Frequently asked questions

Who can undertake an authorised survey?

Only a Licensed Surveyor who holds a current practicing certificate can undertake an authorised survey. An authorised survey is a boundary survey which includes a subdivision or strata title.



Who can undertake a subdivision or strata title?

Only a Licensed Surveyor who holds a current practicing certificate can undertake a subdivision survey.



Is Surveying Solutions WA a Licensed Surveying Company?

Yes we are a licensed surveying company and we hold a current practicing certificate.



Does Surveying Solutions WA undertake residential and commercial surveys?

Yes we undertake surveys for both residential and commercial properties.



Can any builder or designer use a Contour and Feature survey undertaken by Surveying Solutions WA?

Yes. Our contour and feature surveys show all the relevant information required for design and submission to Local Government with your Development Application. It is provided in a digital format that can be opened and utilised by your builder or designer in their CAD drafting program.



Is my fence the boundary?

No. Your fenceline may be on the boundary but generally they are only approximately on the boundary, and can be significantly off the boundary line depending on whether the boundary was marked prior to installation. A boundary re-establishment survey will determine where your fenceline is in relation to the boundary.



Should I have my boundary surveyed prior to fencing or retaining?

Your existing fence may not be on the true boundary and you may have to remove any encroachment that occurs into your neighbouring properties. Buildings require minimum setbacks from boundaries, as required by the R Codes and Local Governments Building Policies. You should have your boundaries pegged and consider having your building setout prior to construction. This is more prudent when building a parapet wall or strata titling.



How long does a subdivision take?

Most smaller sized subdivisions take about 8-9 months. This depends on how quickly the subdivision conditions are satisfied. Generally the government departments take about 5 months to process various stages of the subdivision. Subdivisions that require a demolition, a sewer extension, retaining walls, road or service constructions will take longer.



How long does a Survey-Strata subdivision take?

A survey-strata subdivision runs the same process as a green title subdivision, so will generally take the same timeframe ie. 8-9 months.



How long does a Built Strata Take?

A Built Strata requires the building(s) to be constructed prior to obtaining Local Government approval. Generally once the building(s) have been constructed and the Building Surveyor has provided their Certificate of Building Compliance, Local Government and Landgate will take about 5-8 weeks to issue titles.



What is the difference between a Survey-Strata and a Green Title?

A Green Title is a Freehold title created under the Transfer of Land Act and is the most common form of land tenure for new green field subdivisions. It is the oldest form of title in WA and is independent from other titles. Each lot has its own independant services and dedicated road frontage. A Survey-Strata title is a Freehold title created under the Strata Titles Act. Survey-Strata Titles were introduced in 1996 and have become the most common form of urban infill subdivision. A Survey-Strata subdivision can share common services, unlike a Green Title subdivision.These services are covered by 'implied easements' under the Strata Titles Act. A Survey-Strata Scheme can have a common property lot, or a number of common property lots, which allows the creation of multiple lots with access via a common property driveway to a dedicated street. A Survey-Strata Title is a land title and does not require any buildings to be constructed to be approved, like a Built Strata Title.



What is the difference between a Built Strata and a Survey-Strata Title?

A Survey-Strata Title is described above. In addition, there is no restrictions to the construction of building(s) with regard to dimensions style, colour and materials, except the usual requirements under the R Codes, and that specified by the Local Government or other Authority. A Built Strata is a Freehold Title created under the Strata Titles Act. A Built Strata Title was introduced in 1966, originally allowing the ownership of buildings only. In 1985, the Act was amended to allow ownership of land as well. A Built Strata Title is a cubic space title comprising of a building part lot or lots and may include part lots such as yards, car bays or balconies etc. and has an undivided share of any common property. A Built Strata title requires at least 1 building to be constructed which is the reference to form the cubic space definition of the lots or part lots. Improvements, additions, structural alterations or new buildings on a Built Strata lot requires the other Strata lot proprietors consent and any Local Government Approval that may be required.



What is common property?

Common Property is common land, air space or sub soil space to be shared by all Strata Lot proprietors. Typically Common Property will be shared vehicle and pedestrian access ways, common facilities and communal areas.



What is a Strata Company?

A Strata Company is automatically formed on registration of the Strata Plan. The Strata Company is comprised of the registered owners who can elect a Strata Council to manage the Strata Schemes affairs.



Do we need a Strata Manager?

No. Smaller Strata Schemes can be easily managed by the Strata Company (registered proprietors). Larger Strata Schemes generally engage a Strata Manager as they are more involved maintaining the financial records and may have many maintenance issues.



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