The problems with using an old survey report
If you’ve got an old survey report for your property, maybe tucked in a drawer or provided by the previous owner, it might seem like it’s still okay to use. After all, the land hasn’t changed, right? Not quite.
Relying on an outdated survey plan can cause headaches, especially when it comes to boundary disputes or development approvals.
Old reports may not match today’s reality
Things can change over time. What’s actually on site today can be quite different to what’s on an old report. E.g. Fences have been replaced, or there’s been more work completed that didn’t exist at the previous time.
The boundaries shown on the report are based on the opinion of a surveyor at the time of undertaking, but over time, the evidence used to define a boundary might change or disappear. This means your old survey plan may be out of date and might not match an opinion from another surveyor based on today’s evidence.
The survey report will show relevant interests that are included on the certificate of title, but these may not be the same anymore. It’s smart to have this looked at properly.
Do you actually know the purpose of your original report?
Surveys can be completed quite differently, depending on the client’s requirements. Using a report outside its original intent is like buying a KIA and taking it to the next Formula One GP. It’s not gonna go well!
You may not be covered legally
The original report will have been prepared based on a contract between the surveyor and the original client for a particular purpose. Use of this report beyond the initial agreement will usually be a breach of copyright and if something goes wrong, you likely won’t have grounds to make a legal claim against the surveyor.
When should you get a new report?
You should get a new survey complete when you’re buying a new home, looking to develop your site, or when there’s been a disagreement with a neighbour. Even looking to replace a fence is a good reason to get a new survey completed by a Registered Surveyor.
Get in touch with our Registered Surveying today and get the accurate reliable information you actually need.
