How to find your property lines
Quick insights
- Property lines are defined in legal documents and are crucial for real estate transactions and development.
- Lines can change for various reasons, and official methods to identify property lines include deeds, plat maps, surveys and online government resources.
- Referring to visual markers on your property and discussing lines with neighbors can provide insights, but professional surveys provide official, accurate information.
Knowing your property line can be important for reasons beyond knowing how much of your lawn needs mowing. Property lines are defined in legal documents, and the precise measurement or description of the boundaries is necessary information for real estate. Let this article serve as your guide on how to find your property line.
What is a property line?
Property lines, also called boundaries, make up the perimeter of a piece of land. Each line marks the edge of the property and separates it from neighboring properties or public spaces. For residential property, fences, walls and pavement might visually represent property lines, but those aren’t always official markers.
Property lines can be an essential part of real estate for several reasons:
4 ways to find your property boundaries
There are several methods to officially identify your property’s lines:
- Property deed: This document has a legal description of your property’s boundaries, including measurements and angles that define your land’s perimeter. The descriptions might use certain landmarks, too.
- Plat map: Your deed may refer to a plat map, a detailed subdivision map with individual property lines. If it’s not in your property deed, you may find a plat map at your county assessor or recorder’s office. You can request one to help visualize your property’s boundaries.
- Survey: A property survey is performed by a licensed professional to provide precise measurements and markers for your lines. Surveyors typically measure the boundaries with certain equipment to ensure accuracy. The information is usually reliable and legally binding. Surveys might be part of a real estate transaction, boundary dispute or construction plan.
- Online resources or maps: Your local or state government might manage a Geographic Information System (GIS). If available, the maps in such a system can be accessed at the government’s website. GIS maps could provide detailed property boundaries as well, such as zoning and topographical information.
Can you identify your property lines for free?
Depending on your situation, a general idea of your residence’s property lines might be enough. Physical markers like fences, walls, sidewalks and curbs might indicate the boundaries. However, these aren’t exact and might not match legal property lines. Discussing the lines with your neighbors can give you some insight. They may have recently conducted surveys, which could provide more accurate information.
How are property lines updated?
Residential property lines are defined in legal documents, such as property deeds and plat maps. Professional surveys are usually required to document changes.
Property lines might change in several situations:
- Subdivisions: This is when a property owner divides land into smaller lots. A survey would measure and possibly mark the new boundaries. The process involves updating plat maps and legal descriptions to reflect the changes.
- Consolidation: Essentially the opposite of a subdivision, a consolidation is combining multiple properties into a new one. After a survey, the boundaries are logged in the appropriate places, such as government records.
- Disputes: Legal agreements might be needed to resolve property line disputes that arise between neighbors. Local authorities typically record any changes.
- Easements: This is a technical term for allowing access to property for a certain purpose. Property lines may have to be updated to accommodate local arrangements, such as granting access to utilities or roads.
- Natural events: Property lines may have to change because of erosion, flooding or other natural changes to the land. The legal lines may have to be updated as a result.
In summary
To identify your property lines, consider using official resources like government maps and property surveys. These are generally more helpful than your own measurements, physical markers and neighbors’ opinions. Besides helping you manage your property effectively, knowing the boundaries can be important for legal, financial and practical reasons.
