Professional Strata Surveys in Perth
A strata survey is essential when subdividing land to create multiple separate titles for units, apartments, townhouses, or grouped dwellings in Perth. Unlike traditional green title subdivisions where each lot has its own land parcel, strata titles allow multiple owners to share common areas while holding individual ownership of their specific unit or lot. City Land Surveyors Perth provides comprehensive strata survey services for developers, builders, and property owners across the Perth metropolitan area.
Western Australia has specific requirements for strata subdivisions governed by the Strata Titles Act 1985 and administered by Landgate. Our surveyors are experienced in both survey strata and built strata schemes, guiding you through the approval process with the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) and local councils.
What is a Strata Survey?
A strata survey creates the spatial framework for a strata scheme by defining individual lots, common property, and unit entitlements. In Western Australia, there are two main types of strata subdivision:
Survey Strata
A survey strata scheme divides land into lots based on surveyed boundaries on the ground. Each lot is defined by survey marks (like traditional subdivisions), and buildings are not required to be constructed before the strata plan is registered. Survey strata is commonly used for:
- Grouped dwellings (villas, townhouses)
- Duplex developments
- Vacant land strata subdivisions
- Sites where buildings will be constructed after titles are created
Built Strata (Building Strata)
A built strata scheme defines lots by reference to a building's floors, walls, and ceilings rather than ground boundaries. This is the traditional strata format used for apartments and multi-storey buildings. Built strata is used for:
- Apartment buildings and complexes
- Multi-storey commercial buildings
- Mixed-use developments
- Buildings where lots share common structural elements
Survey Strata vs Built Strata: Which Do You Need?
The choice between survey strata and built strata depends on your development type and timing:
| Factor | Survey Strata | Built Strata |
|---|---|---|
| Building Required? | No - can create titles before building | Yes - building must exist |
| Lot Definition | Ground boundaries (pegs) | Building structure (floors, walls, ceilings) |
| Common Property | Shared driveways, gardens | Foyers, stairwells, lifts, roofs |
| Typical Use | Grouped dwellings, townhouses | Apartments, commercial buildings |
Not sure which strata type suits your project? Contact our team for expert advice on the best approach for your development.
The Strata Survey Process in Perth
Creating a strata scheme involves several stages, from initial planning through to title registration:
1. Feasibility Assessment
Before committing to a strata development, we assess whether your property is suitable. This includes reviewing zoning under the local planning scheme, checking lot size requirements, and identifying any constraints. We also consider whether survey strata or built strata is more appropriate for your project.
2. Subdivision Application
Strata subdivisions require approval from the WAPC (for most schemes) or the local council (for two-lot schemes under delegated authority). We prepare and lodge the subdivision application, including:
- Survey plans showing proposed lots and common property
- Scheme documents outlining management arrangements
- Supporting information required by the planning authority
3. Conditions Clearance
Subdivision approvals typically come with conditions that must be satisfied before final approval. Common conditions include:
- Construction of buildings (for built strata)
- Connection of services (water, sewer, power)
- Stormwater management requirements
- Crossover and access construction
- Public open space contributions
4. Final Survey and Strata Plan
Once conditions are cleared, we complete the final survey and prepare the strata plan for lodgement with Landgate. This includes:
- Detailed survey of lot boundaries (survey strata) or building measurements (built strata)
- Calculation and assignment of unit entitlements
- Definition of common property areas
- Preparation of compliant strata plan documentation
5. Registration and Title Creation
After Landgate examines and approves the strata plan, separate titles are created for each lot. The strata scheme comes into effect, and individual lots can be sold or transferred.
Unit Entitlements Explained
Unit entitlements are a critical component of any strata scheme. They determine each lot owner's:
- Share of common property expenses: Strata levies are calculated based on unit entitlements
- Voting rights: Decisions at strata meetings are weighted by unit entitlements
- Interest in common property: Each owner's share of jointly owned areas
In Western Australia, unit entitlements must be determined based on a relevant factor such as floor area, value, or other appropriate measure. Our surveyors calculate unit entitlements that are fair and meet Landgate requirements.
Common Property in Strata Schemes
Common property is land or building areas owned jointly by all lot owners. Typical common property includes:
- Shared driveways and accessways
- Garden areas and landscaping
- Visitor parking bays
- Foyers, stairwells, and corridors (built strata)
- Building roofs and external walls (built strata)
- Swimming pools, gyms, and recreational facilities
Our surveys clearly define common property boundaries to prevent future disputes between lot owners and the strata company.
Strata Survey Costs in Perth
Strata survey costs depend on the scheme size and complexity. Typical price ranges for Perth strata surveys include:
- Two-lot survey strata (duplex): From $4,000 - $6,000
- Multi-lot survey strata (3-10 lots): From $6,000 - $12,000
- Built strata (apartments): From $5,000 - $15,000+
These estimates include survey work and plan preparation but exclude government fees, application fees, and condition clearance costs. Contact us for a detailed quote specific to your project.
Related Services
Our strata survey services complement other surveying work you may need:
- Green title subdivision surveys for freehold lot creation
- Boundary surveys to confirm property limits before development
- Detail surveys for architectural and engineering design
Strata Surveys Across Perth
We provide strata survey services throughout Perth and surrounding suburbs, from high-density developments in Perth CBD to suburban townhouse projects in Joondalup, Fremantle, Rockingham, and beyond. Our local knowledge of council requirements and WAPC processes ensures efficient approvals for your strata development.
Ready to discuss your strata project? Contact our team or call (08) 5122 5501 for a free consultation and quote.
Related Articles
Learn more about strata titles and subdivisions in Western Australia:
- Strata Titles Act WA Explained – Understanding survey strata vs built strata schemes
- Perth Subdivision Process – Step-by-step guide to subdividing property
- WAPC Subdivision Fees – Complete breakdown of application costs