Easement Surveys in Sydney: What to Know Before Building

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Planning to build in Sydney? Whether it's a home extension, granny flat, driveway, or retaining wall, understanding your property's legal boundaries is essential. One critical element is easement surveys—a process that determines rights of access and land use that may not be immediately obvious. Overlooking this step could lead to costly legal disputes and construction delays.

This blog outlines what easement surveys are, why they matter, and what Sydney homeowners and developers need to know before building.

What Are Easement Surveys?

An easement survey identifies parts of a property that are legally accessible or usable by another party. This can include areas designated for:

  • Utility lines (water, sewer, gas, electricity)

  • Stormwater drainage

  • Driveway or pathway access

  • Rights of way for neighbouring properties

These easements are typically recorded on your property title or land parcel map and must be respected during construction or development.

Why Are Easement Surveys Important Before Building?

Failing to recognise an easement can have serious consequences, such as:

  • Legal penalties for obstructing a public or private utility route

  • Increased construction costs from needing to revise plans

  • Delays in approvals from local councils or developers

  • Forced removal or modification of structures that breach easement conditions

That’s why easement surveys should be carried out during the planning stage of any new development or structural change.

Types of Easements Common in Sydney

Different easements have varying implications depending on your location. In Sydney, the most common types include:

  1. Utility Easements

    • Allow councils or utility companies to access underground infrastructure.

    • Often impact where you can dig or build.

  2. Drainage Easements

    • Ensure stormwater can flow properly across or off a property.

    • Structures cannot obstruct these flow paths.

  3. Right of Way Easements

    • Allow access to neighbouring properties via shared driveways or pathways.

    • These must remain clear and usable at all times.

  4. Restrictive Covenants

    • Limit the type of construction or use of certain land sections.

    • Often linked with heritage or environmental protections.

What Is Included in an Easement Survey?

A professional surveyor in Sydney will generally provide:

  • Identification of all registered easements

  • Measurements and positioning of easement boundaries

  • Notations on the title showing legal access points

  • Digital or printed plans suitable for submission to councils or builders

  • Advice on construction restrictions within the easement zones

This data ensures that your proposed project aligns with local and legal land-use rules.

When Should You Arrange an Easement Survey?

The best time to book an easement survey is before:

  • Submitting a development application (DA)

  • Beginning excavation or groundwork

  • Buying or subdividing a property

  • Designing detailed architectural plans

Doing it early helps avoid costly mistakes and ensures a smoother approval process.

Who Conducts Easement Surveys in Sydney?

Licensed surveyors are the only professionals qualified to undertake easement surveys in Sydney. Make sure your surveyor:

  • Is registered with the NSW Board of Surveying and Spatial Information (BOSSI)

  • Has experience in residential and commercial properties

  • Provides clear reports suitable for council or developer submission

Benefits of Conducting an Easement Survey

  1. Protect Your Investment
    Prevents building in restricted zones, avoiding future costs.

  2. Ensure Legal Compliance
    Helps gain approvals without unnecessary back-and-forth.

  3. Increase Property Value
    Clear boundaries and compliance can improve resale confidence.

  4. Peace of Mind
    Confirms you're building safely and lawfully.

Conclusion

Before laying a single brick or pouring concrete, it’s crucial to know exactly what lies beneath or around your property. Easement surveys in Sydney ensure that you understand your obligations and avoid building pitfalls. By engaging a qualified surveyor early in the process, you not only protect your project but also make informed decisions that comply with local regulations.

Ready to build? Make an easement survey your first step.

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