Usually the buyer pays, but there are some exceptions
Buyers usually pay for a land survey if one is necessary, as it directly benefits them.
Sellers can offer to pay to entice buyers to move forward with the purchase.
Land surveys cost around $543, on average, and prices often fall between $376 and $768.
In many cases, a real estate transaction will require a land survey to confirm for all parties involved what parcel and improvements are included in the sale. But who pays for a land survey: the buyer or the seller? In this guide, we’ll explain who typically pays, some exceptions that might apply to your situation, when you need a survey, and more.
There’s no hard and fast rule in place dictating who pays for a land survey, but in most cases, the buyer will cover the cost.
Buyers pay because land surveys benefit them, not the seller. Many lenders will require surveys to confirm the property and improvements they’re using as collateral, so the buyer, to meet their own lender’s requirements, will pay for the survey.
Getting a land survey is also a good way for buyers to protect themselves. Surveys can show easements that may significantly devalue the property, so getting a survey done before closing is a good way to protect your investment and ensure you’re paying a fair price.
While buyers pay for land surveys in most cases, there are a few exceptions where a seller might cover the cost:
They already had a survey done: Land surveys are usually good for five to ten years, so if a seller recently had a survey done, they may just offer the results to a buyer to save them time and money. Sellers may have surveys on file to make the sale go more smoothly, if they planned on subdividing or building on the land, or to settle property line disputes with neighbors.
They want to incentivize buyers: Sellers may offer land survey results up front to make the property more appealing to buyers. Surveys can help avoid surprises after the sale of a home or even during negotiations if they uncover encroachments or easements. Having a survey up front is a good way for sellers to show buyers they’re serious about the sale and to dispel any related concerns before they even surface.
They want to close the deal: Sellers may also offer to cover the cost of a land survey if the buyers don’t have the funds to get the work done or if they’re unwilling to pay the cost. Sellers can use survey fees as negotiation tactics to keep the deal alive and agree to hire a land surveyor for the buyer.
A land survey is never a legal necessity, but there are some cases where you’ll need a survey to close. Most mortgage lenders will want verification of the property they’re accepting as collateral, so if you’re financing your home, chances are that you’ll need a land survey or a boundary survey at the very least. Some lenders won’t require one, but it may depend on your initial equity position and location.
If you’re paying for a property in cash, you don’t need a survey, but it’s a good idea to hire a local land surveyor anyway to confirm what exactly you’re buying.
Larrisa treated my home as if it were her own. I appreciated the time and care that was given.
About Time Cleaning Services, LLCI appreciate Tyler taking almost a hour to discuss the details of my project. I was new to land surveying and he was patient, listened and understood what i needed to do to get my project completed. Thanks Again!
Highland SurveyingIt took two weeks for the workers to come to my home. Finally when they arrived, they did not give me notice, they were just knocking on my front door. I talked with the receptionist and told her exactly what I wanted accomplished in my yard. I had weeds overgrown and lots of stickers...
These guys did a outstanding job for.me going above and beyond to help me with my driveway and pavilion pad also a 17ft fire bowl seating area need stairs landing 4 cement trucks in one morning these guys are fantastic
The technician showed up when they said they would. They kept me informed with increasingly accurate estimates of arrival times as the scheduled time drew closer. He arrived within 5 minutes of their final notice. He surveyed the situation and gave me an acceptable estimate and asked...
Any Hour ServicesWe’ve had good luck with them. They came out and did survey work for us. They did a good job. They do mostly commercial so because of the residential bid, they didn’t get on it right away and so I had to wait a little bit longer than I would like but they were as responsive as I was. When I...
I had no idea what I was getting into when I first started the process of figuring out how to get our house re-roofed. I had emailed some other companies but hadn't gotten any replies. A salesman for a different company came door to door and set up a time for their company to do an...
Intermountain West ContractorsHeidi arrived on time, was professional in her demeanor, answered all of my questions, and discussed every aspect of what she would do. Since then TruGreen has called me twice to see if everything was and is satisfactory. They also sent me a survey yesterday via email that asked me to rate...
TruGreen Lawn Care - 5300On the recommendation of our architect, we agreed to have the lot of this small apartment building surveyed in preparation for upcoming renovation & construction to refresh and expand the building. When we discussed the work, both our architect and our construction partner indicated that...
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