How to Find Property Lines

Maybe you are thinking of building a shed on your property. Maybe you are planning land grading and need to double-check the easement. Or perhaps a tree fell near the property line, and you need to determine if you or your neighbor is responsible for removing it. In each of these scenarios and many others, a property owner may want to reference their property boundaries.

A plat map is a good place to start If you need to reference property lines. And Acres.com makes it easy (and free!) to look at plat maps online. We source public property records from county offices, then aggregate the info we find into a simple, searchable platform. 

With way more than a Google Maps search, plat maps on Acres can give you a quick reference for property boundary data plus other valuable insights, like flood zones and elevation maps. Of course, if you need exact property lines for legal reasons or a real estate transaction, then getting a survey is likely necessary.

Let’s explore ways to find property lines and when you might use each method.

Contents

Using a Plat Map

Working With a Professional Surveyor

Using Property Markers and Visual Clues

When to Use Each Method

Using a Plat Map

A plat map is a detailed diagram showing how land in a specific area is divided into parcels. Unlike a plot map that shows details of an individual property, plat maps show multiple properties, their boundaries, and how they interconnect. They are often used to resolve disputes, plan developments, or confirm property sizes.

Plat maps are public records. In the past, you would need to visit your local county assessor's office to access plat maps or buy a physical plat book. While these methods are still an option, technology makes it much easier. Platforms like Acres now provide online access to plat maps and property line information, making this valuable data a few clicks away.

How to Access Plat Maps Online with Acres:

• Visit Acres.com or download the Acres app for Android or Apple.
• Search for the property using its address or GPS coordinates, or by zooming into the map.
• View detailed parcel information, including boundaries, recorded acreage, and parcel numbers.

Acres also integrates Farm Service Agency (FSA) boundaries. With a simple toggle, users can switch between parcel views and tillable acreage insights, making it an excellent tool for landowners and agricultural professionals.

Working With a Professional Surveyor

In many situations, the property line data provided for free by Acres is all you need for a quick reference. However, for situations requiring absolute accuracy, such as real estate transactions, legal agreements, or construction permits, you should hire a professional land surveyor to complete a new survey. Many mortgage lenders and title companies require a new survey of a property to determine accurate financing and identify any risks or encroachments. 

Surveyors use special equipment and techniques to establish precise property boundaries. They often place markers, such as buried pins or visible stakes, to physically outline the property.

What to Expect from a Professional Survey:

• Research and documentation: The surveyor reviews existing plat maps, deeds, and historical property records.
• On-site measurements: The surveyor uses tools like GPS and total stations to measure the land’s dimensions and boundaries.
• Easement identification: They document any existing easements or restrictions affecting the property.
• Survey report: A detailed report is provided, including maps, boundary descriptions, and any potential encroachments.

A property survey typically costs between $300 and $1,000, depending on factors like property size, location, and complexity. The process can take from a few days to a couple of weeks. If you are looking to save on costs and time, you may be able to request a copy of a previous professional survey from the title company. 

Using Property Markers and Visual Clues

If you are just curious about a property, here are a few simple visual clues that give a general idea of property boundaries:

• Boundary pins: A past surveyor may have buried metal rods at corners or along the edges of the property.
• Fences or walls: While not always accurate, they often align with property boundaries.
• Utilities or phone poles: Utility companies use surveyors to determine where to place utility lines, so you can look for these markers to indicate property lines. 
• Natural landmarks: Trees, streams, or other features sometimes mark property edges.

These indicators are just ways to eyeball it, literally. If accuracy is critical, always confirm with official data or a surveyor. 

When to Use Each Method

Understanding when to use different resources can save you time and money. Here is a quick guide:

Final Thoughts

Understanding a property’s boundary is crucial for land management, development, or resolving disputes. For everyday needs, online tools like Acres can be invaluable for quick and free access to basic property lines information. For more technical needs, professional surveys provide the accuracy required for legal and financial matters. 

You can create a free account at Acres.com for easy access to property lines and other important insights, like soil data, topographical maps, wetlands, and more.