Have you ever wondered where your property ends and your neighbor’s property begins? It’s important to know the exact boundaries of the property as understanding the property lines is crucial for any project.
No matter what you’re planning to do, installing a swimming pool, putting up a fence, building an addition, planting a garden, or just wanting to avoid any potential problems regarding the boundaries of the property, you need to be knowledgeable about the beginning and end of your land.
Stay with us, as we’ll discover everything you need to know about property lines, how to find them, and why knowing them is so important for every homeowner.
What Are Property Lines?
Property lines are legally defined boundaries of the property, and a plot is a particular piece of land or real estate, that is usually explained in deeds or legal documents, with details on its boundaries, ownership, and dimensions.
Property lines exist to show precise land ownership, and understanding property lines is crucial when buying land and maintaining its right of possession. They are set up in different ways, such as legal descriptions, historical records, or surveys, and are shown on a site plan, maps, and property deeds.
Importance of Property Lines
Knowing the exact location of property lines keeps property owners from encroaching onto other’s land and compromising each other’s privacy with building constructions that are too close to their homes.
Many title insurance companies and mortgage lenders rely on checked lot lines to make the qualification process for the mortgage easier.
These lines are set up by licensed land surveys which utilize special tools and markers to get the boundaries in detail. These lines are very important as they ensure compliance with local zoning regulations, and help in urban development. Understanding these lines is crucial because they affect land use and ownership rights.
Clearly defined property boundaries manage land use effectively and balance good relations between neighbors. In case of a dispute with neighbors, you can sign a boundary line agreement which is a legal contract that provides agreement regarding the use of the property lines, without the need to include the court.
Now let’s see different ways on how we can find property lines.
How To Find Your Property Line?
Finding your property lines is not hard when you have the right knowledge and good resources. Be sure to gather proper information before starting a construction and landscaping project, or buying a home.
Here are some basic 5 steps you need to include when it comes to finding your property lines:
- Start by checking your property deed which involves boundary markers and legal descriptions of the property.
- Check the availability of recent property surveys, as they will provide accurate locations and measurements of your property boundaries.
- Visit the local recorder’s office or a county assessor. This way, you can get access to maps and records with detailed explanations of your property’s boundaries.
- GIS map service offers a visual representation of property lines based on the address.
- Search for physical markers such as iron pins or stakes on the property, which can help in identifying lot lines.
Now that we’ve explored some general steps on how to locate your property boundaries, let’s explore different methods of finding property lines for free.
How To Find Your Property Line for Free?
You can discover the boundaries of your property by checking out the records of your local country or assessor. You can publicly check all available maps of the streets and identify the demarcation of your lot lines.
Here are 4 cost-free approaches for finding property lines:
- The county recorder or assessor’s office website – They have detailed records of legal boundaries including surveys, maps, and deeds, and they offer free databases for accessing zoning regulations and property lines. They make sure all of the information is available to the public.
- Property deed – Homeowners can use their property deeds which are obtained during house purchasing, to locate lot lines. They often have references to survey markers and boundary descriptions. In case the deed doesn’t have all the necessary information, additional resources such as county records will be needed, for a better understanding of property lines.
- Google Maps – Helps see property lines by using satellite views or imagery from the air. It’s important to say that property boundaries on Google Maps are not true legal boundaries. For more precise information, always consult official records.
- Property markers – A homeowner of new construction can discover lot boundaries by locating survey markers that surveyors place. These property markers specify property corners, and construction companies use them to be in compliance with local zoning regulations and prevent any problems.
How To Check Property Lines Online, Which Apps Are Good?
Different GPS apps can provide you with precise property lines. Besides Google Maps which is free, the most common apps are LandGlide and Regrid.
- LandGlide app – It uses GPS to show your property’s exact location, and it induces parcel records in over 3,000 different counties. This app is very popular, and it’s available on iOS and Android devices offering a free trial.
- Regrid app – This app includes address and owner information along with more than 149 million properties nationwide. It has a survey editor that allows you to create your survey. The pro version is better because it allows access to premium fields, run surveys, and bookmark properties.
After seeing different methods and approaches on how to find property lines, let’s address the importance of land surveyors when it comes to precisely determining property boundaries.
Land Surveyor for Property Lines
Professional land surveyors play a major role in precisely marking and determining property lines. They operate with modern equipment and techniques to map and measure the boundary of a property, create detailed survey maps, and install boundary markers. Land surveyors collect historical deeds and records of the property, making sure the survey is accurate, and as a result, they get a legal property description.
A land surveyor will first check county records to understand the history of the property, and then they’ll research subdivisions, easements, and all-important factors that can affect the land. The cost of hiring a licensed surveyor ranges from $350 to $700 per survey, and depending on the size, property history, and location, it can be up to $1,200 per survey.
Now, let’s see the most asked questions regarding property lines. We’ll simply try to explain each and make sure you understand everything about property boundaries.
Property Lines FAQs
How Do You Find Property Lines by Address?
If you want to look up property lines by address, you need to start by researching your local government’s records or mapping tools on the internet that can provide information about parcels based on the address.
What Are Survey Lines for a Property?
Survey lines are precise markings made by expert surveyors, that define accurate boundaries and the size of the land.
Is There a Satellite Map That Shows Property Lines Free?
Yes, there are free satellite map services such as Google Earth, that show basic views of property boundaries. For more detailed and precise lot lines, always consult your local authorities and their websites.
Where Can I See My Property Lines?
You can find your property boundaries on different mapping services, through the property deed, or on county assessor websites. For accurate and precise plot lines, hire a professional surveyor.
Can I Build a Fence on My Property Line?
This depends on your local zoning laws and regulations as well as the property’s deed restrictions. To get accurate information, contact your local municipality to determine rules regarding placing a fence.
Property Lines Are Key to Securing Space Boundaries
Understanding property lines is crucial for keeping the value of the land, and knowing its exact boundaries. Property lines help in the planning and urban development, and proper knowledge about land boundaries ensures legal compliance and the safety of the property.
It’s important to take time and define property’s limits as it provides clarity for future projects and secures the land. By precisely determining the lot lines, we can start different projects and once finished, enjoy new spaces and additions on our land.
Knowing the property lines is a necessity when it comes to preparing a site plan for permits. If you’re planning any type of construction on your property, a site plan is required. It shows a detailed and accurate representation of your property and its lines so that all regulatory requirements are met.
If you’re wondering how to obtain a site plan for your property, feel free to contact us. Our expert team will be there to answer all your questions and make sure your property gets the documentation for smooth project development!
