What is a boundary survey?
A boundary survey determines the legal position of a property boundary using registered plans, existing survey marks, title information and the physical evidence on the ground. It is more than measuring from a fence or estimating a corner from a title plan: the surveyor has to reconcile all of that evidence before the boundary position can be relied on.
Once the position is calculated, the agreed boundary corners or offsets are marked on site (for example with pegs, nails or other marks) and the results are recorded in a sketch, plan or report, depending on what was quoted.
Why fences aren't always on the boundary
Fences are useful evidence, but they are often not on the true boundary. Many Illawarra suburbs were subdivided decades ago, and fences have since been replaced, realigned or built without a survey. Steep escarpment blocks, retaining walls and older estates with few surviving survey marks can make the boundary harder to find, so the investigation may need to cover more than one side of the property.
Boundary survey or identification survey?
A boundary survey defines and marks where the boundary is. An identification survey reports where existing buildings, fences and improvements sit relative to the title boundaries, and is commonly used when buying property or checking encroachments. If you are not sure which one you need, tell us why you need the survey and we will recommend the right scope.
Boundary survey cost and timing in Wollongong
No two boundary surveys cost the same, because the work depends on the evidence. Price is mostly driven by how many boundaries you need marked, how many original survey marks survive in the street, how old the subdivision is, the slope and vegetation, and whether neighbouring titles have to be researched as well. A simple modern lot in an estate such as Shell Cove or Calderwood usually takes less investigation than an older lot in Thirroul or Figtree with replaced fences and few remaining marks.
We quote a fixed price once we know the address and what you need marked, so the cost is agreed before anyone attends site. If you are working to a fencing, building or settlement deadline, tell us when you ask for the quote. Need a survey elsewhere in the region? See the areas we cover.
When you may need one
- Before building a house, granny flat, duplex, extension or garage close to a boundary
- Before replacing or building a boundary fence or retaining wall
- When a structure or fence may encroach onto a neighbouring property
- Before buying, selling, subdividing or developing land
- When your builder, certifier, architect or solicitor asks for a reliable boundary position
How it works
Quote
You send the address and reason for the survey; we confirm the scope and a fixed price.
Research
We search titles, registered plans and existing survey marks for the land and its neighbours.
Field work
We measure the survey marks, fences and structures on and around the site.
Calculation
We reconcile the evidence and calculate the boundary position.
Marking & delivery
Boundary corners or offsets are marked on site and the agreed sketch or plan is issued.
What you receive
- Boundary corner or offset marks placed on site
- A boundary sketch or plan showing the marks placed
- Notes on relevant fences or structures near the boundary, where included in the scope
To get an accurate quote, send us:
- Property address and lot/DP number, if known
- Which boundaries you need marked and why
- Any building, fencing or retaining wall plans
- Your deadline and any access issues: locked gates, dogs, tenants, dense vegetation
Boundary Surveys FAQs
How much does a boundary survey cost in Wollongong?
It depends on the size and shape of the lot, how many boundaries are marked, how much survey evidence survives, the terrain and access. Older or steep lots usually take longer to research and measure. Send us the address and the boundaries you need and we will give you a fixed-price quote.
Is my fence on the boundary?
Not necessarily. Fences are often offset, replaced in a different position or built without a survey. A boundary survey is the reliable way to confirm where the boundary is.
Can you mark just one side of my property?
Often, yes. However, the surveyor may still need to measure evidence beyond that side to calculate a reliable position, so the scope depends on the property and the evidence available.
How long does a boundary survey take?
The site work for a typical residential lot is often completed in a single visit, but research and calculations happen before and after the visit. Lead times vary with workload; ask about current availability when you request a quote.
Do my neighbours need to be home?
No, but we may need to access fence lines or survey marks near neighbouring land. Let us know about any access arrangements when you book.