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Accurate surveying for secondary dwellings on residential properties.
MCS Surveyors provide detailed, reliable granny flat surveys to support the planning, design, and construction of secondary dwellings across Sydney and New South Wales. Whether you are building a freestanding unit or an attached extension, our team of experienced surveyors will help you comply with regulations and move your project forward with confidence.
Granny flats continue to grow in popularity across Sydney as homeowners look to increase living space, add rental income, or create independent accommodation for family members. Before you begin design or construction, you will need accurate site data to ensure your granny flat is positioned correctly and meets all relevant planning requirements. That is where we come in.
A granny flat is a self-contained secondary dwelling located on the same lot as a primary residence. It may be attached to the main house, built within it, or constructed as a separate standalone building. Granny flats must include their own living, kitchen, and bathroom facilities and are commonly used for:
Under the State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP), granny flats can be approved as complying developments provided the lot and proposed design meet specific criteria. If not, a development application (DA) may be required.
Before a granny flat can be designed or approved, survey data is required to assess the suitability of the site and ensure the proposed structure complies with zoning, setback, and environmental requirements.
Granny flat surveys provide:
This information is essential for your architect or designer to prepare plans that meet the NSW SEPP or local council development controls. Without a professional survey, your project may face delays, design changes, or even rejection at the approval stage.
Contact UsMCS Surveyors offer a complete range of surveying services to support your granny flat project from initial planning through to final approval:
A detailed site survey forms the basis for architectural design. It includes all physical features of the land such as buildings, trees, fences, driveways, and ground levels. It also highlights any constraints such as easements or setbacks.
This survey defines and marks the legal property boundaries and confirms the location of existing structures in relation to them. It is often required by councils or certifiers when building close to boundary lines.
Before construction begins, we mark out the exact position of the granny flat on site based on approved plans. This ensures the builder places the structure correctly in accordance with the required setbacks and dimensions.
Upon completion of construction, a final survey may be required to confirm that the granny flat has been built in the approved location and at the correct height. This is often needed to obtain an occupation certificate from your certifier or local council.
We tailor our services to your needs and can assist at any stage of the project, whether you are just starting the design or require final sign-off for occupation.
One of the first questions many homeowners ask is whether their granny flat can be approved through the fast-track complying development process or whether a full development application is required.
A complying development must meet several criteria including:
If your proposal meets all the criteria outlined in the NSW SEPP, you can proceed with a private certifier rather than lodging a DA with council. However, if your lot does not meet the size, access, or zoning requirements, a development application may be necessary.
Our team can assist by providing the survey data needed to determine which approval pathway is right for you.
Building a granny flat involves several planning considerations. These include:
All asset owner conditions are included with your DBYD plans and must be reviewed carefully. If you are unsure, our team can help interpret the requirements and recommend safe control measures.
With over 30 years of combined experience in residential land surveying, MCS Surveyors is trusted by homeowners, designers, and builders across Sydney for accurate, efficient, and council-compliant survey services.
When you work with us, you get:
We work closely with architects, certifiers, and councils to ensure your granny flat project progresses smoothly from concept to completion.
Our 30 years of combined experience in this industry has allowed us to consistently provide the best survey services to our clients for their residential, commercial, civil, and industrial properties in Sydney & Wollongong. Get in touch today for free preliminary advice and quote.
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