What is the primary purpose of a property survey?

The primary purpose of a property survey is to provide a detailed drawing that represents the property's boundaries, structures, and features. A survey is a crucial tool in real estate as it accurately delineates where a property's borders lie, identifies any easements or encroachments, and showcases relevant features such as existing buildings, driveways, fences, and other improvements. This precise mapping is essential for buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals to understand the extent of the property being transacted and to avoid potential legal disputes over property lines.

In the context of property transactions, having a clear understanding of boundaries and features helps ensure that all parties involved have a mutual agreement about what is included in the sale and protects against future disputes. Surveys are also often required by lenders prior to closing on a property, as they verify that the property being financed is the same as what is described in the sale agreement.

While valuing the property, assessing its interior condition, or highlighting historical significance are important aspects of real estate dealings, they do not directly encompass the primary function of a property survey.