---
title: "Land Surveying FAQ Sydney | Common Survey Questions | Sydney Surveyor Solutions"
description: "Sydney's trusted land surveyors. Boundary surveys from $800, detail surveys, subdivisions, strata plans & construction setouts. Fast turnaround. Call (02) 5114 2551 for a free quote."
canonical_url: "https://surveyorsydney.com/faq"
last_updated: "2026-09-08"
# last_updated_source: git
---
# Frequently Asked Questions

**How much does a land survey cost in Sydney?**

Land survey costs in Sydney vary depending on the type of survey, property size, and complexity. A basic boundary identification typically costs $800-$1,500, a full boundary survey ranges from $1,800-$3,500, detail surveys cost $1,500-$4,000, and subdivision surveys can range from $4,000-$12,000+ depending on the number of lots and council requirements.

**What factors affect survey pricing?**

Several factors influence the cost of a land survey in Sydney: property size (larger blocks take longer), terrain difficulty (steep or heavily vegetated sites), age of subdivision (older properties require more research), number of boundaries to survey, and required turnaround time (urgent jobs cost more).

**Are there any hidden fees?**

We provide transparent, upfront quotes with no hidden fees. Our quotes include all survey work, plan preparation, and standard deliverables. Additional charges may apply for: urgent/rush services, multiple site visits, difficult access requiring special equipment, or additional services not in the original scope. We'll always discuss any potential additional costs before proceeding.

**How long does a survey take?**

Survey turnaround times depend on the type of work: Boundary identification takes 5-7 business days, detail surveys take 5-10 business days, construction setout is usually same-day or next-day, and subdivision surveys take 4-8 months including approvals. The field work itself typically takes 2-4 hours depending on property size.

**How long does subdivision approval take in Sydney?**

Subdivision approval timelines vary depending on the type and complexity. A simple two-lot Torrens title subdivision might take 4-6 months, while more complex multi-lot or strata subdivisions can take 8-12 months or longer. These timeframes include council or NSW Planning Portal approval, condition clearance, and NSW LRS registration.

**Do you offer urgent or rush services?**

Yes, we offer expedited services for urgent projects. Same-day or next-day site attendance is often possible depending on our schedule and your location in Sydney. Rush processing of survey plans can also be arranged. Additional fees apply for urgent services. Call (02) 5114 2551 to discuss your urgent requirements.

**Can you do weekend surveys?**

While our standard operating hours are Monday to Friday, we can arrange weekend surveys for urgent projects or where site access is restricted during weekdays. Weekend surveys may incur additional fees. Contact us to discuss your specific requirements.

**Do I need to be home during the survey?**

You don't need to be present during the survey, but we do need access to your property. Please ensure: gates are unlocked or access codes provided, dogs are secured inside or in a separate area, and the yard is reasonably accessible. For boundary work, we may also need to briefly access neighbouring properties to locate survey marks. We'll coordinate this with you beforehand.

**What do I need to prepare before a survey?**

To prepare for a survey: ensure clear access to the property, secure any dogs, clear vegetation from boundary areas if possible, provide any relevant documents (plans, DA approvals), and let neighbours know if we may need brief access to their property for boundary work.

**What is the difference between a boundary survey and an identification survey?**

A boundary identification locates and marks your property corners based on existing survey marks and title information - it shows you where your boundaries are. A full boundary survey (or re-establishment) is more comprehensive, re-establishing the legal boundaries and placing new permanent survey marks. Re-establishments are typically required for subdivisions or when original marks are missing.

**Do I need a survey before building a fence?**

While not legally required under the Dividing Fences Act 1991 (NSW), we strongly recommend a boundary identification survey before building a fence in Sydney. This prevents costly disputes with neighbours and ensures your fence is built in the correct location. Many fence disputes end up requiring surveys anyway, so it's more cost-effective to survey first. A basic boundary identification for fence purposes typically costs $800-$1,500.

**What happens if my fence is on the wrong boundary?**

If a survey reveals your fence is on the wrong boundary, you'll need to negotiate with your neighbour about the fence position. Options include moving the fence to the correct boundary, entering an encroachment agreement, or in some cases, applying for adverse possession after 12 years of continuous occupation. We recommend getting a survey before building any new fence.

**How do I find my property boundaries without a survey?**

You can get a general idea of your boundaries from your certificate of title available from NSW Land Registry Services or using NSW Planning Portal's mapping tools. However, these are not accurate enough for construction or legal purposes. Only a survey by a registered surveyor can legally establish your exact boundary positions.

**What is a detail survey used for?**

A detail survey (also called feature or topographic survey) captures all existing features on a property including buildings, fences, trees, levels, and contours. Architects and engineers use this information for designing extensions, new buildings, or development projects. It's typically required before submitting a Development Application (DA) to council.

**Do I need a detail survey for a granny flat?**

Yes, you typically need a detail survey for a granny flat in Sydney. Your architect and council/certifier will require accurate site information for DA or CDC applications. The survey shows boundaries, setbacks, existing structures, trees, and levels - all essential for ensuring your granny flat complies with planning requirements.

**Can I subdivide my property in Sydney?**

Whether you can subdivide depends on your property's zoning under the Local Environmental Plan (LEP), lot size, and local council requirements. Minimum lot sizes vary by zone - typically 450-600m2 in residential zones, though some areas allow smaller lots. Our team can assess your property's subdivision potential and guide you through the NSW Planning Portal and council approval process.

**What is the difference between strata and Torrens title subdivision?**

Torrens title subdivision creates separate land parcels with individual titles - you own the land and everything on it. It's used for traditional house blocks. Strata subdivision creates lots within a building or development where you own your lot but share common property (driveways, gardens, lobbies) with other owners. Strata is common for apartments, townhouses, and dual occupancies.

**What is a construction setout?**

Construction setout is the process of marking the positions of planned structures on the ground so builders know exactly where to construct. This includes positioning building corners, foundation lines, floor levels, and reference points. Accurate setout is critical to ensure buildings comply with approved plans and council setback requirements.

**When should I book a setout survey?**

Book your setout survey after excavation is complete but before formwork or slab construction begins. Give your surveyor 2-3 days notice. The builder needs the setout marks to position footings and formwork correctly.

**What is an engineering survey?**

An engineering survey supports construction and infrastructure projects. It includes pre-construction site surveys, construction setout, as-built surveys, and monitoring. Engineering surveys provide the spatial data engineers and contractors need for design and construction verification on projects from house extensions to major infrastructure.

**Why do I need a registered surveyor?**

In New South Wales, surveys must be conducted by a registered surveyor to be legally recognised for property boundary matters, lodgement with NSW Land Registry Services, court disputes, or building certifications.

**What is a Section 88B instrument?**

A Section 88B instrument is a legal document registered with a subdivision plan that creates easements, restrictions, or rights of way over land. It binds current and future property owners. Your surveyor prepares these as part of subdivision applications.

**What equipment do land surveyors use?**

Modern land surveyors use high-precision GPS/GNSS receivers accurate to within millimetres, robotic total stations for angle and distance measurements, and digital levels for height determination. We also use drones for aerial mapping on larger sites. All equipment is regularly calibrated to meet NSW surveying standards.

**How accurate are GPS survey measurements?**

Modern survey-grade GPS equipment achieves accuracy of 10-20mm horizontally and 20-30mm vertically under good conditions. For even higher precision work, we use robotic total stations which can achieve sub-millimetre accuracy for construction setout and monitoring surveys.

**What areas of Sydney do you service?**

We service all of Greater Sydney including the CBD, Eastern Suburbs (Bondi, Randwick), North Shore (Chatswood, North Sydney), Northern Beaches (Manly, Dee Why), Inner West (Marrickville, Leichhardt), Western Sydney (Parramatta, Blacktown, Penrith), Hills District (Castle Hill, Kellyville), and South Sydney (Sutherland, Cronulla). We also service the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, and Wollongong regions.

## Sitemap

- [Land Surveyor Sydney | Boundary & Subdivision Surveys](https://surveyorsydney.com/)
- [About Our Sydney Surveyors | Experienced Land Surveying Team | Sydney Surveyor Solutions](https://surveyorsydney.com/about-us)
- [Contact Sydney Surveyor Solutions | Free Land Survey Quote Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/contact)
- [Land Surveying FAQ Sydney | Common Survey Questions | Sydney Surveyor Solutions](https://surveyorsydney.com/faq)
- [Boundary Survey Sydney | Property Boundary Surveys | Sydney Surveyor Solutions](https://surveyorsydney.com/boundary-survey)
- [Contour Survey Sydney: Inclusions and DA Guide](https://surveyorsydney.com/contour-survey-sydney)
- [Detail Survey Sydney | Topographic & Feature Surveys | Sydney Surveyor Solutions](https://surveyorsydney.com/detail-survey-sydney)
- [Subdivision Survey Sydney | Land Subdivision Services | Sydney Surveyor Solutions](https://surveyorsydney.com/subdivision-surveys-sydney)
- [Identification Survey Sydney | Property Identification Surveys | Sydney Surveyor Solutions](https://surveyorsydney.com/identification-survey-sydney)
- [Construction Setout Sydney | Building Setout Surveys | Sydney Surveyor Solutions](https://surveyorsydney.com/setout-survey-sydney)
- [Engineering Survey Sydney | Civil & Infrastructure Surveys | Sydney Surveyor Solutions](https://surveyorsydney.com/engineering-survey-sydney)
- [Service Areas | Sydney Surveyor Solutions](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas)
- [Surveyors Alexandria | Land Survey Services Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/alexandria)
- [Surveyors Artarmon | Land Survey Services North Shore Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/artarmon)
- [Surveyors Ashfield | Land Survey Services Inner West Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/ashfield)
- [Surveyors Auburn | Land Survey Services Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/auburn)
- [Surveyors Avalon | Land Survey Services Northern Beaches Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/avalon)
- [Surveyors Balmain | Land Survey Services Inner West Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/balmain)
- [Surveyors Bankstown | Land Survey Services Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/bankstown)
- [Surveyors Baulkham Hills | Land Survey Services Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/baulkham-hills)
- [Surveyors Bella Vista | Land Survey Services Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/bella-vista)
- [Surveyors Blacktown | Land Survey Services Western Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/blacktown)
- [Surveyors Bondi | Land Survey Services Eastern Suburbs Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/bondi)
- [Surveyors Botany | Land Survey Services Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/botany)
- [Surveyors Box Hill | Land Survey Services Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/box-hill)
- [Surveyors Brookvale | Land Survey Services Northern Beaches Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/brookvale)
- [Surveyors Burwood | Land Survey Services Inner West Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/burwood)
- [Surveyors Camden | Land Survey Services Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/camden)
- [Surveyors Campbelltown | Land Survey Services Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/campbelltown)
- [Surveyors Caringbah | Land Survey Services Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/caringbah)
- [Surveyors Castle Hill | Land Survey Services Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/castle-hill)
- [Surveyors Chatswood | Land Survey Services North Shore Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/chatswood)
- [Surveyors Coogee | Land Survey Services Eastern Suburbs Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/coogee)
- [Surveyors Cronulla | Land Survey Services Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/cronulla)
- [Surveyors Darlinghurst | Land Survey Services Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/darlinghurst)
- [Surveyors Dee Why | Land Survey Services Northern Beaches Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/dee-why)
- [Surveyors Double Bay | Land Survey Services Eastern Suburbs Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/double-bay)
- [Surveyors Drummoyne | Land Survey Services Inner West Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/drummoyne)
- [Surveyors Dulwich Hill | Land Survey Services Inner West Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/dulwich-hill)
- [Surveyors Dural | Land Survey Services Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/dural)
- [Surveyors Edmondson Park | Land Survey Services Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/edmondson-park)
- [Surveyors Engadine | Land Survey Services Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/engadine)
- [Surveyors Fairfield | Land Survey Services Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/fairfield)
- [Surveyors Glebe | Land Survey Services Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/glebe)
- [Surveyors Gordon | Land Survey Services North Shore Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/gordon)
- [Surveyors Granville | Land Survey Services Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/granville)
- [Surveyors Gregory Hills | Land Survey Services Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/gregory-hills)
- [Surveyors Hornsby | Land Survey Services North Shore Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/hornsby)
- [Surveyors Hurstville | Land Survey Services Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/hurstville)
- [Surveyors Kellyville | Land Survey Services Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/kellyville)
- [Surveyors Kogarah | Land Survey Services Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/kogarah)
- [Surveyors Lane Cove | Land Survey Services North Shore Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/lane-cove)
- [Surveyors Leichhardt | Land Survey Services Inner West Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/leichhardt)
- [Surveyors Leppington | Land Survey Services Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/leppington)
- [Surveyors Lindfield | Land Survey Services Upper North Shore Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/lindfield)
- [Surveyors Liverpool | Land Survey Services Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/liverpool)
- [Surveyors Manly | Land Survey Services Northern Beaches Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/manly)
- [Surveyors Maroubra | Land Survey Services Eastern Suburbs Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/maroubra)
- [Surveyors Marrickville | Land Survey Services Inner West Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/marrickville)
- [Surveyors Mascot | Land Survey Services Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/mascot)
- [Surveyors Menai | Land Survey Services Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/menai)
- [Surveyors Merrylands | Land Survey Services Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/merrylands)
- [Surveyors Miranda | Land Survey Services Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/miranda)
- [Surveyors Mona Vale | Land Survey Services Northern Beaches Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/mona-vale)
- [Surveyors Mosman | Land Survey Services North Shore Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/mosman)
- [Surveyors Narellan | Land Survey Services Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/narellan)
- [Surveyors Narrabeen | Land Survey Services Northern Beaches Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/narrabeen)
- [Surveyors Newtown | Land Survey Services Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/newtown)
- [Surveyors Norwest | Land Survey Services Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/norwest)
- [Surveyors Oran Park | Land Survey Services Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/oran-park)
- [Surveyors Paddington | Land Survey Services Eastern Suburbs Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/paddington)
- [Surveyors Parramatta | Land Survey Services Western Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/parramatta)
- [Surveyors Penrith | Land Survey Services Western Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/penrith)
- [Surveyors Pymble | Land Survey Services North Shore Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/pymble)
- [Surveyors Randwick | Land Survey Services Eastern Suburbs Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/randwick)
- [Surveyors Redfern | Land Survey Services Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/redfern)
- [Surveyors Rockdale | Land Survey Services Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/rockdale)
- [Surveyors Rose Bay | Land Survey Services Eastern Suburbs Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/rose-bay)
- [Surveyors Rosebery | Land Survey Services Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/rosebery)
- [Surveyors Rouse Hill | Land Survey Services Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/rouse-hill)
- [Surveyors Sans Souci | Land Survey Services Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/sans-souci)
- [Surveyors St Marys | Land Survey Services Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/st-marys)
- [Surveyors Strathfield | Land Survey Services Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/strathfield)
- [Surveyors Surry Hills | Land Survey Services Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/surry-hills)
- [Surveyors Sutherland | Land Survey Services Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/sutherland)
- [Surveyors Sydney CBD | Land Survey Services Central Business District](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/sydney-cbd)
- [Surveyors Turramurra | Land Survey Services Upper North Shore Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/turramurra)
- [Surveyors Ultimo | Land Survey Services Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/ultimo)
- [Surveyors Waterloo | Land Survey Services Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/waterloo)
- [Surveyors Westmead | Land Survey Services Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/westmead)
- [Surveyors Willoughby | Land Survey Services North Shore Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/willoughby)
- [Surveyors Woollahra | Land Survey Services Eastern Suburbs Sydney](https://surveyorsydney.com/areas/woollahra)

- [Full sitemap](https://surveyorsydney.com/sitemap.md)
- [llms.txt](https://surveyorsydney.com/llms.txt)