Building a duplex, townhouses, or apartments in Sydney? Before you can sell each unit separately, you'll need a strata survey to create individual titles. Understanding the costs upfront helps you budget accurately for your development.
Strata Survey Cost Breakdown
| Development Type | Typical Survey Cost |
|---|---|
| Duplex (2 lots) | $5,000 - $8,000 |
| Townhouses (3-4 lots) | $7,000 - $12,000 |
| Small Unit Block (5-8 lots) | $10,000 - $18,000 |
| Medium Apartment (10-20 lots) | $15,000 - $25,000 |
| Large Development (20+ lots) | $25,000+ |
What's Included in the Cost?
The strata survey cost covers:
- Building measurement: Detailed measurement of all units, common areas, and building footprint
- Floor plan preparation: Scaled plans showing lot and common property boundaries
- Unit entitlement calculations: Determining each lot's share of levies and voting
- Strata plan drafting: Preparing the plan for council and LRS requirements
- Administration sheets: Schedule of unit entitlements and lot details
- Coordination: Working with council, certifiers, and conveyancers
- Plan lodgement: Submission to NSW Land Registry Services
Factors Affecting Strata Survey Costs
Number of Lots
More lots mean more measurement, more floor plans, and more complex administration sheets. Each additional lot adds to the survey cost.
Building Complexity
Multi-storey buildings, basements, rooftop terraces, and irregular floor plans increase measurement time and plan complexity.
Common Property Areas
Developments with extensive common property (pools, gyms, gardens, lobbies) require more detailed surveying and plan annotation.
Mixed-Use Developments
Buildings combining residential and commercial lots have additional requirements and typically cost more.
Strata vs Torrens Title Costs
Strata surveys cost more than Torrens title subdivisions because they require:
- Building measurement (Torrens only measures land)
- Floor plans for each level
- Unit entitlement calculations
- More complex plan preparation
| 2-Lot Subdivision | Survey Cost |
|---|---|
| Torrens Title | $4,000 - $6,000 |
| Strata Title | $5,000 - $8,000 |
When Do You Need a Strata Survey?
Strata subdivision is required when units share common property:
- Duplexes: Side-by-side or attached dwellings sharing a common wall or driveway
- Townhouses: Multi-dwelling developments sharing driveways, gardens, or common areas
- Apartments: Multi-storey buildings with shared lobbies, lifts, and corridors
- Mixed-use: Combined residential/commercial buildings
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a strata survey cost in Sydney?
Strata survey costs in Sydney range from $5,000 to $25,000+ depending on building size. A duplex costs $5,000-$8,000, townhouses $8,000-$15,000, and large apartment buildings $15,000-$25,000+.
Is strata survey more expensive than Torrens subdivision?
Yes, strata surveys typically cost more due to building measurement and floor plan requirements. A 2-lot Torrens subdivision costs $4,000-$6,000, while a 2-lot strata costs $5,000-$8,000.
How long does a strata survey take?
A strata survey typically takes 4-8 weeks from measurement to plan completion. The building must be substantially complete before final measurements. Registration adds another 2-4 weeks.
When do I need a strata survey?
You need a strata survey when creating separate titles for units that share common property (driveways, lobbies, gardens). This includes duplexes, townhouses, and apartment buildings.
Get a Strata Survey Quote
Planning a multi-dwelling development in Sydney? Contact us for a detailed quote. We'll assess your project and provide pricing for the strata survey work.