In a physical split, one land plot is divided into several new plots. The new boundaries are set by a cadastral map amendment project prepared by a licensed surveyor. The legal side (a voluntary split before a notary or a court-ordered split) is a separate procedure; the survey project is needed in both cases.
What splitting a property means
Splitting ends the co-ownership of a property. It can be voluntary, when all owners agree, or court-ordered, when they don't. In a physical split the property is divided into separate new plots, each with its own boundaries and identifier.
What the surveyor does
- surveys the plot and the buildings on it;
- proposes ways of dividing it that meet the requirements for minimum size and access;
- prepares a cadastral map amendment project with sketch projects of the new plots;
- the project is filed with the Geodesy, Cartography and Cadastre Office, which records the new plots.
The surveyor does not decide who gets what. That is a matter for agreement between the owners or for the court. Our role is to show which divisions are possible and to record them accurately.
Documents required
- proof of ownership and, for an inheritance, a certificate of heirs;
- an up-to-date sketch of the property;
- the consent of all co-owners for a voluntary split;
- a court decision for a court-ordered split.
Limitations
Not every property can be split. There are requirements for minimum area, street frontage and access, which depend on the type of property and on the Detailed development planin force. For regulated plots, a split often also requires an amendment to the plan. We check this at the start, before preparing the project.
Merging plots
The reverse procedure, merging two neighbouring plots into one, is also done with a cadastral map amendment project. It is used before construction or when one owner has bought the neighbouring plot.
Frequently asked questions
How much does splitting a property cost?
The price of the surveying part depends on the size of the property and the number of new plots. Notary and court costs are separate. You will receive a quote for our part after we have reviewed the documents.
Can a property be split if one heir disagrees?
Then a court-ordered split is the remaining option. The court may appoint an expert, and the division project is still prepared by a surveyor.
How long does it take?
It depends on the complexity of the property and on the institutions' timeframes. You will receive a timeframe together with our quote.
See also cadastre and cadastral map amendments.
Licensed land surveyor in Varna, licensed under the Cadastre Act and holding full design capacity with KIIP, reg. No. 16455.
