How to Read a Property Survey. Quick and Easy Explanation.

Decoding Property Surveys: A Step-by-Step Guide

Plan of Subdivision

In this guide, we'll break down the key elements of a survey plan and explain how to use them:

Boundary Lines

The boundary lines on the survey plan show the precise edges of the property. Knowing the exact boundaries is essential to avoid issues with neighbours. In the survey the boundary lines are noted as thicker black lines.

Boundary Measurements

Each boundary line has a direction (bearing) and distance associated with it. These measurements allow you to verify the accuracy of the boundaries and spot any encroachments.

Structures and Setbacks

The survey plan outlines the distances between buildings and structures on the property, as well as the surveyed boundaries. This tells you where you can build or make changes.

Survey Markers

Surveyors use various methods to clearly mark property corners, including setting monuments or measuring from known points. These markers are essential references.

Subdivision Details

The underlying subdivision plan provides historical context about how the property was initially developed and divided.

Land "Parts"

One parcel can be made up of multiple PARTs that are numbered. You can discover the PARTs that make up the one parcel by finding it on the survey or referring to the legal description of the property seen on a real estate listing, offer or GeoWarehouse report. 

Title and Description

Every survey has a title and description of the survey. Important notes are the date of the Survey, Plan numbers, who completed the survey and scale,

Additional Plans

Other survey plans may be referenced to provide supplementary boundary information to support the current survey.

By understanding these key elements, you'll be able to easily read and interpret a property survey. Mastering this skill is invaluable for anyone involved in real estate or land transactions.

Property Survey

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Brad Sinclair, Sales Representative

Team Lead at The Brad Sinclair Team

Royal Heritage Realty

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