Find Out Where Your Property Lines Are

By Shelley Frost

October 12, 2024

You might find yourself wondering about property lines if your nosy neighbor insists part of your yard is theirs. Knowing the location of your property lines is also important for many outdoor projects, such as installing a fence.

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You probably have a general idea of where your property lines run, but you might be surprised at their exact location.

How Are Property Lines Determined?

When a home is first built, the property lines are determined by the city, county, state, builder or developer. A surveyor measures and marks the lines using property markers, which are metal stakes that go into the ground at the corners. The lines are also documented on a plat map.

Determining the property lines on an existing home requires the use of several available resources. You can find information on plat maps, land deeds and legal descriptions of properties. If a survey has already been done on the property, you can refer to it to get an idea of where your property lies.

Surveyors also play a significant role in determining the edges of your land. Descriptions provided by the original surveyor help you identify the physical markers on the property. In some cases, you need a new surveyor to determine the lines using their tools and technology.

How Do I Find a Survey of My Property Online?

Your local government may offer copies of previous surveys online. Look for a records or property office in your city or county. If they don't have the surveys available for online access, contact the office to see if you can request a copy in person or over the phone.

Keep in mind that previous surveys may not be accurate. Property lines can change over time. Neighbors might decide to change the lines, or an owner might split the property and sell part of the land. If the survey you find is older, you may want to do additional research to ensure it's still accurate.

Will Google Earth Maps Show Property Boundaries?

Google Earth shows property lines, but it's more useful to get a general idea of your property boundaries. You may still need a professional survey, particularly in the case of a legal dispute over where your property starts and stops. The information on Google Earth is mainly for reference and might not be completely accurate.

If you're using this option, download the free Google Earth Pro app to get the most advanced mapping capabilities. Make sure you have the latest version installed for accuracy. Once you find your property and have the borders enabled, you can measure distances from various landmarks or structures. This allows you to go into your yard and measure your actual property to get an idea of where the boundaries are.

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How Do You Get Property Lines Marked?

To have your official property boundaries marked, you need to hire a professional surveyor. This is the most accurate way to find the exact location of your lines. It's best to use a professional surveyor if you have legal disputes or you're undertaking a major renovation project close to your property lines. Paying for a survey saves you trouble down the road in those situations.

When you hire a surveyor, they start with research using historical documents about the land. This gives them an idea of where the lines should be. They also go to your property and conduct physical surveying using various tools and technology. This includes checking for the metal property pins that are usually placed when the land parcel is established. It's also common to use various tools, such as GPS devices and theodolites, to map out the boundaries.

If you want a basic idea of where the lines are, you can download a GPS-enabled app to locate land boundaries. Some local governments provide access to geographic information system mapping tools that let you see property lines and other information, such as property zoning. (Like Google Earth, these apps and tools won't hold up in legal disputes and may vary in accuracy.) From there, you can mark your property lines for a rough guide of where your land goes.

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