Yes. Full stop.
The reality is, however, most people don’t.
When buying property, most purchasers are sensible enough to commission a pest and building inspection. They understand that once contracts are exchanged, you take the property as it stands, defects and all. What many buyers overlook, though, is the survey report — and the consequences of that oversight can be far more costly than a leaky roof or a termite problem.
This article explains what a survey report is, what it can reveal, and why skipping it may be a decision you come to regret.
What Is a Survey Report?
A survey report is a professional assessment conducted by a registered surveyor. Its purpose is to identify the precise location of a property’s boundaries and to determine where any improvements — such as a house, garage, pool, or shed — sit in relation to those boundaries.
A survey report can reveal:
- where the boundary lines actually are
- whether fences have been built in the correct location
- whether a structure on the property crosses over a boundary line
- whether a neighbour’s structure encroaches onto the land being purchased
- whether easements or rights of way affect the property
- whether improvements appear consistent with applicable setbacks or other planning restrictions
Why This Matters More Than People Realise
You might be surprised how often things are not where they are supposed to be. Boundary and encroachment problems rarely surface during a routine inspection. They tend to come to light when a property is being developed or redeveloped, or when it changes hands and a new owner starts asking questions the previous owner never did.
The risks of not obtaining a survey report vary in severity. In some cases, part of the yard you believe you are purchasing may not actually form part of the title. In others, a fence may be several metres out of position, leaving your property smaller than it appears. In more serious situations, a structure may sit partly on a neighbouring lot — a problem that can be extremely expensive to resolve.
Why Do So Many Buyers Skip It?
Two factors tend to discourage buyers from commissioning a survey report.
The first is cost. A survey typically costs between $1,000 and $2,000, and can be higher depending on the size and complexity of the property. For buyers already stretched by purchase costs, stamp duty, and legal fees, it can feel like an unnecessary addition.
The second is time. Modern property transactions often move quickly. Cooling-off periods are short, and properties sold at auction require unconditional offers from the outset. In that environment, thorough due diligence can feel difficult to fit in.
Both are understandable pressures. Neither changes the underlying risk.
The Prudent Advice
Regardless of what most buyers choose to do, the prudent legal advice remains consistent: obtain a survey report as part of your due diligence before committing to a property purchase.
The cost of a survey is modest when weighed against the potential expense of rectifying a boundary dispute or an encroachment after settlement. By then, the problem is yours to solve.
If you are purchasing property in NSW and would like guidance on your due diligence obligations, contact our experienced conveyancing team to discuss your situation.
