"Texas, often referred to as the Lone Star State, is a thriving hub for economic growth and innovation, making it an attractive destination for commercial real estate investment." - Chris Evans

Why Accurate Land Surveys Are Crucial for Real Estate Transactions in Houston

Closing on Property in Houston? Don’t Skip the Survey

In a city as fast-growing and diverse as Houston, real estate transactions are happening daily across all property types—from urban townhomes in Midtown to sprawling ranches in Liberty County. But whether you’re buying a residential lot, a commercial building, or an undeveloped parcel, a land survey is one of the most important tools for protecting your investment.

Surveys not only confirm legal ownership and boundaries—they also uncover hidden risks, help avoid disputes, and support financing and title insurance requirements.

What Does a Land Survey Do in a Real Estate Deal?

A land survey provides critical information that a buyer, seller, title company, lender, or attorney uses to:

• Verify property boundaries

• Identify easements, encroachments, and access points

• Confirm zoning and setback compliance

• Ensure buildings and improvements are within legal limits

• Document acreage, elevation, and flood risk

📌 In Texas, especially across the Houston metro region, not having a survey could lead to legal disputes, unexpected restrictions, or costly redesigns after closing.

Houston-Area Counties and Why Surveys Matter in Each

📍 Harris County (Houston, Bellaire, Spring)

• Most title companies require a Category 1A survey before closing to confirm boundaries and improvements.

• Inner-city properties often involve tight lots with shared fences, outdated deeds, or unrecorded easements.

• A survey is often needed before issuing permits for additions or rebuilds.

📍 Montgomery County (The Woodlands, Conroe)

• With many wooded lots and custom homes, surveys help confirm boundaries and ensure legal access.

• Subdivision and replatting surveys are often required before construction or resale.

📍 Fort Bend County (Katy, Sugar Land, Fulshear)

• Master-planned communities have strict HOA and zoning requirements.

• Surveys confirm that fencing, driveways, and pools comply with building lines and drainage easements.

📍 Brazoria County (Pearland, Manvel)

• Flooding is a major concern in some areas. Elevation certificates and floodplain surveys may be required before approval or insurance underwriting.

• Surveys help determine buildable land vs. restricted zones.

📍 Galveston County (League City, Galveston, Dickinson)

• Coastal and near-water properties require coastal boundary and topographic surveys to comply with erosion control and setback rules.

• ALTA/NSPS surveys are used in commercial real estate deals or land sales involving banks and investors.

📍 Waller, Chambers, and Liberty Counties

• These growing outer counties are seeing increased demand for affordable land.

• In rural areas, surveys ensure accurate acreage, fencing placement, and legal access—especially when metes and bounds legal descriptions are decades old or vague.

Which Survey Should You Get?

Survey TypeBest ForBoundary SurveyResidential purchases, fencing, and property line verificationCategory 1A SurveyTitle transfers, refinance, general real estate deals in TexasALTA/NSPS SurveyCommercial or lender-financed deals, investor-grade propertyTopographic SurveyPlanning new construction or drainage improvementsFloodplain SurveyBuying in flood zones or near bayousSubdivision/Plat SurveyReplatting or dividing land for resale or development

Do You Really Need a New Survey If the Seller Already Has One?

Yes, if:

• The old survey is more than a few years old

• There have been improvements, additions, or fence changes

• You’re buying unplatted land

• The title company or lender won’t accept the old survey

Even small discrepancies can turn into major legal issues—and it’s your investment at stake.

How South Texas Surveying Helps During Real Estate Transactions

At South Texas Surveying, we work with buyers, sellers, realtors, title companies, and lenders across Harris, Montgomery, Fort Bend, Brazoria, Galveston, Chambers, Liberty, and Waller counties to provide fast, accurate land surveys that make closings go smoothly.

We offer:

✔️ ALTA/NSPS, Category 1A, boundary, floodplain, and topographic surveys
✔️ Local experience with Houston’s permitting and title requirements
✔️ Support for developers, first-time buyers, and investors
✔️ Quick turnaround and responsive communication

📞 Closing on property in Houston or the surrounding counties? Contact South Texas Surveying and secure your land deal with confidence.

A Survey Isn’t Just a Box to Check—It’s Peace of Mind

In a competitive real estate market like Houston’s, every dollar and detail matters. A land survey helps ensure the property you’re buying is exactly what you think it is—with no surprises, disputes, or red tape holding up your plans.

📍 Whether you’re buying a lot in Katy, selling a home in Conroe, or developing commercial land in Baytown—South Texas Surveying has your real estate survey covered.