Land matters ... Survey diagram vs Survey ID report

A reader of last week's article emailed me asking what the difference between a survey diagram and a surveyor's ID report is. It was that moment that I realized that the difference between the two is not generally known.

In helping you to better understand the difference, I want you to think about the surveyor's ID report being the document prepared by the surveyor in relation to registered property, while the survey diagram is in relation to unregistered land.

The surveyor's ID report details the boundaries of the property, as well as it outlines the neighbouring properties. The said report also details whether there are any breaches to the covenants on the title and whether there are any encroachments. Along with doing a sketch of the property and all that exists on the land, the surveyor will also outline any easements on the property.

A surveyor's ID report, which expires after one year, serves several purposes with the most common being that it will assist the financial institution in determining whether the said property can be used as collateral for a mortgage. The report is also used by the municipal corporation (parish council) in determining whether to grant building approvals.

On the other hand, a survey diagram, also known as a pre-check plan, is primarily used for the purpose of registration under the Registration of Titles Act. The land surveyor prepares a diagram or plan that is submitted to the Surveys and Mapping Division of the National Land Agency to be checked. A pre-check plan examination (PE) number is issued thereafter.

The surveyor, upon visiting the property, will prepare the report that includes measuring, mapping, and describing all that exist on the land. The report also entails the specific location of the property and the surrounding neighbours, so that it can be found by anyone after an address is assigned.

The survey diagram, unlike the survey ID report, last for seven years. If you have a diagram and seven years have expired since the date on the survey, it is no longer valid and will not be accepted as a document that can be used in the process of obtaining a registered title.

Odane Marston is an attorney-at-law who specialises in conveyancing, administration, probate, recovery of possession, criminal litigation and divorce. He may be contacted via email Odanemarston@gmail.com or star@gleanerjm.com.