Buying property is a rewarding experience, but it’s also a major investment of your time and money. In the excitement of dealing with vendors and real estate agents it’s easy for things to fall through the cracks. If you’d like to avoid that and protect your investment, a cadastral survey offers peace of mind and ensures you know exactly what you’re getting into. One of the most common queries we get is “Do I need a surveyor when buying a house?” In this article we’ll be answering that question and looking at how a surveyor can support your property buying journey.
What is a Cadastral Survey?
A cadastral survey – sometimes called a property survey – is a type of survey that’s used to establish the key features of a property. That typically includes identifying boundaries, buildings, features, vegetation and topography. Professional cadastral surveyors use a combination of research, historical planning documents and modern measuring devices to draft an up to date plan of the property. Cadastral surveys are often used to support construction, renovation and development projects, but you can request a survey of your property at any time by a surveyor Brisbane wide.
Do I Need a Surveyor When Buying a House?
There is no legal requirement to engage a cadastral surveyor when buying a house in Queensland. That said, when you buy a property you’re also signing up for any issues that come along with it, such as boundary disputes or non-compliant structures. With that in mind, many people choose to have a survey performed for their own peace of mind, to uncover problems with the house and to support their buying decision.
In some cases an up to date cadastral survey is required by the terms of your mortgage. A recent survey allows banks and lenders to properly assess your application. They will then use the survey information to value the property, ensure the purchase is legal and make a decision about your mortgage.
Why Invest in a Cadastral Survey When Buying a House
Cadastral surveys are one of the most flexible and powerful tools you can have as a buyer. The data included in a cadastral survey can equip you with everything you need to make an informed buying decision. When you’re buying a house, investing in a cadastral survey comes with several major benefits:
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- Avoid legal issues. Cadastral surveying provides accurate information about your land that can help avoid legal issues. When buying a property it’s possible to inherit things like property disputes, and an up to date cadastral survey can clear up any doubt about your rights in the matter.
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- Know what you’re getting. Property features, such as fences, have a tendency to shift over time, so it’s not always a case of getting what you can see. A cadastral surveyor can perform research and precise measurements to mark out the exact boundaries, features and topography of the property. This is especially useful if you’re buying a vacant block with the intention of building on the land.
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- Uncover restrictions. Properties are often subject to restrictions such as easements and covenants. These restrictions prevent your property (or particular parts of the property) from being used in certain ways. For example, a utilities company may hold an easement that prevents you from building on a certain part of your block. Residential cadastral surveying will uncover any restrictions so you can decide whether the block suits your needs.
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- Plan for the future. The homes we buy aren’t always perfectly suited to our lifestyle. Many people buy a property with the intention of renovating the house or improving the block in some way. An up to date cadastral survey can be used to support the process of planning future projects such as renovation, subdivision or new construction.
Protect Your Investment with a Cadastral Survey by Sunrise Surveying!
Cadastral surveys are a key part of the property buying process. When you’re investing hundreds of thousands of dollars, it’s important to do everything you can to protect your investment. If you’re interested in buying a house, contact Sunrise Surveying to engage our cadastral surveying services! Our experienced surveyors work all over Brisbane, Rockhampton, Toowoomba and Yeppoon. We use a range of state of the art surveying equipment to deliver residential cadastral surveying services to individuals, investors and developers. Whether you’d like to clarify the boundaries of a property or uncover any restrictions on the land, we can provide the clarity you need. You can contact us online if you’d like to book a consultation with our surveying team!