Finding Your Lot Size In Australia: A Guide

how do I find out my lot size australia

If you're looking to find out the size of your lot in Australia, there are several methods you can use. For a casual estimate, you can use tools like GIS systems, pacing, or a measuring wheel. If you need more precise measurements, consider hiring a professional surveyor to conduct a boundary survey plan, which will provide you with accurate measurements of your lot, boundary dimensions, and the total area. Online tools and maps, such as Google Maps, can also be used to outline your property and calculate its area. Additionally, government websites and local records may provide access to property maps and tax maps that display property boundaries and lot sizes.

Characteristics Values
Search Tools Mapshare Vic, VicPlan, Landchecker, Google Maps, Apple Maps, ArcGIS, AcreValue
Search Parameters Address, Lot, Locality, Municipality, Postcode, Coordinates
Search Format Lot number\Plan number, Standard Parcel Identifier (SPI)
Results Land size, frontage, orientation, zoning, high-resolution imagery, 3D terrain views, property boundaries, total area, boundary dimensions, subdivision plat map, etc.

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Use online tools like Google Maps, Mapshare Vic, or AcreValue

There are several online tools that can help you find out your lot size in Australia. Google Maps, for instance, offers an area calculator tool that can help you measure the area of your land or lawn. You can enter an address or zoom into the map and click on the starting point of your shape. Then, continue clicking along the outside edge of the shape, and the area will be calculated and updated in different units like acres, square feet, meters, kilometres, and miles. While this tool is useful for finding the approximate acreage of a plot of land, it is not 100% accurate due to the slight angle of the images. Therefore, it should not be the only resource used for making important decisions.

Another interactive mapping tool is Mapshare Vic, which provides location-based property information for the state of Victoria. With Mapshare Vic, you can search for information on an individual property or zoom out to browse an entire suburb or anywhere in the state. You can generate a property report, measure dimensions, and access various tools to help you understand your lot size.

Additionally, AcreValue is a useful resource that provides detailed Geographic Information System (GIS) data tailored for landowners and developers. It offers similar capabilities to GIS tools, allowing you to locate your property, view its boundaries, and use measuring tools to calculate the area.

Online tools like these can provide a convenient and efficient way to estimate your lot size in Australia, although for critical accuracy requirements, professional survey services are recommended.

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Refer to property deeds or tax records

To find out your lot size in Australia, you can refer to your property deeds or tax records. These documents will provide detailed information about your land, including its size, boundaries, and any associated legal rights or restrictions.

Property deeds are legal documents that outline the ownership and dimensions of a parcel of land. In Australia, the land register is the central aspect of the Torrens system, and each state or territory maintains its own land registry. All original property deeds are archived at these land registries, and you can access this information electronically through online databases provided by private agencies or government websites. For example, in New South Wales, the General Register of Deeds established in 1825, now accessed under the Automated Deed Indexing System (ADIS), allows you to search for common law or 'old system' deeds for land transactions.

Additionally, you can refer to tax records, specifically land titles, to ascertain your lot size. A land title is a record of a person's interests and rights related to their land. Conducting an online title search will provide you with the most up-to-date information about your land, including ownership details, registered encumbrances, and survey plans. You can search by Lot/Plan, Owner Name, Previous Title, or Plan to access relevant information.

Survey plans, also known as deposited plans, are another crucial source of information. These plans officially record the legal boundaries of a property and typically indicate the dimensions and size of a lot. You can access survey plans through the land registry or authorised information brokers.

It is important to note that while diagrams on these records may provide an indication of boundary dimensions, only a Licensed Surveyor can determine the precise location of property boundaries.

By consulting these records, you can confidently ascertain the size and dimensions of your lot, ensuring you have the most current and accurate information available.

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Consult local government websites for plat maps

If you're looking to determine your lot size in Australia, one option is to consult local government websites for plat maps. Plat maps, also known as land survey maps or land maps, are valuable tools that provide information on property lines, ownership, and specific pieces of land. They are essential for homeowners, real estate professionals, and local government entities alike.

Civil engineers create plat maps before any development or construction, making them available as public records. These maps typically outline property boundaries, dimensions, and tax parcel identification numbers. They also show the location of utilities, buildings, and infrastructure, including waterways. This information is crucial for determining flood zones and planning flood control projects.

To access a plat map, you can start by checking local government websites. Many local governments make these maps available online through their websites or Geographic Information System (GIS) software. This allows you to conveniently view property line maps digitally. Some local governments may also allow you to request a copy of the plat map, which they can provide in person, through mail, or via email.

However, accessing plat maps may come with a payment, and the level of detail provided can vary depending on the source. Additionally, for recently surveyed or subdivided properties, the plat map may not be immediately available through the local government or other sources. In such cases, you may need to contact the local government or county records office or use online resources to find and access the map.

While plat maps are valuable, they may not always provide the most up-to-date or precise information. If accuracy is critical, such as for legal or construction purposes, hiring professional surveyors is recommended. They can address discrepancies in existing maps and provide precise measurements of your lot size. Nevertheless, consulting local government websites for plat maps is a good starting point to gain valuable insights into your property boundaries and dimensions.

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Measure by pacing or using a measuring wheel

Measuring your lot size by pacing or using a measuring wheel can be a good option if you're looking for a quick, inexpensive, and relatively simple method. This approach may be sufficient for casual purposes, but if accuracy is critical—such as for legal or construction reasons—it's recommended to engage professional survey services.

Measuring by Pacing

Pacing can give you a rough estimate of your lot size. First, measure the length of your stride. Then, count the number of steps it takes to cover the length and width of your property. Finally, use basic math to calculate the area. While this method is not the most accurate, it's free and easy to do.

Measuring with a Measuring Wheel

A measuring wheel is a more reliable and accurate option than pacing for estimating lot size. This tool allows you to measure distances by rolling it across the ground. After measuring the length and width of your property, you can calculate the area. Measuring wheels are inexpensive and easy to use, making them a good choice for those who prefer tools over smartphone applications.

It's important to note that lot sizes in Australia are typically expressed in square metres (m²) or squares (sq). To calculate the square metres, multiply the length and width of your lot in metres. To convert square metres to squares, divide by 100. Alternatively, you can calculate the square feet and then multiply by 0.09290304 to get the number of squares. Remember that these conversions will give you approximate values.

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Hire a professional surveyor

Hiring a professional surveyor is the most accurate way to determine your lot size. While it may be the most expensive option, it ensures precision and can address any discrepancies in property deeds or existing maps. Professional surveys are especially important for resolving disputes or preparing for construction projects.

A cadastral surveyor will use a mix of historical survey documents, research, and modern measuring tools to accurately locate the boundaries of your property. They will assess the quality of any existing marks and take new measurements to determine the precise location of your boundaries. This service is particularly useful when buying a home, subdividing land, or performing any sort of construction or development project.

A boundary survey plan, signed by a licensed surveyor, will show the true size of your land. This plan will include details such as the Certificate of Title number, the allotment number, and the existing survey plan number. It will also indicate the location of any encroachments into or out of your property.

To find a licensed surveyor in Australia, you can contact your local land registry office or a surveying firm such as Sunrise Surveying, which operates in Queensland, or State Surveys, which offers services in South Australia.

It is important to always use a professional property boundary survey to confirm your land’s boundaries, as relying on fences or neighbours can lead to inaccuracies.

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