You need a land surveyor whenever you're buying, building, subdividing, or resolving disputes about property boundaries.
In Brisbane, a professional surveyor is legally required for certain activities like subdivisions and boundary determinations. But there are many other situations where getting a survey — even when not legally required — can save you thousands in mistakes and disputes.
Here's a complete guide to when you should call a land surveyor in Brisbane, what type of survey you need, and why it matters.
1. Before Building a Fence
This is the number one reason Brisbane homeowners call a surveyor — and for good reason.
Building a fence on the wrong side of the boundary can lead to:
- Expensive disputes
- Forced removal
- Damaged neighbour relationships
A boundary survey confirms exactly where your property lines are before you spend money on fencing. It costs a fraction of what it would take to resolve a fence dispute after the fact — including potential legal fees and forced removal.
2. Before Building a New Home or Extension
Brisbane City Council requires buildings to comply with specific setback distances from property boundaries. Before your architect or builder starts work, you need:
- A boundary survey to confirm property limits and setback distances
- A detail survey to map existing features, contours, and elevations for design
- A construction set-out survey to mark building positions on the ground
Many builders in Brisbane won't start work without a current survey, and your private certifier will likely require one before issuing approvals.
3. When Subdividing Property
If you want to divide your land into two or more lots, a professional surveyor is legally required.
Subdivision in Brisbane involves:
- Feasibility assessment (can your block actually be subdivided under current zoning?)
- Survey plan preparation
- Council development application support
- Plan sealing and registration with Titles Queensland
Subdivision can add significant value to your property — many Brisbane blocks, especially those over 600m² in the Low-Medium Density zone, have subdivision potential that owners aren't aware of.
4. When Buying Property
While not legally required, getting a boundary survey before purchasing a property can reveal issues that aren't visible in the title search:
- Fences or structures built over the boundary (by you or neighbours)
- Encroachments from neighbouring properties
- Easements or encumbrances that affect where you can build
- Actual lot size vs advertised lot size
This is especially important for older Brisbane properties where original survey marks may have been lost and fences may not align with true boundaries.
5. Resolving Neighbour Disputes
If you're in a disagreement with your neighbour about property boundaries, fences, overhanging trees, or encroaching structures, a professional survey provides definitive answers.
Read our detailed guide on resolving boundary disputes in Brisbane.
6. Before Installing a Pool or Shed
Pools, sheds, carports, and granny flats all need to comply with setback requirements from property boundaries.
Getting a boundary survey before installation ensures you're building in a compliant position and avoids issues with council or neighbours later.
7. For Development Applications
If you're lodging a development application with Brisbane City Council, you'll almost certainly need a detail survey or contour survey as part of your application package. This provides the baseline data that architects, engineers, and town planners need to prepare your plans.
8. When Building on a Sloped Block
Brisbane has many sloped properties, particularly in suburbs like:
- The Gap
- Bardon
- Paddington
- Mt Coot-tha
Sloped blocks require careful survey work to:
- Establish contour levels
- Determine cut-and-fill requirements
- Ensure retaining walls and structures are positioned correctly
Types of Surveys Explained
- What it does: Marks legal property boundaries with pegs
- When you need it: Fencing, disputes, buying property
- What it does: Maps all features, contours, and elevations
- When you need it: Before design/architecture work
- What it does: Marks building positions on the ground
- When you need it: Before construction begins
- What it does: Creates new lots from existing property
- When you need it: Dividing land for sale or development
How to Choose a Surveyor in Brisbane
When selecting a surveyor, look for:
- Qualified cadastral surveyor: Only qualified surveyors can legally determine boundaries in Queensland
- Local experience: A surveyor familiar with Brisbane's terrain, council requirements, and historical survey data will be more efficient
- Transparent pricing: Get a fixed quote before work begins — avoid surveyors who charge by the hour with no estimate
- Modern equipment: GNSS and total station technology ensures precision results
- Insurance: Professional indemnity insurance protects you if something goes wrong
Not sure what type of survey you need? Contact City Surveyors Brisbane or call (07) 3477 9914 for a free consultation.
We'll assess your situation and recommend the right survey for your needs — no obligation.