Whether you are purchasing or selling land, it is imperative to have a survey done by a licensed professional. A survey marks out the exact area of your land, which helps you get what you pay for and protects your property from intrusions and accusations by adjacent land owners.
A land surveyors in Canberra uses a variety of precise measurements with specialized surveying equipment to determine exactly where property boundaries are located. This helps resolve disputes over property lines and ensures you meet local building requirements.
Identifying Boundaries
Boundaries define who owns what pieces of land. These lines can be obvious, like roads, ditches or fences, or they can be completely invisible, which is why certified legal records are important in the event of a dispute over ownership of property.
Whether you are buying a home or selling one, knowing the boundaries of your property can make all the difference when it comes to making improvements and planning for future expansions. In addition, it can help you avoid disputes and encroachments by your neighbors that may result in costly litigation or settlements.
If you are unsure about where your property’s boundary lines are, a licensed surveyor can help. These professionals use modern tools such as total stations and GPS to accurately determine the location of your property’s boundaries. Then they can mark them on the ground with stakes or other markers.
Completing a Boundary Deed
Whether you are constructing a fence or laying down a line to build on, the location of your boundary can be vital. When you cannot find it, or you and your neighbor disagree, it may be time to consider hiring a surveyor to determine where the boundaries are.
When there are a large number of lines and physical features on a property (such as fences, walls, ditches, rivers and hedges) it can be difficult to establish the exact boundaries. This is because these features have thickness and often change as they grow.
One solution to this problem is for two adjoining neighbors to agree on a line and execute quitclaim deeds establishing the permanent boundary line. This is an inexpensive option and can help end disputes between neighbors. It also creates a permanent legal boundary that is binding on later buyers.
Identifying Encroachments
When a person intentionally or unintentionally builds or extends something on another’s property, that is called an encroachment. It is often a problem along disputed property lines, but can also occur when a property owner is not aware of their boundaries.
The best way to ensure you don’t get into any encroachment issues is by getting a land survey performed prior to purchasing or building on your property. The survey can determine if there are any significant improvements that could be causing problems for you down the track, and identify any errors in the legal description of your property.
A land survey can also help you identify any encroachments on your property, which can be an important factor in determining whether or not you need to file a boundary determination or apply for a compensation claim in court. It’s essential to take care of encroachments quickly so that they don’t have any impact on your home or property.
Resolving Disputes
Disputes about property lines can be a real pain to deal with. Whether you’re building something on your neighbor’s land or they’ve accidentally created a fence over the line, it can be difficult to get past the issues without going to court.
Fortunately, there are many ways to resolve disputes that are less costly and quicker than going to court. This pamphlet outlines some of these options and how they may save you time and money.
In the first stage of resolving a dispute, you and your neighbor should talk to each other. This can help you determine the root of the issue and find a solution that works for both of you.
Once you’ve identified what the problem is and how to resolve it, it’s time to start negotiations. This can be tricky because the two of you may have different preferences, but it’s a good idea to keep open mind and try to work together for a common goal.
