What is the purpose of a property survey?

A property survey serves a fundamental role in understanding and defining the various physical and legal aspects of a property. The primary purpose is to accurately delineate the boundaries of the property, which is critical for ownership and use rights.

Additionally, a property survey includes the identification of any easements, which are legal allowances for others to use a portion of the property, such as utility companies accessing lines or neighboring properties having access rights. This information is crucial for both property owners and potential buyers to ensure there are no misunderstandings regarding what is included in the property and any legal rights that others may have over it.

Furthermore, surveys can help resolve disputes between property owners over boundary lines or claims of encroachment. Clarifying these boundaries helps prevent legal conflicts and ensures that land use is compliant with local zoning laws.

In contrast, determining property taxes owed typically involves an appraisal or tax assessment process rather than a physical survey. Evaluating market value also relies on different methodologies, such as comparative market analysis or a professional appraisal, rather than the technical measurements provided by a survey. Lastly, evaluating the condition of a property for insurance purposes focuses on the structure's safety and usability, generally requiring inspections rather than surveys, which focus primarily on land boundaries and rights.