A professional measurement and mapping of a property's boundaries, structures, easements, and encroachments, prepared by a licensed Ontario Land Surveyor. A survey shows exactly where your property lines are, where buildings and fences sit relative to those lines, and any rights-of-way or encroachments. Surveys can be expensive ($1,500 to $3,000+), which is why many buyers opt for title insurance instead.
Why It Matters
A survey gives you a precise picture of what you're buying and where your property begins and ends. Without one, you might not realize your neighbour's fence is two feet onto your property, or your shed sits on their land. While title insurance can cover many of the risks a survey would reveal, a survey provides actual certainty rather than insurance coverage.
Real-World Example
A buyer is purchasing a century home in the Beaches neighbourhood of Toronto and wants to build a rear addition. Their lawyer recommends getting a new survey rather than relying solely on title insurance. The surveyor discovers that the neighbour's fence encroaches 18 inches onto the property, and the existing garage is partially built on a municipal easement. Armed with this information, the buyer negotiates the fence issue with the neighbour before closing and confirms with the city that the garage encroachment will be grandfathered.
Ontario & GTA Context
Ontario Land Surveyors are regulated by the Association of Ontario Land Surveyors (AOLS). A new survey typically costs $1,500 to $3,000 depending on the property size and complexity. Many sellers have old surveys that may be outdated and not reflect current conditions. Since the widespread adoption of title insurance in Ontario, fewer buyers commission new surveys. However, surveys remain valuable when planning additions, dealing with boundary disputes, or buying rural properties with less defined boundaries.
How It Works in Practice
If you plan to renovate, build an addition, or install a fence, getting a survey is a wise investment. It provides certainty about property boundaries that title insurance cannot. Ask the seller if they have an existing survey and have your lawyer review it. For standard purchases without immediate construction plans, title insurance alone is usually sufficient.
Common Questions
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