Where are property boundaries?

Question

In the market to buy a duplex and owner occupy. How do I find out where the property boundaries are while doing my due diligence on the property? I'm guessing this is done separately from the inspection and appraisal.

Peter Walther · Answer

Get a survey, but understand a survey is just one person opinion of where the property corners (and improvements if they're shown) are.  A different survey (say one prepared by a surveyor hired by a neighbor) may show something different.  Assuming a fence, hedge row or other indication on the ground marks the property line or relying on the seller's, real estate agent's or neighbor's opinion or belief is, increases the possibility of a property line dispute dramatically.

Sergey A. Petrov · Answer

get it surveyed and yes that is independent of an inspection or an appraisal. they'll locate the old markers or put new ones in to define the property lines/boundaries.

Joel Allen · Answer

@Joshua Martin

Exactly right…the survey will not only show the property boundaries but will also identify any easements, encroachments, and setbacks.   All of those are important to know, especially if you intend to add square footage to the home, add a deck, add a pool, or construct other improvements on the property.

John Teachout · Answer

I should add that the lender (if any) may require a survey if there's any question. Title insurance company wants certainty too.

John Teachout · Answer

The county or other municipality should have a plat, plot or subdivision plan. If you can find a record of an older survey that lists what the corners are marked with, that can be helpful. I usually find out what the setback is and then with a long tape measure and a metal detector can usually find property corner markers. (they're usually, but not always buried) A survey can locate corners but that's an expensive way to get the info. Asking neighbors where the property lines are can be helpful too. (helpful, not definitive, lol)

Unless I'm putting up a fence, in most cases it's just not that important...

Joshua Martin · Answer

Besides wanting to put in a fence to split the yards, I do want to make sure I don't build a shed on someone else's property or them on mine.

Where are property boundaries?

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