This is a common form of survey and is usually commissioned when a client is considering extending their house, renewing fences or investigating development potential (subdivision/strata).

RE-ESTABLISHMENT SURVEY – NEWER RESIDENTIAL AREA

LOTS UNDER 2000M ZONING LESS THAN R30

Practitioners report that their task includes:

·          Client instruction/interview

·          Survey and Title searching

·          Field Survey

·          Travelling time

·          Materials

·          Documentation

·          Client Report

·          Lodgment of field Book

·          Statutory Certificate

It is evident from this research that disbursements were treated in the manner outlined above and the location of improvements that are more that one metre from the boundaries was often seen as an additional task.

A fee in the order of $650.00 per lot was found to be common with an additional fee for each adjoining lot of $150.00 per lot when the surveys were carried out at the same time.

The location of major improvements more that one metre from the boundary was usually taken in consultation with the client and practitioners felt that hourly rates were the most equitable basis for fees.

Given that a Licensed Surveyor’s liability for the redefinition of the boundary is based on the potential adverse effect on the client rather than the fee, Practitioners reported some movement towards an ‘ad valorum’ fee based on the land value (over $200K) and/or small lots and retaining walls. Practitioners were reporting the need to be quite specific in terms of task details when advising clients in this area.

RE-ESTABLISHMENT SURVEY – OLDER RESIDENTIAL AREA

COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL AREA

NEWER RESIDENTIAL LOTS 2000M

ZONING DENSER THAN R30

Practitioners report that because of the increased complexity and liability involved, the fee outlined above is often increases by a factor of 40% and generally a fee of about $900 - $1000 was found to commonly be encountered.

Practitioners report some movement towards the consideration of the application of the valuation and liability component refereed to in the preceding section.

IDENTIFICATION CERTIFICATE

Identification surveys are carried out to certify that a parcel of land is the subject of a particular certificate of title. These surveys are often carried out to ensure that the fence you see is on the boundary you don’t see and that what a client actually sees is actually what they get. Practitioners report an increase level of activity in this area prompted in part by the absence of liability of an estate agent acting in good faith.

The scope of this survey includes a search only of the title and plan, a field inspection (but without the use of instruments) and a report to the client.

Practitioners report often having to advise clients that should an inspection certificate be required on commercial, industrial, valuable residential property, or where improvements are on or very near the boundary, a Re-establishment Survey is recommended as the only basis on which a prudent report can be made.