifically designed to define the exact boundaries of a parcel of land when those boundaries are uncertain or unmarked. It’s often used in conjunction with redefinition plans, particularly when original boundary evidence has been lost or is unclear.

What is a delimitation survey?

A delimitation survey is the professional process undertaken by a surveyor to re-establish boundary markers. The goal is to ensure these markers precisely match the legal title, providing clarity and compliance, especially before a property is developed or sold.

What is an example of a delimitation?

Imagine an older rural property where fences have been moved over time and no longer perfectly align with the original boundary lines shown on the title. A delimitation survey in this situation would precisely identify and mark the correct, legally recognised boundaries of that property.

What is the minimum land size to subdivide?

Subdivision rules can vary significantly between different councils and zoning areas. However, typical minimum lot sizes for residential areas often range between 450m² and 600m². It’s always best to check with your local planning scheme for the exact requirements in your area.

How big does land have to be to subdivide?

The potential for subdividing land really depends on a combination of factors including zoning regulations, the availability of access and essential services, and ultimately, local council approval. It’s not solely about the size of the land, but rather how it fits within the broader planning framework.

When to contact a licensed surveyor

You should contact a licensed surveyor anytime you need absolute certainty about your property boundaries. This is especially crucial before undertaking any building or development work, when selling or buying property, or if any boundary disputes arise.

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