Buying a home involves more than agreeing on a price and signing paperwork. Many buyers focus on inspections and financing but overlook confirming property boundaries. A property survey can reveal these issues and help homeowners avoid disputes after the purchase.
What information does a property survey provide?
A property survey maps the exact boundaries of a parcel of land. A surveyor measures the property and compares these measurements to recorded deeds, plats and county maps. This process confirms whether the legal description in the deed accurately reflects the land’s true size and shape. As a result, buyers gain a clearer understanding of the property before closing.
A survey can also reveal issues that are not noticeable at first. For example, a neighbor’s fence, driveway or shed may sit on part of the property. In addition, utility companies may have recorded rights to use certain areas of the land, known as easements.
Is a property survey required in Indiana?
While Indiana law doesn’t mandate a full boundary survey for every sale, most lenders require a Surveyor Location Report (SLR) to clear title exceptions. Under TRID rules, lenders must disclose required survey fees on your Loan Estimate within three days of application.
However, an SLR offers limited protection. For full security against encroachments, a boundary survey is still recommended. Especially since Indiana’s 2025 legislative changes have reshaped property line and adverse possession laws.
When should buyers consider getting a survey?
Older homes and rural lots often have boundary discrepancies where fences or driveways don’t align with legal deeds. Surveys can identify these encroachments, but buyers are now far less likely to lose land to a neighbor.
Following 2025 legislative reforms, Indiana has strictly limited adverse possession. Claimants must now prove payment of property taxes on disputed land for ten years. A boundary survey remains essential to prevent future disputes and ensure your title insurance accurately reflects your physical holdings.
Addressing potential risks before closing
Before moving forward with a home purchase, it is important to weigh the cost of a survey against the potential risks of going without one. Approaching closing with legal guidance can help ensure these issues are properly managed.
