Why you should always use a Licensed Surveyor
Buying a property is the most expensive purchase that most people will ever make. Certainty of the location and extent of the land you buy is an important issue.
Identifying and marking the position of the property boundaries is the primary service of a Licensed Surveyor. When building on or near a land boundary, you should engage a Licensed Surveyor to verify your title dimensions and boundary location.
​
In South Australia, all property boundary surveys must be conducted or supervised by a practising Licensed Surveyor by law. Surveys conducted by unlicensed practitioners do not have any legal standing and may compromise the future development of your property.
​
​
Similarly, when you consider buying or selling your house or land, it is important to be aware of any encroachments involving your neighbouring properties. Major discrepancies between boundaries and fencing are not uncommon and can sometimes be very difficult to rectify. A boundary dispute can result in expensive litigation, particularly if major improvements you are undertaking need to be removed or relocated. Using a Licensed Surveyor wilt provide an important safeguard against this.
If you engage a surveying firm, check that the company uses a surveyor who is licensed in South Australia and legally entitled to define the boundaries of your property.
The Surveyors Board of South Australia has the power to investigate and prosecute unauthorised people who undertake property boundary surveys.
What does a surveyor do?
Licensed Surveyors are
highly skilled university-trained professionals who are essential for the long term planning and viability of South Australia.
In South Australia, Licensed and Registered Surveyors are professionally qualified practitioners who have satisfied the training and examination requirements of the Surveyors Board of South Australia and are permitted to practice in Australia and New Zealand.
Licensed Surveyors have specific expertise in the identification and measurement of property boundaries. They undertake surveys and planning applications for land subdivision and community titles. They are qualified to conduct surveys and authorise your legal documentation.
Registered Surveyors have recognised expertise in areas other than land boundary definition. They specialise in engineering surveying, mining surveying and hydrographic surveying.
Services provided by Surveyors
Surveyors work with a wide range of other professionals such as Architects, Engineers, Planners, Land Developers, Conveyancers and Solicitors providing vital information for many South Australian projects like the Flinders Link, RAH Hospital and 0-Bahn City Access.
Their services can include:
+ Property boundary surveys
+ Land subdivision and management
+ Community title and strata development
+ Planning and environmental management
+ Engineering and construction surveys
+ Petroleum and mineral exploration
+ Mining surveys
+ Topographical mapping
+ Control surveys
+ Hydrographic surveys
+ Photogrammetric surveys
​
For more information you can check if a surveyor is licensed or registered at: www.surveyorsboardsa.org.au or by phoning (08)82120343.
​
