Boundary Survey (NSW): Know Where You Stand and Protect Your Property
A boundary survey is the most reliable way to confirm exact legal property boundaries and identify where your land begins and ends. Whether you are planning a fence, extension, pool, retaining wall, purchase, or subdivision, a boundary survey in NSW gives you confidence your improvements are in the right place and helps prevent disputes, delays, and expensive rework.
MJM Surveying is a locally owned land surveying firm led by Matthew McMaster, Registered Surveyor. We deliver evidence grade boundary information that supports property ownership, construction compliance, and land development outcomes across the Lake Macquarie, Hunter, and nearby NSW corridor.
Request a Quote or ask for a callback and we will confirm what you need and the fastest way to get it done.
At a glance
- Best for: fencing, building near a boundary, resolving uncertainty, due diligence before buying
- Outcome: confirmed boundary position with clear documentation you can act on
- Confidence: completed by a Registered Surveyor under NSW requirements
What Is a Boundary Survey?
A boundary survey determines the true legal boundary position of a parcel of land. It is not based on where a fence looks like it sits. It is based on title evidence, historical survey records and professional boundary re-establishment on the ground.
A boundary survey can help you:
- Confirm boundary line dimensions and corner positions
- Identify encroachments such as a fence, driveway, wall, or structure over the line
- Resolve discrepancies between occupation (what is physically there) and title (what is legally recorded)
- Provide documentation that can be relied on for planning, building, approvals, and legal clarity
When Do You Need a Boundary Survey in NSW?
You will typically need a boundary survey if you are:
- Installing or replacing fencing near the boundary
- Building an extension, garage, shed, retaining wall, or pool close to a boundary
- Buying or selling and want certainty before committing
- In a neighbour boundary dispute or want to avoid one
- Noticing boundary markers missing, moved, or unclear
- Preparing for development work that depends on correct boundary placement
If you are unsure whether you need a boundary survey or an identification survey, we will help you choose the right one before you spend money on the wrong report.
Boundary Survey vs Identification Survey
An identification survey verifies where existing improvements sit relative to property boundaries. It is often used for property sales, council processes, and general due diligence.
A boundary survey determines and re-establishes the legal boundary position by placing physical markers identifying the property boundaries onsite. If the boundary is unclear, missing, disputed, or critical to your next step, a boundary survey is usually the right starting point.
What’s Included
A MJM Surveying boundary survey generally includes:
- Research of historical survey records, deposited plans, title references, easements, and relevant documentation
- On site field measurements using modern surveying equipment such as robotic total stations and GPS
- Location and assessment of existing evidence including pegs, marks, fences, walls, and improvements
- Professional analysis to re-establish the legal boundary position
- Clear results showing boundary lines, corners, and relevant improvements near the boundary
- Marking of key boundary points to make them physically identifiable
Our Boundary Survey Process
1) Pre-survey research
We begin with thorough document review including previous surveys, deeds, deposited plans, easements, and control information. This evidence forms the foundation for establishing the legal boundary position.
2) Fieldwork and boundary re-establishment
We attend site to locate existing marks and capture accurate measurements across the property. We compare what exists on the ground to the historical evidence and re-establish the boundary position accordingly.
3) Data analysis and confirmation
We process and validate field data, confirm boundary geometry, and identify discrepancies between occupation and title. If an encroachment is present, we document it clearly and objectively.
4) Deliverables and next steps
You receive boundary information you can act on, whether that is building, fencing, negotiating, or progressing a development pathway with clarity.
Legal Requirements and Professional Standards (NSW)
Boundary definition has legal significance. In NSW, boundary surveys that establish or re-establish legal boundaries must be carried out by a Registered Surveyor in accordance with relevant legislation and professional standards, including the Surveying and Spatial Information Act 2002 (NSW).
That is why accuracy matters. Boundary surveys are often relied upon for approvals, compliance, and dispute resolution, and the consequences of getting it wrong can be serious.
Why Choose MJM Surveying?
- Registered Surveyor leadership with evidence grade outcomes
- Local knowledge across Lake Macquarie, the Hunter, and surrounding NSW regions
- Clear communication so you understand what you need, what you will receive, and what to do next
- Modern equipment and methods to support accuracy and efficient turnaround
- End to end capability including broader land development support, including town planning and project management
Service Areas
We complete boundary surveys across Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Central Coast, Port Stephens, Maitland, Cessnock, Singleton, Dungog, and the Mid-Coast plus the wider Hunter region.
Boundary Survey FAQs
How is a boundary survey different from an identification survey?
An identification survey shows where existing structures sit relative to boundaries. A boundary survey determines the legal boundary position itself. If the boundary is unclear, missing, or disputed, a boundary survey is usually the right starting point.
Will you place pegs on my boundary?
Yes, we will mark key boundary points to make them identifiable on the ground with a peg or other suitable means. The exact marking method depends on site conditions, evidence available, and what is required for your project.
Can you tell me where to put my fence?
Once boundary points are confirmed, we can help you understand where improvements should sit to avoid encroachment. This is especially valuable before fencing or building close to a boundary.
How long does a boundary survey take?
Timeframes vary based on property type, evidence availability, access, and complexity. We will provide an accurate turnaround estimate after reviewing your location and scope.
What factors affect the cost?
Cost depends on lot size, terrain, site access, number of boundaries to re-establish and complexity of historical evidence. We provide a quote once we confirm what you need.
What if there is a boundary dispute with a neighbour?
A boundary survey provides objective evidence to clarify the legal position. It can reduce conflict, support negotiation, and help resolve uncertainty before it escalates.
Do you work on residential and commercial properties?
Yes. We assist homeowners, builders, designers, and developers with boundary certainty for both residential and commercial sites.
Request a Quote
If you need certainty before you build, fence, buy, or develop, request a quote today. Share your address and what you are planning, and we will confirm the right survey and the quickest path to a compliant outcome.