Getting Your HOA Property Line Surveyed: Why It Matters

Surveying is an important part of property upkeep and administration because it compares the specific land dimensions to the precise border positions on each deed and title. Due to a lack of surveying, fences, dwellings, and other structures are frequently built on or across property lines.

In an HOA, you should be fully aware of every legal boundary in the neighborhood - including the limitations of your community assets like the parks, clubhouse, and parking lot. You should also be fully apprised of the boundaries for each lot so that you can accurately inform new homeowners and hold homeowners responsible for their exact plot of land.

Before You Build: Survey

When an HOA is about to build new structures, check the survey. If the land has changed from weather or landscaping - or if you don't have the original survey, then it's time to get a new survey done for the area or your neighborhood as a whole.

A Survey map is necessary when building new structures to ensure that you make 100% on HOA shared property. The last thing you want is to plant trees or build a tennis court over a line that officially is outside the neighborhood or belongs to a homeowner.

When you survey, be sure to mark a map and keep the landlines with little colored flags.

Connect New and Remodeling Homeowners with a Survey

A survey is an essential document when planning any construction. It's also useful for new home buyers who need to know exactly where their property begins and ends. As an HOA, you can help your homeowner community avoid border disputes and plan for the future by connecting them with the survey data they need.

If you have a recent survey of the entire neighborhood, a copy of each lot's survey is handy for new home buyers. Those planning renovations, remodel, and new structures also need to know the information documented in a neighborhood survey. When your homeowners first contact you about their plans, could you give them a copy of the survey?

If you don't currently have a study for their lot, provide a recommendation for a trustworthy surveyor service that homeowners can use.

How Much Does a Survey Cost?

The survey property line cost for individual homeowners typically ranges from $200 to $1,000, depending on property size and complexity. Larger properties or HOA-managed areas can incur higher costs due to their scale and scope.

Key Points to Consider:

1. HOA Bulk Discounts: Surveying larger areas or multiple lots may qualify for bulk pricing, helping reduce overall expenses.
2. Phased Surveys: Start by surveying public spaces (e.g., parks, clubhouses) and plan sector-based surveys year-over-year to match budget constraints.
3. New Construction: For any construction, modifications, or add-ons, recent surveys ensure compliance with updated property lines and prevent encroachments.
   
   Consult multiple local survey teams to find competitive pricing and quality service for your HOA's needs. Accurate, up-to-date surveys are crucial for managing property lines and ensuring all structures remain within legal boundaries.

Ready to Take Your HOA to the Next Level

Ensuring your HOA property lines are properly surveyed is a crucial step in protecting your community from boundary disputes, legal issues, and costly encroachments. A professional survey provides clarity, safeguards property values, and supports harmonious neighborhood relationships. Whether you're developing new amenities, resolving property concerns, or simply ensuring compliance with HOA regulations, having an accurate survey is essential.

If your HOA needs expert guidance on property surveys, compliance, or community management, RealManage is here to help. Contact us today to learn how our team can support your association with professional, reliable solutions tailored to your community’s needs.