Site Survey in Ireland — Topographical, Measured, and Boundary Surveys
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Topographical survey: €400–€800. Measured survey: €300–€600. Boundary survey: €500–€1,500. Order before you instruct the architect.
Three types of site survey in Ireland: topographical (€400–€800, shows levels, contours, trees, and existing features — needed for design and planning), measured (€300–€600, records existing buildings, boundaries, and dimensions — needed for renovation and extension), and boundary (€500–€1,500, confirms the legal boundary vs the actual fence — needed if the folio map doesn't match the fence line). Order the topographical survey before you instruct the architect — saves redesign fees later when the architect has to redesign for a level difference or a feature they assumed away. Most architects will ask for a topographical survey as part of their brief and credit the cost against your design fees.
Order the topographical survey before you instruct the architect. Saves redesign fees later.
When this matters most
You're commissioning design work or planning an application.
When this doesn't apply
Your site is on a flat, open field with no existing features.
Sources
SCSI (Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland), Find a surveyor. https://www.scsi.ie/
Frequently asked questions
How much does a topographical survey cost in Ireland?
€400–€800 for a residential site. Shows levels, contours, trees, boundaries, and existing features. Most architects require one before starting design.
Do I need a boundary survey?
Only if the Land Registry folio map doesn't match the actual fence line. €500–€1,500. A deed of rectification may also be needed if the boundary is wrong.
Who does site surveys in Ireland?
A chartered surveyor (SCSI member). Most architects have a list of surveyors they work with. Get a quote from a SCSI-registered firm.
When this matters most
You're commissioning design work or planning an application.
When this doesn't apply
Your site is on a flat, open field with no existing features.
Where to go next
Next decision
The next step in your build sequence.
- Foul Drainage Connection in Ireland — Mains Sewer, Treatment System, or Septic →
- Is My Site Buildable in Ireland? The Five Checks That Decide It →
- Land Registry Check in Ireland — Folio, Map, and What to Look For Before You Buy →
- On-Site Electricity for a Self-Build in Ireland — Temporary Connection, Generator, or Solar →
- Ribbon Development in Ireland — The Planning Policy That Refuses Houses Along Rural Roads →
- Site Access in Ireland — Road Entrances, Sightlines, and the Road Opening Licence →
- Site Office and Welfare for a Self-Build — What You Need by Law (SHWW 2013) →
- Site Security on a Self-Build in Ireland — Hedges, Hoardings, CCTV, and Insurance →
Branch into
Adjacent decisions at the same stage.
- Flood Risk Maps in Ireland — How to Check opw.ie Before You Buy a Site →
- Percolation Tests in Ireland — EPA T-values, What They Mean, and What Costs When You Fail →
- Rural Housing Policy in Ireland 2026 — Local-Needs Tests and How Counties Vary →
- Septic Tank vs Mains Sewer in Ireland — When Each Applies and What It Costs →
- Well Yield Tests in Ireland — How to Confirm a Rural Water Supply Before You Buy →
Watch out for
Common mistakes, hidden costs, gotchas.
- Percolation Tests in Ireland — EPA T-values, What They Mean, and What Costs When You Fail →
- Septic Tank vs Mains Sewer in Ireland — When Each Applies and What It Costs →
- Site Assessment Cost in Ireland — Soil Test, Percolation Test, Water Test, and What to Order Together →
- Site Purchase Costs in Ireland — Stamp Duty, Legal Fees, and What Adds Up →
- Irish Soil Classification — Class 1 to Class 5+ and What Each One Costs You in Foundation →
Compare with
Alternative approaches worth knowing.