Land surveys & property boundaries
A survey establishes where a parcel actually is. Learn when a survey matters, what a boundary survey and a topographic survey cover, and why a recorded survey protects a buyer.
Overview
A land survey establishes the legal boundaries and, in some cases, the topography and features of a parcel. For vacant land, a survey is often the only way to know the true acreage, the location of corners, and how features like roads, fences, and easements relate to the boundary. This guide explains the types of surveys and when each matters.
Why a survey matters
A listing's acreage is not always the actual acreage, and fences do not always follow the legal boundary. A survey confirms the true boundaries, corners, and acreage, and it can reveal encroachments, overlaps, or missing corners. For a buyer, a recorded survey is the reliable way to know what is actually being purchased.
Boundary survey
A boundary survey establishes the legal boundary of a parcel and marks the corners. It is the foundation for any build, fence, or boundary dispute. A licensed surveyor performs the survey and records it with the county when appropriate.
Topographic and ALTA surveys
A topographic survey maps elevation and contours and is useful for site planning on sloped or complex parcels. An ALTA survey is a more detailed survey often required by lenders for commercial or financed transactions. The right survey depends on the parcel and the buyer's plans.
When to order a survey
A survey is often ordered during a due diligence period, before closing, or before a build. For a parcel with unclear corners, a disputed fence line, or a planned structure near a boundary, a survey is especially valuable. Confirm with a licensed surveyor what survey type fits the specific parcel and your plans.
Verify with the right authority
These factors are parcel specific. Confirm each one with the responsible agency or licensed professional before relying on it for a purchase or build decision.
- A licensed Arizona land surveyor for a boundary or topographic survey
- Yavapai County Recorder for recorded plats and surveys
- A title professional for any boundary exceptions on a title commitment
Common questions
A survey establishes the true legal boundaries, corners, and acreage of a parcel. A listing's acreage is not always the actual acreage, and fences do not always follow the legal boundary. A recorded survey is the reliable way to know what is actually being purchased and can reveal encroachments or missing corners.
A boundary survey establishes the legal boundary and marks the corners. A topographic survey maps elevation and contours and is useful for site planning on sloped or complex parcels. The right survey depends on the parcel and the buyer's plans. A licensed surveyor can advise on the specific parcel.
A survey is often ordered during a due diligence period, before closing, or before a build. For a parcel with unclear corners, a disputed fence line, or a planned structure near a boundary, a survey is especially valuable. Confirm the right survey type with a licensed surveyor for the specific parcel.
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