Navigating Survey Fees in Real Estate: Understanding MDS vs. Survey Fee

Distinguishing between the Mandatory Survey Fee (MDS) and the[b] standard Survey Fee[/b] is crucial for anyone navigating property transactions. The MDS, payable to the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, covers the basic survey, excluding labor, instrumentation, or consultation charges. In contrast, the Survey Fee encompasses the complete package, including instrumentation, labor, transportation, and more.

Here's the catch: even after settling the MDS, your surveyor may charge additional fees for the services mentioned above. This insight leads to a vital piece of advice – be cautious of surveyors offering rates lower than the mandatory survey fee (MDS).

It's worth noting that the MDS and Survey Fee vary based on location and property size. In my experience with clients, I've observed a common pitfall – individuals sometimes fall prey to seemingly cheap surveys. However, it's essential to question how a surveyor can offer services below the mandatory survey fee of a given area.

Let's be real – if the mandatory survey fee is 700k, and a surveyor agrees to do the job for 500k, how do they cover the costs of registering the survey plan at the Surveyor General's office? It's a critical consideration for anyone aiming for a reliable and comprehensive survey.

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