A professional measurement of the property's boundaries and physical features. Sometimes required by lenders or title companies, especially for rural or unusual properties.
A property survey is a professional measurement and map of the home's lot — boundaries, encroachments, easements, location of structures, and any visible features that affect the property. It's done by a licensed land surveyor.
Surveys aren't always required. Many lenders waive them when there's an existing recent survey on file with the title company. They become important when: the property has unusual features (irregular lot lines, shared driveway, fence near a boundary), there's no recent survey available, or the title company can't verify boundaries from public records.
If required, expect to pay $400–$800. It's typically a buyer-paid closing cost, listed on the Loan Estimate.
Example
On a rural 5-acre property purchase, the title company requires a new survey to confirm the seller's claimed boundaries match the deed. The surveyor stakes the lines, finds the south fence encroaches 4 feet onto a neighboring lot, and the issue is resolved before closing with a boundary agreement.
Also known as
property survey, boundary survey, land survey