Do you think you know where your property will end? You might be surprised. Property lines are the legal boundaries of your land, and they don’t always line up with fences, driveways or lawns. Before starting any outdoor projects, such as building a garage, replacing fences, installing pools, and strengthening landscaping, it is important to take a little time to assess the true boundaries of your property.
This careful assessment allows you to taste the improvements of going to your home or garden without inadvertently invading your neighbour’s territory or causing potential conflicts. This Redfin guide will show you the property line and how to find it accurately, whether you live in a townhouse in Seattle, Washington or own five acres in Atlanta, Georgia.
A quick answer: How can I find a property line?
The fastest way to find a property line is to check a Plat map, property certificate, or previous research. You can also use GPS apps such as Landglide and Landgrid to view approximate boundaries. For the most accurate results, we will hire a licensed land surveyor, especially before construction or sale.
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What is a property line?
A property line is the official boundary that defines where one plot of land ends and another land begins. These lines are established by surveyors during development and recorded by city, county, or state. If the property is legally divided, a new property line will be established in the investigation.
The property line at the front of your home is known as the width of your lot along the street, your front. The property lines on the side of the plot are known as bystanders. Local zoning laws often regulate how close they can be built to these lines, so if you are planning to build or landscaping, it is important to know exactly where they are.
13 ways to find a property line
Below are 11 simple ways to find a property line to avoid property line issues and prevent conflicts with your neighbors.
1. Find the property line using Google Maps
Google Maps may display property lines, but availability varies depending on the location. These lines are not legally binding, but provide quick visual references.
To give it a try, go to the Google Maps website and enter the exact address in the search bar. Once the map has loaded, use the Layers button to switch to satellite view and then zoom in. If available in your area, a faint gray line will be displayed outlining the property boundaries. Otherwise, Google may not be able to access the data it needs in that location. Please note that this is a rough estimate and should not be used for legal or construction purposes.
2. Try the Property Line app
Other GPS apps can provide accurate Plat maps. Landglide and Landgrid are two of the most commonly used by property owners.
Landglide App: Covers over 95% of US properties using GPS to view owner and property information using GPS. Available on iOS and Android with free trials and subscription plans. Landgrid Map: Provides access to over 149 million property records nationwide with tools to view ownership data and customize property maps. The paid version offers additional features such as bookmarking and research tools.
3. Hire a licensed land surveyor
The most accurate way to know where your land starts and ends is to hire a surveyor to determine your property line. Property surveyors first check the county records to understand the history of the lot. They will then know easements, subdivisions, and other important factors that may affect your land, as well as your choice. The cost of hiring a licensed land surveyor is typically between $330 and $670 per survey, which can range in as much as $1,000 per survey, depending on location, size and property history.
4. Check the property certificate
Your actions include a legal explanation of your land. This may include measurements, boundaries, and references to landmarks and subdivisions.
5. Check out Metes and Bounds survey
Some older acts use the Metes and Bounds system, which uses physical landmarks and compass instructions to describe property lines. For example, research may say that the property line is “50 meters from tall maple.” But the maple tree may not be standing anymore.
6. Read the Property Line Map (PLAT)
Whether you are buying a house or land, you can receive a Platt map or a Property Line Map. If not, you can find it at the county clerk’s office. The plat provides the exact dimensions of lots associated with other lots on the block. For residential real estate, we show each individually owned property, hoping to have similarly sized rectangles lined up on each side of the street. Your neighbor may be able to help as well. You can ask if they have a copy of their plat map, which will show the layout of the neighborhood.
7. Request a copy from your mortgage or title company
When funding a home with a mortgage, lenders usually require a property inspection. Your mortgage company should have a copy of this investigation from your purchase transaction. Title Company also performs property searches and may have a copy of the survey or property line map for your property.
8. Please contact your local government
Many counties and cities submit investigations as part of their public records. In many cases, you can request a copy of an existing investigation from the county or local government. If the county or municipality completes an investigation of a plot of your land, they have a copy. They usually charge a small fee for the copy.
9. Find a survey pin
During construction, builders often use survey pins to mark plots of land. Look for a thin iron bar stained to the ground in a typical area where you expect your property line to be. Metal detectors can be a useful tool for searching along the periphery of properties. In many cases, survey pins are found near sidewalks and facility curbs. However, investigative pins can be misleading as utility companies, tree removal companies and other contractors may have driven them in the course of their work.
10. Find the property line marker
Property line marker location is another alternative to finding the survey pin. Property line markers can be made of metal, wood, or concrete. For relatively new homes, the property’s boundary markers may still be in place. If you find a survey pin or concrete boundary marker, it may be more accurate as the wooden stakes are easier to move. Check the Plat map to see where you want to find the property line marker.
11. Check the sidewalk and street lights
Sidewalks and streetlights can provide a visual reference if you don’t know how to find a property line. They are not perfect references, but the installers may line up the lines on the property with sidewalks and streetlights. First, we start by looking at the cut lines on the sidewalk in front of the house. Contractors may have cut lines to meet the edges of the property or may separate the property using slightly different concrete. This method is a good starting point, but use it in conjunction with a survey or Plat map to ensure accuracy.
12. Visit the local zoning department
Your municipal zoning department has maps drawn to record plats indicating the division of land and expand for your property. Unless your home was built over 100 years ago, you can ask for copies of your neighborhood and Lott Pratt at a minimum price. Zoning Department records provide accurate dimensions for your lot.
13. Measure your own properties
Lots can be measured manually. To do this you will need a long measuring tape, a compass, and perhaps an assistant. Find the starting point labeled on Plat and follow the surveyor’s steps. This can be a “common point” or POB. Once a starting point is found, use measurement tape to follow the platt and record the measurement. His methods can give you general ideas, but should not be replaced by professional research.
Why is it important to know where your property line is?
Understanding the boundaries of your property will help protect your investment and avoid costly mistakes. This is why it’s important:
Prevent erosion problems: Real estate lines legally define where the land begins and ends. Without knowing them, they may accidentally drop out onto a fence, driveway, or neighbor’s land. Avoid conflicts with your neighbors: overhanging tree branches, driveways, or even landscaping across lines can lead to conflicts and legal action. Ensuring safe construction and improvement: Planning a garage, pool or tree? Knowing your exact boundaries before digging and calling 811 will help prevent damage to underground utilities. Support future home sales: Accurate property line documentation – useful during home sales such as plat maps and land surveys, avoiding title insurance issues and delays. Please comply with local rules: Some states require you to register a new survey with your county. Keeping updated records is legally covered and useful during resale. Peace of mind: Whether you start a project or sell a home, knowing the boundaries means you are a good neighbor and protecting your property rights.
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Final Thoughts on Property Lines
Finding your property line may seem like a small detail, but it can save you from the big problems with the line. Whether you are starting a backyard project or planning on selling, make sure you are working within legal boundaries.
