What is the purpose of a "property survey"?

The purpose of a "property survey" is to accurately determine the boundaries and physical features of a property. This is vital for a variety of reasons, including establishing property lines, identifying any encroachments, and verifying the exact dimensions of the land. Surveys provide a detailed description of the property, including its shape, size, and location of structures or features such as driveways, fences, or trees.

Having a precise survey is essential not only for buyers and sellers during real estate transactions but also for ensuring compliance with zoning laws and regulations. It plays a crucial role in preventing disputes among neighbors regarding property boundaries and can be important when applying for permits for new construction or modifications to existing structures.

While determining property value for tax purposes, outlining improvements made on the property, and assessing the condition of a property before sale are important in their own right, they do not pertain directly to the primary function of a property survey. The focus of a survey is on physical dimensions and boundaries rather than financial assessments or improvement documentation.