Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about land surveying in Perth

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about land surveying in Perth

How much does a land survey cost in Perth?
Land survey costs in Perth 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, and subdivision surveys can range from $4,000-$12,000+ depending on the number of lots and council requirements. Contact us for a free, detailed quote for your specific property.
How long does a survey take to complete?
Most standard surveys in Perth are completed within 5-10 business days from the site visit to final plan delivery. The field work itself typically takes 2-4 hours depending on the property size. Subdivision surveys take longer due to the WA Landgate and council approval process, typically 4-8 months.
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. If there are locked gates or dogs, please arrange access beforehand. For boundary work, we may also need to access neighbouring properties briefly to locate survey marks.
Is your work accepted by my local Council?
Yes. All our work is produced to meet the specific DA requirements of Perth local councils across the Perth metropolitan area. We're registered with the WA Land Surveyors Licensing Board and our plans are legally recognised for all council submissions.
What factors affect survey pricing?
Several factors influence the cost of a land survey in Perth: 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 subdivision approval take in Perth?
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 WA Planning Portal approval, condition clearance, and WA Landgate 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 Perth. Rush processing of survey plans can also be arranged. Additional fees apply for urgent services. Call (08) 5122 5501 to discuss your urgent requirements.
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.
Do I need a survey before building a fence?
While not legally required under the Dividing Fences Act 1961 (WA), we strongly recommend a boundary identification survey before building a fence in Perth. This prevents costly disputes with neighbours and ensures your fence is built in the correct location.
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.
Can I subdivide my property in Perth?
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.
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.
Why do I need a registered surveyor?
In Western Australia, only surveys conducted by a surveyor registered with the WA Land Surveyors Licensing Board are legally recognised for property boundary matters. Unregistered surveys cannot be used for lodgement with WA Landgate Services, court disputes, or building certifications.
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.
What areas of Perth do you service?
We service all of Greater Perth including Perth CBD, Fremantle, Subiaco, Joondalup, Mandurah, Rockingham, and surrounding areas throughout Western Australia.
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