Purchasing a property is one of the most significant financial investments one can make during their lifetime. Hence, it is important to do thorough research on the property you’re interested in so that you’re aware of the property’s actual state and be prepared for future complications, if any.

This is where accurate boundary surveys come into the picture. They are an essential component of any property transaction, and they provide accurate and detailed information about the boundaries of a property, which can be crucial for property owners, buyers, and sellers. Accurate boundary surveys also ensure that there is no confusion or disputes about property boundaries, which can lead to costly legal battles in the future.

In this article, we will discuss the importance of having an accurate boundary survey carried out by an experienced land surveyor in Melbourne for your property transaction.

What is an Accurate Boundary Survey?

An accurate boundary survey is a process of precisely determining the legal boundaries of a property. It involves measuring the property’s boundaries, noting any improvements, easements, leases, encroachments, and other interests that may affect the property, and preparing a detailed report of the findings.

Land surveyors usually use specialised equipment, such as a total station, to take precise measurements of the property boundaries. These findings and reports will then become legally binding documents once it is registered with the land title office.

When you embark on a renovation or any other project development on your property, councils, builders, lawyers, and even contractors will refer to the accuracy of the data from this document. This will be part of your land title or can be accessed on the Landata website.

Why do I need an accurate boundary survey?

Since accurate boundary surveys are not an obligation, many buyers may forgo this procedure to reduce closing costs. However, this can lead to even greater expenses and headaches down the road.

Here are a few reasons why it’s essential to have an accurate boundary survey done:

Prevent property boundary disputes

One of the most common reasons why accurate boundary surveys are essential is to avoid boundary disputes. When two or more parties disagree about the location of their property’s boundary lines, it can lead to costly legal battles – and not to mention, irreversible hostility between neighbours.

An accurate boundary survey can help resolve such disputes by providing definitive evidence of each person’s property lines.

Determine property value

An accurate boundary survey can also help determine the value of a property. If a property is incorrectly marked or misaligned, it could impact the value of the property. Buyers and sellers need to know the exact boundaries of a property to ensure that they are getting the total value of the property.

Ensure correct issuance of building permits

Building permits are issued based on the location of the property boundaries. If the property boundaries are not accurately marked, it can lead to building code violations and delays in obtaining permits. Accurate boundary surveys ensure that building permits are issued promptly, without any delays or violations.

Identify encroachments, easements, and other property interests

An accurate boundary survey can help identify any discrepancies in property ownership, such as unrecorded easements, encroachments, and other interests that may affect the property. This information ensures you are completely aware of any potential issues before the purchase is made so that you can be prepared to handle future complications if required.

Land subdivision requirement

Generally, you will need an accurate boundary survey for all new construction on your property. This is because the land where your new house will be built must be surveyed and mapped before construction can begin. However, when it comes to land subdivisions specifically, it’s crucial that you get this survey done.

Land subdivision requires accurate boundary surveys to ensure that your development project complies with local council regulations. The survey will establish whether there is enough land for the proposed development and that the subdivision doesn’t adversely affect neighbouring properties.

Protection from legal liability

An accurate boundary survey can also protect the buyer and seller from legal liability. You may be held liable if your property is incorrectly marked and a neighbouring property is damaged because of your construction.

That is why it’s important to have an accurate boundary survey done before purchasing a property. It can help avoid such legal issues by ensuring that the property boundaries are correctly marked or you’re aware of its error and can take steps to rectify the issue before investing.

Get in touch with the land surveying experts

As illustrated in this article, accurate boundary surveys are crucial for property transactions. They provide essential information about property boundaries, which can help avoid disputes, determine property value, obtain building permits, identify property ownership, and avoid legal liability. More importantly, when obtaining a boundary survey, it is crucial to hire a licensed surveyor and ensure that they conduct a thorough site inspection and provide a detailed report of their findings.

At Barker Monahan, we are committed to ensuring your property transaction process is stress-free and seamless. We have decades of experience in handling land survey services and supporting clients to a successful outcome. Contact us today to see how we can help with your property.