A Step-by-Step Guide to Boundary Realignment in Queensland

Boundary realignment for Queensland home and land owners is a fairly common property development, involving minor adjustments to the boundaries between your property and an adjacent lot.

A realignment may be done in order to solve land management issues, or fix a problem where one land owner’s lot has started reaching into other properties.

In most cases your land area and dimensions won’t change considerably – boundary realignments generally deal with quite minor alterations to neighbouring properties. If significant alterations to your property’s size or layout are being made you may need to look into subdivision as a more appropriate land development option.

If you’re interested in finding out more about boundary realignment, or need to make a realignment application, read on. We’ve put together a step-by-step guide for Queensland property owners to follow, to make your boundary realignment process as simple and smooth as possible.

1. Engage a Qualified Surveyor

It’s a good idea to have your land surveyed by a professional surveyor before you prepare your application. A registered surveyor will measure and analyse your lot and establish its exact boundaries for you.

You can then know accurate boundary lines and any improvements (such as houses, sheds etc.) are located before you start making changes to the boundary posisiton.

2. Draft Your Proposal Plan

After you’ve got your property’s exact dimensions and specifications, you can start preparing your application for boundary realignment.

This development application will need to include:

• A proposal plan
• A statement outlining your compliance with local council planning
• All relevant development application forms and mandatory information

3. Have Your Development Application Approved by Council

You can then lodge your application to your local council for consideration.

Be aware that, depending on the complexity of your boundary realignment and council timeframes, your application may take several months. So make sure you get it in early, well before you plan to carry out any work.

If approved, council will supply you with a development approval notice, including additional sections that you’ll need to complete before full approval is granted. These sections may deal with:

• Any potential impacts on infrastructure or services
• Rates that need to be paid before the realignment goes ahead

 4. Survey of New Boundary Line

Your property must then be surveyed again, with a new survey plan outlining the potential boundary line and the resulting lot sizes and dimensions.

This step is a necessary part of the application process. Make sure you work with a qualified and experienced land surveyor.

5. Have Your Survey Plan Sealed by Council

When you’ve completed the development approval, council may ‘seal’ your survey plan – meaning it is approved, and has passed compliance assessment. A detailed report outlining condition compliance will need to be prepared here. This is typically prepared by your town planner or land surveyor.

6. Lodge Your Plan at the Titles Office

You can then engage a solicitor to assist you in lodging your final survey plan at the titles office.

This plan is a legal document, so it’s advisable to work with a professional, especially if mortgages or banks are involved with your property.

For Queenslander property owners looking for more advice and information on boundary realignments, consider talking to Arnold Development Consultants (ADC). They can provide you with expert advice and guidance from start to finish, from surveyor to solicitor.