If you are building or replacing a fence in New South Wales, you do not always need a boundary survey first.

But if there is any uncertainty about where the legal property boundary sits, getting it surveyed before the fence is built is the safest approach.

An existing fence is not automatically proof of the boundary. Older fences can sit slightly inside or outside the legal property line, and online maps are not accurate enough to set out a new fence.

SurveyPlus provides boundary surveying and titling services across Sydney and NSW, helping property owners confirm boundaries before fencing, building and development work begins.

Planning a new fence? Request a quote from SurveyPlus if you are unsure where the boundary sits.

Do I Legally Need a Boundary Survey Before Building a Fence?

Not in every case.

If the boundary is already clearly established and both adjoining owners agree on the fence position, another survey may not be necessary.

A boundary survey becomes important when the property boundary is uncertain, disputed or not physically marked.

This is especially relevant if:

• the existing fence looks out of position
• there are no visible boundary marks
• you and your neighbour disagree
• you are building close to the property line
• the fence is part of a larger renovation or development.

The NSW Dividing Fences Act deals with fences between adjoining properties, but the fence itself does not necessarily define the legal boundary.

Is the Existing Fence the Property Boundary?

Not necessarily.

A fence may have been built slightly off the boundary because of terrain, trees, retaining walls or an agreement between previous owners.

That means replacing an old fence in exactly the same position can simply repeat an existing error.

A registered land surveyor establishes the boundary using cadastral information, existing survey plans, survey marks and precise measurements.

If you are relying only on the old fence line, it is worth confirming the boundary before spending money on a replacement.

When Should You Get a Boundary Survey?

A survey is particularly worthwhile when there is any doubt about the legal property line.

For example, if your neighbour believes the fence should sit somewhere different, resolving that question before construction is much easier than dealing with it afterwards.

You should also consider a survey if you are planning other work near the boundary, such as an extension, garage, retaining wall or new home.

In those situations, the boundary affects more than just the fence.

If the fence is part of a broader project, SurveyPlus can also help with detail and contour surveys, construction surveys and other surveying needs.

What Does a Boundary Survey Tell You?

A boundary survey establishes or re-establishes the legal property boundary.

For a fencing project, the practical question is simple:

Where exactly does my property end?

The surveyor may need to review existing survey plans, Deposited Plans and cadastral evidence before carrying out measurements on site.

Once the boundary has been established, boundary marking can provide a physical reference for your fencing contractor.

This gives you much more certainty than working from an aerial map, old fence or rough measurement.

Can I Use an Online Property Map?

Online maps are useful for general reference, but they should not be used to position a fence.

The lines shown over aerial imagery are not designed to provide construction-level accuracy.

If the exact property boundary matters, particularly where a fence is being built permanently between two properties, a registered surveyor should establish it on site.

What Happens If the Fence Is Built in the Wrong Place?

An incorrectly positioned fence can create problems later, even if nobody notices immediately.

The issue may come up when the property is sold, redeveloped or surveyed in the future.

Depending on the circumstances, the fence may need to be moved or rebuilt, or the owners may need to resolve a boundary dispute.

That is why confirming the property line beforehand is often far simpler and cheaper than correcting the issue later.

Who Pays for the Boundary Survey?

That depends on the situation and any agreement between the adjoining owners.

If both owners want certainty before replacing a shared fence, they may agree to contribute to the cost.

If the boundary is disputed, the situation can be more complicated and legal advice may be appropriate.

SurveyPlus can provide the surveying work, while questions about legal responsibility for fencing or survey costs should be considered separately.

Do I Need Council Approval for the Fence?

Council approval and boundary surveying are two different issues.

A boundary survey tells you where the property boundary is.

Planning rules determine what type of fence can be built and whether approval is required.

Depending on the height, location and property, some fences may be exempt development while others may need approval.

If you are unsure, check the requirements of your local council before construction.

Why Use a Registered Surveyor?

Boundary work is cadastral surveying, so professional registration matters.

Registered land surveyors are qualified to establish legal property boundaries in New South Wales.

The work involves more than taking measurements. It requires interpreting survey plans, cadastral evidence and physical marks on the property.

For something as important as a legal boundary, that professional judgement matters.

Do You Need a Boundary Survey Before Building Your Fence?

If the boundary is already reliably known, probably not.

If there is any uncertainty, however, a boundary survey is a sensible step before construction starts.

It can help you:

• confirm the legal property line
• give your fencing contractor a reliable boundary to work from
• avoid rebuilding a fence later
• reduce the risk of disputes with neighbours.

SurveyPlus provides professional boundary surveying services across Sydney and NSW for property owners, builders and developers.

Request a free quote from SurveyPlus and confirm the boundary before your new fence goes in.

Frequently Asked Questions