Land surveys are always a welcome sight when it comes to the home improvement industry. This service aids in planning projects from building fences to constructing home additions. It’s invaluable when buying and selling homes, refinancing mortgage loans, or even settling property line disputes.

In my experience, homeowners often hesitate to get this essential service due to worries about land survey costs, but it’s typically more affordable than you may think. Plus, it’s a service that pays for itself in preventing costly mistakes, although the peace of mind alone makes it a worthwhile investment. In this article, I’ll explore the cost of land surveys and explain why you may need one.

What Is a Land Survey and When Do You Need One?

A land survey is a professional measurement of a property’s boundaries and features completed by a land surveyor. While measuring the site, the surveyor places physical markers to visibly identify the property corners and lines. Then, they create a property map and accompanying report. These act as legal documents and may go into the public record.

It may be beneficial to get a land survey when in the following situations:

• Buying and selling property: A survey is the only way to confirm that the legal description of a property matches its actual boundaries. It’s also helpful in identifying easements, encroachments, and access rights that could impact either party’s ability to get a fair deal.
• Getting or refinancing a mortgage: Many lenders require their clients to get a land survey when getting or refinancing a mortgage. This document helps secure the mortgage and reduces the risk for the lender by providing official data used to calculate the property’s exact location, size, and value.
• Planning a custom home build: Knowing the exact measurements of a parcel of land helps builders place the new home in the right location and avoid boundary issues, setbacks, and code violations. Your custom building process will run much smoother with this document leading the way.
• Building additions and ADUs: Just as they are with custom home builds, land surveys are essential when building additions and accessory dwelling units (ADU). The property survey data helps plan the construction so that the finished product complies with all local laws.
• Dividing land for a subdivision: If you want to divvy up a large property into smaller lots, getting a land survey is an essential part of that process. The survey allows for the accurate creation of each lot’s boundaries while complying with all zoning regulations and other legal requirements.
• Installing a perimeter fence: You need to know where your property lines are to build a perimeter fence that doesn’t encroach on your neighbor’s property. It’s also important so you don’t accidentally give up your property rights by building the fence too far inside the boundaries.
• Settling property line disputes: A land survey is the final word on property lines when neighborly disputes occur. Once you know exactly where your land begins and ends, you can settle disputes and go back to enjoying a peaceful neighborhood.

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How Much Does a Land Survey Cost? (2025) | Today’s Homeowner