What an SG diagram is
An SG diagram is the Surveyor-General's approved diagram of a surveyed piece of land. It shows the boundaries, the beacons at the corners, the length of each side and the extent of the land. Each approved diagram has its own SG number, and the title deed refers to it.
Diagram or general plan
A general plan shows a whole township and all of its erven. A diagram shows one piece of land, such as a farm portion or an erf that was created by a subdivision. For an erf in a township, the boundaries may be shown on the township's general plan rather than on a separate diagram.
When you need one
Municipalities ask for the SG diagram with subdivision, consolidation and rezoning applications and with building plan submissions. It is also worth having when you buy land or need to settle where a boundary runs.
SG diagram, site plan and building plan
The SG diagram is the legal record of the boundaries. A site plan shows proposed buildings and their position on the erf and is drawn for a specific application. A building plan shows the building itself. Planners and architects draw the site plan and building plans from the boundaries on the SG diagram.
If no diagram exists
An SG diagram is retrieved from existing records, never created on request. If the land has never been surveyed, or new boundaries are needed, a professional land surveyor has to survey it and lodge a new diagram with the Surveyor-General.
How to get one
SG diagrams are held by the Surveyor-General's office for the province. Landlodz retrieves the existing diagram for your property for R250 and emails it to you as a PDF, usually within 1–3 working days of proof of payment. Add a copy of the title deed and you pay R600 for both.
Frequently asked questions
Is an SG diagram the same as a title deed?+
No. The title deed records ownership and the conditions registered against the property. The SG diagram records the surveyed boundaries and extent of the land, and the title deed refers to it.
Do I need the erf number to order an SG diagram?+
It helps but it is not required. The owner's details, province and municipality are usually enough for us to match the property.
Will an SG diagram show me where my boundary pegs are?+
It shows the surveyed position of the beacons and the length of each boundary. If pegs are missing on site, a land surveyor uses the diagram to put them back.
How much does an SG diagram cost from Landlodz?+
R250, or R600 together with a copy of the title deed. Landlodz is not VAT-registered, so no VAT is added.
Order an SG diagram