If you're planning to build a fence, settle a boundary dispute, or simply want to know exactly where your property lines are, you'll need a boundary survey. But how much should you expect to pay in Sydney?
In this guide, we break down the costs for different types of boundary surveys, explain what affects pricing, and help you understand what you're getting for your money.
Sydney Boundary Survey Prices at a Glance
| Survey Type | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Boundary Identification | $800 - $1,500 | Fence construction, general awareness |
| Full Boundary Survey | $1,800 - $3,500 | Legal disputes, subdivisions, missing marks |
| Corner Peg-Out (1-2 pegs) | $600 - $900 | Single corner verification |
All prices include GST. For a detailed quote for your specific property, contact us or call (02) 5114 2551.
What's the Difference Between Survey Types?
Boundary Identification ($800 - $1,500)
A boundary identification survey locates your existing property corners based on survey marks and title information. The surveyor finds and marks 2-4 corners with pegs so you can see exactly where your boundaries are.
This is the most common and affordable option, ideal for:
- Building a new fence
- Checking if an existing fence is in the right place
- General boundary awareness before landscaping
- Peace of mind before purchasing a property
Full Boundary Re-establishment ($1,800 - $3,500)
A full boundary survey (or re-establishment) is more comprehensive. The surveyor re-establishes the legal boundaries and places new permanent survey marks. This creates a registered survey plan that can be used for legal purposes.
You'll need this if:
- Original survey marks are missing or disturbed
- You're involved in a boundary dispute
- You're subdividing your property
- You need certified boundaries for court or legal proceedings
What Affects Boundary Survey Cost?
Several factors influence how much you'll pay for a boundary survey in Sydney:
1. Property Size
Larger properties take longer to survey. A standard suburban block (400-700m2) will be at the lower end of pricing, while acreage properties cost more due to the extra time and travel involved.
2. Number of Boundaries
Most residential properties have 4 boundaries. Corner blocks or irregular-shaped lots with more boundaries require more work and cost more to survey.
3. Terrain and Vegetation
Steep slopes, dense vegetation, or difficult access increase surveying time and cost. A flat, clear block is faster to survey than a bushy hillside property.
4. Age of Property
Older properties often require more research. The surveyor may need to examine historical survey plans and title documents from NSW Land Registry Services to establish the boundaries accurately.
5. Location
Properties in outer suburbs or regional areas may incur travel fees. Most Sydney metropolitan properties don't have additional travel charges.
6. Urgency
Standard turnaround is 5-10 business days. If you need urgent service (same-day or next-day), expect to pay a premium of 20-50%.
What's Included in the Price?
When you get a boundary survey from Sydney Surveyor Solutions, your quote includes:
- Title research - We obtain and review your property title and any relevant survey plans
- Field survey - On-site measurement and location of boundaries
- Boundary marking - Pegs or paint marks at boundary corners
- Survey plan - Documentation showing boundary positions (PDF format)
- Explanation - We'll walk you through the results and answer questions
Additional deliverables like CAD files (DWG/DXF) are available on request.
Is a Boundary Survey Worth the Cost?
Yes. A boundary survey is one of the best investments you can make before building a fence or making any decisions about your property boundaries.
Consider the alternative costs:
- Removing a fence built in the wrong place: $3,000 - $10,000+
- Legal fees for a boundary dispute: $5,000 - $50,000+
- Rebuilding a structure that encroaches: $10,000 - $100,000+
A survey costing $800-$1,500 provides certainty and prevents these expensive mistakes. Many fence disputes end up requiring a survey anyway - it's more cost-effective to survey first.
How to Get a Quote
Getting a boundary survey quote is easy. We just need:
- Your property address (or Lot/DP number)
- What you need the survey for (fence, dispute, general awareness)
- Any specific corners or boundaries you need located
- Your preferred timeframe
We'll provide a fixed-price quote within 24 hours - usually the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a boundary survey cost in Sydney?
A boundary survey in Sydney costs between $800 and $3,500 depending on the type. A basic boundary identification (locating 2-4 corners) costs $800-$1,500, while a full boundary re-establishment survey costs $1,800-$3,500. See our pricing page for all survey types.
What is the cheapest type of boundary survey?
The cheapest option is a boundary identification starting from $800. This locates your existing boundary corners and is suitable for most residential needs like fence construction. If you only need 1-2 corners located, a simple peg-out can cost as little as $600.
Why are some boundary surveys more expensive?
Costs increase with: larger property size, difficult terrain (steep or vegetated), older properties requiring more research, properties with many boundaries, and urgent timeframes. Full re-establishment surveys also cost more because they involve placing new permanent marks and producing registered plans.
How long does a boundary survey take?
Standard turnaround is 5-10 business days from booking to receiving your plan. The on-site fieldwork typically takes 2-4 hours. Urgent same-day or next-day service is available for an additional fee.
Do I need to be home during the survey?
No, you don't need to be present. We just need access to your property. If there are locked gates or dogs, please arrange access beforehand. We may also need brief access to neighbouring properties to locate survey marks.
Get Your Free Quote
Tell us about your property and we'll provide a detailed quote for your boundary survey.