How to Check Property Land Size: A Definitive Guide

So, you want to know how to check property land size? The answer, in short, involves consulting official records, employing survey techniques, and understanding legal descriptions. This isn’t just about satisfying curiosity; knowing the precise dimensions of your property is critical for everything from construction projects to resolving boundary disputes. Let’s dive deep into the multifaceted process.

Deciphering the Dimensions: Verifying Your Property’s Boundaries

Determining the exact size of a property requires a multi-pronged approach, combining accessible public records with potentially necessary professional surveying. Accuracy is paramount, so let’s break down the most reliable methods.

1. Delving into Official Records: The Paper Trail

The first and often easiest step involves examining official documents. These are your starting point, providing valuable information about your property’s size and legal description.

• Deed: Your property deed is the primary document outlining ownership and, crucially, the legal description of the land. Look for measurements in acres, square feet, or a metes and bounds description. This description details the property’s boundaries using specific points and distances.

• Property Survey: A survey, if available, is a goldmine of information. It’s a precise map showing the property’s boundaries, dimensions, and any easements or encroachments. If you don’t have one, check with your local county recorder’s office. Previous owners might have filed a survey during a sale or renovation.

• Tax Assessor’s Office: The tax assessor’s office maintains records for tax purposes. While not always 100% precise for legal boundaries, their records often contain the approximate land size. It’s a good source for a quick estimate but should not be the sole basis for critical decisions.

• County Recorder’s Office (or Registry of Deeds): This office is the central repository for property-related documents. You can search for deeds, surveys, and other relevant records here. Online access is increasingly common, making research more convenient.

2. Unraveling Metes and Bounds: Navigating the Legal Labyrinth

Metes and bounds is a method of describing property boundaries using distances (metes) and directions (bounds). It’s like a treasure map for your land.

• Understanding the Language: Metes and bounds descriptions use terms like “North 30 degrees East,” “thence South 60 degrees West,” and distances in feet or meters. Deciphering these descriptions requires a basic understanding of surveying terminology and potentially the help of a professional.

• Following the Description: Start at the designated “point of beginning” and meticulously trace the described lines. Visualization is key. Imagine walking the boundaries as you read the description.

• Software and Tools: Several online tools and software programs can help you plot metes and bounds descriptions on a map. This can be incredibly useful for visualizing the property’s shape and size.

3. Embracing Technology: Utilizing Online Resources

The digital age offers several tools to assist in determining property land size.

• GIS (Geographic Information System) Maps: Many counties and cities offer online GIS maps that overlay property boundaries onto aerial imagery. These maps often provide approximate land size and can be a valuable visual aid.

• Real Estate Websites: Websites like Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com often display property information, including estimated land size. However, remember that these figures are often estimates based on public records and may not be perfectly accurate.

• Google Earth: While not a replacement for a professional survey, Google Earth can provide a visual representation of the property and allow you to measure distances using its built-in tools.

4. Seeking Professional Expertise: When Accuracy Matters

When precision is crucial, consulting a licensed surveyor is the most reliable option.

• Hiring a Licensed Surveyor: A surveyor will conduct a thorough survey of the property, establishing precise boundaries and creating a survey plat. This is essential for construction projects, boundary disputes, and other situations where accurate measurements are critical.

• Boundary Survey vs. Other Types: Be clear about the type of survey you need. A boundary survey specifically focuses on defining property lines, while other types of surveys may address topography or other features.

• Cost Considerations: Surveying costs vary depending on the size and complexity of the property. Obtain quotes from multiple surveyors and ensure they are licensed and experienced in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Property Land Size

Here are some common questions and answers to further illuminate the process of checking property land size.

1. What is the difference between acreage and square footage?

Acreage is a unit of land measurement, with one acre equaling 43,560 square feet. Square footage is a measurement of area, commonly used for buildings and smaller parcels of land. To convert square feet to acres, divide the square footage by 43,560.

2. How can I find a property survey if I don’t have one?

Check with your local county recorder’s office (or registry of deeds). They often maintain records of surveys filed by previous owners. You can also contact the previous owner, the title company that handled the property’s sale, or any local surveying companies.

3. What does “plat” mean in relation to property?

A plat is a map drawn to scale, showing the divisions of a piece of land. It includes boundary lines, easements, streets, and other relevant features. Plats are typically recorded with the county recorder’s office.

4. What is an easement, and how does it affect property size?

An easement grants someone the right to use a portion of your property for a specific purpose (e.g., utility lines, access to another property). While an easement doesn’t change the overall size of your property, it restricts your ability to use the easement area.

5. What is an encroachment, and how does it relate to property size?

An encroachment occurs when a structure or object from one property extends onto another property (e.g., a fence, a building). Encroachments can lead to boundary disputes and may require legal action to resolve. It doesn’t affect the ‘true’ size of your land, but it affects your usable space.

6. Can I measure my property lines myself using a measuring tape?

While you can get a rough estimate with a measuring tape, it’s not recommended for legal purposes or construction. Professional surveying is essential for accurate measurements.

7. How accurate are online property size estimates?

Online estimates from real estate websites and GIS maps can be helpful, but they are often based on public records and may not be perfectly accurate. Use them as a starting point, but verify the information with official documents or a professional survey.

8. What is a “legal description” of a property?

The legal description is a written description of the property’s boundaries, precise enough to locate and identify the land. It’s typically found in the deed and other official documents. It may be a metes and bounds description, a lot and block description, or a reference to a recorded plat.

9. What should I do if I suspect a boundary dispute?

If you suspect a boundary dispute, the first step is to review your property survey and deed. If the issue persists, consult with a licensed surveyor and a real estate attorney. Document everything thoroughly.

10. How do I find a licensed surveyor in my area?

You can find a licensed surveyor through your state’s surveying board or by searching online directories of professional surveyors. Check their credentials and read reviews before hiring.

11. What are the costs associated with a property survey?

The cost of a property survey varies depending on the size and complexity of the property, the location, and the type of survey required. Expect to pay anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars.

12. Why is knowing the property land size important?

Knowing the precise property land size is crucial for various reasons, including:

• Construction projects: Ensuring compliance with zoning regulations and setback requirements.
• Boundary disputes: Resolving disagreements with neighbors about property lines.
• Selling or buying property: Accurately representing the property’s size to potential buyers or sellers.
• Property taxes: Ensuring fair assessment of property taxes.
• Landscaping and improvements: Planning landscaping, fences, and other improvements accurately.

By utilizing these resources and techniques, you can confidently determine the size of your property and protect your investment. Understanding your property’s boundaries is not just about knowing where your land ends; it’s about understanding your rights and responsibilities as a landowner.