Land Survey: What It Is, Types And Cost

If you plan to purchase a new home on a large parcel of land, you may need to have a land survey conducted on the property to know what you’re really buying.

Before you get started, it can be helpful to learn more about the different types of land surveys, how much they typically cost and what they can offer to the property owner.

What Is Land Surveying?

A land survey is used to map out the shape and boundaries of a piece of land. It’s an exact drawing of the dimensions of the parcel, as well as any physical features, both natural and manufactured.

What’s Included In A Land Survey?

What’s included in a land survey will depend on the depth of the type of survey you plan to have conducted. At a minimum, a land survey includes measuring and recording the boundaries, elevation levels and angles of a parcel of land.

Essentially, a land survey provides you with a documented understanding of the boundaries of a property.

Reasons You Might Need A Land Survey

To survey your land, you will need to hire a professional who can perform legal land surveys. Land surveyors use different methods depending on the size and shape of the property.

Here are some of the reasons why you may need to hire a land surveyor:

• Fulfilling mortgage requirements: When applying for a mortgage, you may be required to hire a land surveyor to conduct a land survey on the property. This will depend on the type of mortgage you’re applying for and whether your mortgage lender legally requires it.
• Resolving disputes with neighbors: Land surveys can be used to resolve boundary issues with neighbors. This is a great way to practice good neighbor etiquette.
• Buying or selling real estate: You’ll want to know exactly what’s included if you plan to sell or buy a piece of land.
• Installing utilities: You will need to know boundary lines to put utilities on your property. You will also need a land survey if you’re putting in a new septic system.
• Divvying up the land: A land survey is necessary if you plan to create smaller lots of land out of the larger parcel.
• Updating a survey: You have an outdated land survey and need a refreshed one.

How Much Is A Land Survey?

The cost to survey land typically ranges from $400 – $1,000, with an average price of $600. However, this price can vary significantly, depending on the type of survey, the dimensions of the property and the level of accessibility to the property.

7 Types Of Land Surveys

Different types of land surveys are used for different purposes. Here are the most common types of land surveys and the average cost of each.

1. Boundary Survey

This type of land survey is used to locate the corners and property boundary lines of a parcel of land. A boundary survey will use both recorded deeds and physical markers to define the boundary lines on a piece of land.

A boundary survey does require both record and field research. It’s typically used for personal records and locating easements.

Average cost: $100 – $600

2. ALTA Survey

An American Land Title Association (ALTA) survey provides a lender and/or title company with required survey data to deliver an ALTA insurance policy. An ALTA survey is commonly done before purchasing a piece of property or investing in a new home.

Average cost: $2,000 – $3,000

3. Topographic Survey

Topographic surveys are used to understand the locations of both human-made and natural features on a parcel of land. These features may include roads, buildings, ditches, trees, streams and utilities.

This type of survey is most commonly used by architects and engineers working on property improvement plans.

Average cost: $500 – $1,200

4. As-Built Survey

An as-built survey is best for those who are planning to build a large home or work on a landscape construction project. A professional surveyor provides a three-dimensional rendering of your home using lasers. An as-built survey can provide you with interior and exterior blueprints, which are highly accurate.

Average cost: $700 – $1,300

5. Mortgage Survey

Similar to an ALTA survey, a mortgage survey is used when purchasing a home or piece of property. It verifies structures on the property, land and property title owners, and that the property meets all building and zoning codes before the purchase is made.

Average cost: $450 – $600

6. Subdivision Survey

Just like the name implies, this survey is used to divide a piece of land into smaller pieces, also called lots. A subdivision survey must be recorded by a government agency, most likely both local and state.

Average cost: $300 – $400 per lot

7. New Construction Survey

A new construction survey is necessary before establishing structures on a parcel of land, including roads, utilities and buildings. This type of survey utilizes both vertical and horizontal grading.

Vertical positions are verified by differences in elevations in comparison to a specific location on the property, which is known as the benchmark. Horizontal positions are determined by distances between structures.

Average cost: $1,000 – $1,500

How To Survey Your Own Property

Hiring a professional land surveyor is the best option if you plan to submit the documentation as legal property records. However, you’re able to survey your own property for personal records by analyzing the plat map of the property.

If you recently purchased a new property, there may still be opportunities to establish physical markers on your lot to mark boundaries. This can be found in paperwork like a property deed or online as a public record. You can find past land survey records on your local county assessor’s website or at the county recorder’s office.

Remember, surveying your own property cannot be used for legal purposes but may be used for personal records.

The Bottom Line

Having a legal land survey conducted on your property is a smart homeowner move, especially if you’re dealing with disputes over property lines with neighbors or if you just recently purchased a new home.

With this list of different types of land surveys, determine which one is the best fit for what you need or what may be required from you. If you aren’t sure which is the best pick, talk to professional land surveyors in your area for their expertise regarding your situation.

Before you can have your land surveyed, you need a lot to build on or a home to buy. Get a head start and apply for your initial mortgage approval with the Home Loan Experts at Rocket Mortgage^®.