Why are Identification surveys important for property buyers?

​An Identification Survey, also known as an ‘Ident survey’ or ‘ID survey’, is important to correctly identify the parcel of land or property that you are buying.
 
It is essential to have a detailed property survey done that will provide important details about the property. This is a step that many home buyers do not take but the benefits certainly outweigh the cost because property surveys are vital. An identification survey will indicate the boundaries of the property, lot size and description.
 
A property surveyor will research the property’s history and title to ensure there are no discrepancies as to who owns the property. The surveyor will then make a sketch of the land, its boundaries and various other elements that make up the property. They will provide a map which details the property's legal boundaries.
 
The survey will also include a written description of the property, the street address, the location of buildings and adjacent properties, and any improvements that can be made to the land.
 
The right property survey, done by a registered surveyor, offers a better understanding of the property before you commit buying.
 
Here are some of the reasons to protect your future investment with a property survey.
 

• To ensure the land described is what you’re paying for

You will want to ensure what is on the title documents is actually what you’re paying for and confirms the area of land purchased matches the amount of Land the Title says you are entitled to. The survey ensures that a process is in place to accomplish all of that.
 

• To eliminate disputes over boundary lines & corners

The survey will ensure you have accurate information on hand about existing boundary lines and other demarcations of possession. Having that information is important if you decide to later on build a fence, pave your driveway or add an extra room to your house. If you know where your boundary lines are you can avoid problems with neighbours.
 

• To avoid issues with fences & buildings

Property surveys eliminate any issues with dividing fences and buildings. The erection of a new fence between 2 properties should be located on the boundary line so that each property owner shares maintenance and replacement costs equally. But this isn’t always the case and boundary line disputes can lead to major issues with fences. A property survey will mark the boundary lines and ensure there’s no uncertainty of the fence location or who it belongs too.
 

• Reports on underground cables & drains

It’s easy for you to spot any above ground wiring on inspection of the property, but not so easy to see what’s underneath. The identification survey will provide information on what water, electricity, gas, telephone, drains, wires, cables etc. are under the property. Utility companies may need to use a proportion of your land for line upkeep and if this falls under your home, it’s their right to do so. It’s a smart idea to know the location of underground utilities before you begin any construction too.
 

• Rights of way, easements & encumbrances

This section of a property survey determines whether there are any legal rights for you or your neighbour to walk across each other’s properties to get to your own. It details what to do with shared yards or driveways, or if your neighbor has a right of way to the street or alleyway between your homes. The survey will reveal the existence of any easements (for drainage, etc.), Covenants and Restrictions on land use, and whether or not the subject land complies with the terms and conditions. Encumbrances are also outlined on a property survey and will reveal any claims or liabilities that affect the title of the property.
 
It may not seem like a big deal, but completing your due diligence when it relates to the identification survey can save you from making a very costly mistake, like building your home on someone else's land.