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Buying a home or property is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. But while most buyers focus on price, location, and condition, they often overlook one essential piece of the puzzle — hiring the right land surveyor.
A good land surveyor can help you avoid major legal headaches, boundary disputes, and hidden costs down the track. A bad one? They could cost you thousands.
Here are six smart steps to ensure you choose the right surveyor for your next property project.
1. Get Specific
Land surveying is a broad field. Some surveyors specialise in residential projects, others in commercial, infrastructure, or rural land. The key is to find a land surveyor who specialises in the type of property you’re dealing with.
If you’re building a house, look for a residential surveyor experienced with detail and level surveys, boundary surveys, and set-out work. For larger developments, you’ll want someone who regularly works with engineers, planners, and local councils.
Working with a land surveying company like C&A Surveyors ensures you’ll be matched with the right expert for your specific project.
2. Get Experienced
Experience matters — especially when you’re dealing with property boundaries, compliance regulations, and council submissions. Ask:
- How long have they been operating?
- What types of projects do they regularly handle?
- Are they familiar with your local council or LGA?
A seasoned land surveyor will not only complete the job correctly but can also flag issues before they become costly mistakes.
3. Get Recommendations
Referrals are gold. Ask your architect, builder, solicitor, or trusted real estate agent for suggestions. Just be aware that some recommendations may be based on referral arrangements.
You can also:
- Read online reviews
- Check Google ratings
- Ask neighbours or colleagues for their experiences
Look for consistency — great communication, accuracy, fast turnaround times, and professional service are signs of a reliable land surveyor.
4. Get Qualified Professionals
Always confirm your land surveyor is registered with the relevant state authority. In NSW, they must be registered with the Board of Surveying and Spatial Information (BOSSI).
The best professionals also stay current with evolving regulations and technologies by attending seminars, using advanced equipment like LiDAR and drones, and continually upskilling their team. This is especially important if you want more modern deliverables like 3D survey models.
In New South Wales, only a registered land surveyor can legally undertake boundary surveys and prepare subdivision plans for lodgement at the NSW Land Registry Services, also known as the LRS. This is because they are the only ones authorised to define property boundaries, set the legal boundaries of subdivisions, and prepare plans for the government.
5. Get Aligned Personally
You don’t need to become best friends with your land surveyor, but clear, respectful communication is essential. You should feel confident asking questions, discussing timelines, and understanding deliverables.
Here are a few things to consider:
- Are they responsive to your enquiries?
- Do they clearly explain what’s involved in the process?
- Are timelines and expectations set upfront?
A professional land surveyor will keep you informed, meet deadlines, and deliver work that aligns with your expectations.
6. Get the Right Price — Not the Cheapest One
Price matters — but it shouldn’t be your only criteria. Beware of quotes that seem too good to be true. A low-cost survey may lack detail, leave out key site features, or not meet council standards. That can lead to delays, redesigns, having to book a survey again, and even legal trouble.
Instead, ask for a clear scope of work. Compare inclusions, delivery timeframes, and credentials. Value comes from quality and reliability — not cutting corners.
Why Choose C&A Surveyors?
At C&A Surveyors, we take the guesswork out of choosing the right land surveyor. With over 100,000 surveys completed across Sydney and over 200 five-star Google reviews, we’ve earned our reputation for precision, speed, and professionalism.
Here’s why clients choose us:
- Specialists in every survey type – Residential, commercial, strata, 3D, construction, and more
- Fast turnaround times – We’re typically on site within 48 hours
- Dedicated support – One point of contact to guide you through the process
- Council-compliant plans – Ready to submit for DA, CDC, or OC applications
- Advanced technology – LiDAR, drones, and 3D surveys available
If you’re buying, building, or developing, we’re here to help you move forward with confidence.
📞 Contact C&A Surveyors today on (02) 9167 0209 to get a free quote or speak with our expert team.
You can also check out how we bring surveys to life in our video below and see the latest on what we’re up to on our social media channels, on Faceboook, Youtube and Instagram.
