Property Survey
Explore what a property survey is in Canadian real estate — what it includes, when it's needed, and how it protects buyers from boundary disputes.
May 22, 2025
What is a Property Survey?
A property survey is a detailed legal drawing or report prepared by a licensed land surveyor that maps out the boundaries, structures, and features of a parcel of land.
Why Property Surveys Matter in Real Estate
In Canadian real estate, surveys are critical for confirming property lines, detecting encroachments, and ensuring compliance with zoning and municipal bylaws.
Surveys typically include:- Lot dimensions and boundary markers
- Location of buildings, fences, easements
- Right-of-ways, encroachments, and setbacks
Surveys are often required by lenders, municipalities, and buyers before title transfer or issuing building permits. A current survey can prevent disputes with neighbors or legal complications during resale.
Understanding property surveys ensures accurate land records and protects buyers from hidden boundary issues.
Example of a Property Survey in Action
A buyer orders a property survey to confirm the garage is not encroaching on the neighbouring lot before finalizing their purchase.
Key Takeaways
- Maps property boundaries and features.
- Conducted by licensed surveyors.
- Required for construction and financing.
- Reveals legal and physical issues.
- Essential for title clarity.
Related Terms
- Encroachment
- Certificate of Location
- Zoning
- Title Transfer
- Easement


Canada residential unit sales by month, actual, 2019 and 2024-2026. Data through June 2026. Source:
Canada residential sales-to-new-listings ratio, actual, January 2025 to June 2026. Source:
Canada residential months of inventory, actual, January 2025 to June 2026. Source: Source:
Year-over-year change in residential average sale price for Canada, Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta, January 2022 to June 2026. Average price is shown here as a regional mix measure, not a substitute for HPI or local comparable sales. Source:
Year-over-year change in residential unit sales for Canada, Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta, January 2024 to June 2026. Source: 






15284-15296 Fleetwood Drive in Surrey. (Flat Architecture, 1098261 BC Ltd.)
Renderings of the tower proposed for 15284-15296 Fleetwood Drive in Surrey. (Flat Architecture, 1098261 BC Ltd.)

Goldberg Group 
10-storey apartment building currently occupying 525 Eglinton Avenue East/WND Associates
Rendering of 525 Eglinton Avenue East/Wallman Architects
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Renderings of Mayfair West. (Grosvenor, Arcadis, Hariri Pontarini Architects)
