PROPERTY GUIDE

What Are Survey Pegs and Can I Remove Them?

Last updated: January 2026

Survey pegs are the physical markers that define where your property ends and your neighbour's begins. Understanding what these marks are, how to find them, and what you can (and can't) do with them is essential for any property owner.

This guide covers everything Sydney property owners need to know about survey pegs and boundary markers.

What is a Survey Peg?

A survey peg (also called a survey mark or boundary marker) is a physical marker placed by a licensed surveyor to indicate the corner of a property boundary.

When land is subdivided in NSW, surveyors place marks at each boundary corner. These marks, combined with the registered survey plan, legally define your property boundaries.

Types of Survey Marks in NSW

Different types of marks are used depending on the situation:

Wooden Pegs

Timber pegs (usually hardwood or treated pine) are the most common boundary marks in residential areas. They're typically 50mm x 50mm and driven into the ground. However, wooden pegs deteriorate over time and are often disturbed by landscaping.

Galvanised Iron (GI) Pipes

For more permanent marking, surveyors use galvanised iron pipes driven into the ground. These last much longer than wooden pegs and are less likely to be accidentally removed. The top may have a disc with the surveyor's registration number.

Star Pickets

Star pickets (metal fence posts) with identification discs are sometimes used, particularly where the mark needs to be visible above ground level.

Concrete Blocks/Posts

In some subdivisions, concrete blocks or posts are placed at corners. These are very durable but can be buried under soil over time.

Drill Holes and Lead Plugs

When a boundary corner falls on concrete (driveways, footpaths), surveyors drill a hole and fill it with lead or insert a nail. These are often marked with paint.

Reference Marks

Sometimes the true corner position falls in an impractical location (in a fence, under a tree). In these cases, surveyors place "reference marks" offset from the true corner with recorded distances.

Can I Remove Survey Pegs?

No. It is illegal to intentionally remove, damage, or interfere with survey marks in NSW.

Under the Surveying and Spatial Information Act 2002, penalties for removing or damaging survey marks include:

• Fines up to $5,500 for individuals
• Higher penalties for corporations
• Potential civil liability for damages

Survey marks are considered legal documents - they define property boundaries with the same legal standing as your Certificate of Title.

What About Accidental Removal?

Survey marks are frequently disturbed accidentally during:

• Landscaping and gardening
• Fence construction
• Driveway installation
• Pool excavation
• Building works

While accidental removal isn't typically prosecuted, you should have the marks re-established by a surveyor as soon as possible - especially before any fence or building work.

What to Do If Survey Pegs Are Missing

If you can't find survey pegs on your property, don't assume your fence or neighbour's markers are accurate. The steps to take are:

1. Don't guess: Fence positions and old markers can be significantly off
2. Get a boundary survey: A licensed surveyor will research the original survey, locate any existing marks, and re-establish missing corners
3. New marks placed: The surveyor will place new permanent marks at the correct positions
4. Report issued: You'll receive documentation showing the boundary positions

A boundary survey to re-establish missing marks typically costs $600-$1,500 depending on how many corners need work and the complexity of the boundary.

Finding Survey Marks on Your Property

To locate existing survey marks:

• Look at corners: Check each corner of your property, near where fences meet
• Check the registered plan: The survey plan shows where marks were placed
• Dig carefully: Marks may be buried under soil or mulch
• Look for GI pipes: Tap the ground with a metal detector or rod
• Check concrete: Look for drill holes with lead plugs in driveways

If you can't find marks after careful searching, they may have been removed or buried. A surveyor can locate them using survey techniques even if the physical marks are gone.

Survey Marks vs. Fence Position

A common misconception is that your fence is on the boundary. In reality:

• Fences are often built inside the boundary by 50-100mm
• Old fences may have been built without any survey
• Neighbours may have moved fences over time
• Fences can be in completely wrong positions

A survey peg near a fence corner suggests the builder used the marks, but it doesn't guarantee the fence is exactly on the boundary. Only a current survey can confirm true boundary positions.

Before Building Near Boundaries

Before any construction near your property boundaries, you should:

1. Locate survey marks: Find and confirm boundary corners
2. Get a detail survey: Shows boundaries plus all existing features
3. Understand setbacks: Council requires minimum distances from boundaries
4. Consider a setout: Have building corners marked by a surveyor

This protects you from building over boundaries or violating setback requirements. See our guide on surveys for granny flats for more on pre-construction surveys.

Get Your Boundaries Confirmed

If you're unsure about your property boundaries or can't find survey marks, contact us for a boundary survey. We'll locate or re-establish your boundary marks and provide clear documentation of your property limits.

Frequently Asked Questions

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