A survey report is commonly requested during conveyancing. It shows any recent improvements on a parcel of land, the boundaries of the property, and the dimensions of the property (including aspects such as fences, garages, and pools). To put it simply, a survey report allows the purchaser to see issues that they could not observe from a physical inspection of the property.
What are the benefits of survey reports?
Issues involving fences are a common problem that a survey report can highlight. In theory, a fence is a physical representation of the outline and extent of your property. However, in practice, fences are not always accurate in defining the boundary of your property and may encroach on neighbouring properties. The survey report will highlight this and will make the purchaser aware if there is an encroachment from a fence onto or by a neighbouring property.
The survey report will also show if there are any easements between multiple properties that are not registered on the title. A common example of an easement would be a common driveway that is shared between two properties. One property may legally own the driveway, and the other has been granted an access easement over the driveway so they may use it as well. Easements pass with title, and thus it is necessary for any new purchasers to be aware if there is an easement on their property, or if their property has access to an easement. If there is no easement registered, then a transfer granting an easement may need to be lodged to ensure that the easement is recorded on the title. A surveyor will assist with this by preparing a plan to be lodged with the transfer granting an easement.
Another important part of a survey report is that it sets out the distances and measurements of improvements. This will allow a purchaser to see if the property is compliant with the local council’s regulations. If there is a possibility of non- compliance, then the purchaser can apply to the Council for a building certificate. This allows the Council to inspect the property and see if the improvements on the property meet its requirements. An up-to-date survey report is required to obtain a building certificate from the Council. Building certificates prevent the Council from making any orders relating to that improvement.
Get legal advice
These are common examples of issues that a survey report can expose. It enables a potential purchaser to become more aware about the nature of the property that they are buying and remember that an informed purchaser is always a good purchaser. To discuss your property matter, please contact Etheringtons Solicitors on 9963 9800 or via our contact form here.