When purchasing a home, one of the most critical yet often overlooked steps is obtaining a new property survey. A property survey is a detailed map or drawing that outlines the exact boundaries, dimensions, and features of a piece of land. It provides essential information about the property you’re about to invest in, ensuring you’re fully aware of what you’re buying. While it might seem like an unnecessary expense or a formality that can be skipped—especially if the seller provides an older survey—relying on outdated information or skipping this step altogether can lead to costly disputes, legal headaches, and unexpected surprises down the road. Here’s why getting a new property survey is so important.
A Survey Confirms the Boundaries of the Property
First and foremost, a new property survey confirms the precise boundaries of the land. Property lines aren’t always as obvious as a fence or a row of trees might suggest. Over time, natural changes like erosion, landscaping, or even neighboring encroachments can blur these boundaries. An old survey might not reflect recent alterations, leaving you uncertain about where your property begins and ends. Without a clear understanding of these lines, you could unknowingly build or maintain structures—like a shed, deck, or driveway—that encroach onto a neighbor’s land. This could spark disputes or force you to remove or relocate those improvements.
A Survey Identifies Easements and Encroachments
A new survey also helps identify easements, encroachments, or restrictions that could affect your use of the property. Easements are legal rights that allow others (like utility companies or neighbors) to access or use part of your land. For example, a power company might have an easement to run lines across your property, or a neighbor might have a right-of-way to cross it. If these aren’t documented or discovered until after you buy, they could limit how you use your land or even lower its value. Similarly, a survey can reveal if a neighbor’s fence, garage, or landscaping crosses into your property—or vice versa—potentially requiring negotiation or legal action to resolve.
A Survey Ensures Compliance
Another key benefit is ensuring compliance with local zoning and building regulations. A survey shows the location of the house, any outbuildings, and other features relative to setback lines and property boundaries. Setbacks are the minimum distances structures must be from property lines, and violating them could mean you’re unable to get permits for future additions or renovations. In worst-case scenarios, you might even have to tear down non-compliant structures. A fresh survey gives you the data to avoid these pitfalls before they become your problem.
A Survey Protects Your Investment
Financially, a new survey protects your investment. Real estate is likely one of the biggest purchases you’ll ever make, and a survey—typically costing a few hundred dollars—is a small price to pay for peace of mind. If boundary disputes or title issues arise later, resolving them can cost thousands in legal fees, not to mention the stress and time involved. Lenders and title insurance companies often require a current survey anyway, as it reduces their risk by verifying the property’s legal description matches reality. Without it, you might face delays in closing or gaps in your title insurance coverage.
A Survey Indentifies Potential Issues
Additionally, a new survey can uncover physical features that impact the property’s usability or value, like flood zones, wetlands, or steep slopes. These might not be apparent during a casual walkthrough but could affect insurance costs, building plans, or resale potential. For instance, if part of the land is in a floodplain, you’ll need to factor in higher insurance premiums or restrictions on development.
A Survey Provides Peace of Mind
Finally, consider the peace of mind a new survey provides. Buying a home is an emotional and financial milestone, and uncertainty about what you’re actually getting can dampen that excitement. A survey eliminates guesswork, giving you a clear picture of your asset. While sellers might offer an existing survey, it’s wise to insist on a new one—dated information might not account for recent changes, and the surveyor’s liability typically only extends to the original client.
In short, a new property survey is a proactive step that safeguards your investment, prevents future disputes, and ensures you know exactly what you’re buying. It’s not just a technicality—it’s a cornerstone of due diligence in homeownership.