"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

What Is an Encroachment and Why Should Commercial Buyers Care?

Encroachments are one of those things that don’t seem like a big deal — until they are.

In commercial real estate, even small encroachments can affect financing, development, and resale.

What Is an Encroachment?

An encroachment happens when a structure or improvement crosses a property boundary or extends into an easement.

Common examples include:

• Fences over the property line

• Buildings too close to boundaries

• Parking lots crossing into adjacent land

• Structures built within easements

Some are minor. Some are major. All need to be understood.

Why Encroachments Matter

Encroachments can affect:

• Property ownership clarity

• Development plans

• Title insurance coverage

• Lender approval

• Future resale

In some cases, they can even lead to legal disputes.

Not All Encroachments Are Visible

Buyers often assume they’ll notice issues during a walkthrough.

But many encroachments are only discovered through:

• Boundary verification

• Measurement of improvements

• Comparison to legal property lines

That’s where a survey becomes critical.

How Surveys Help Identify Encroachments

A professional survey shows:

• Exact property boundaries

• Location of improvements

• Distance between structures and lot lines

• Any overlaps or conflicts

This allows buyers to address issues before closing — not after.

Bottom Line

Encroachments may seem small, but they can have a big impact on commercial property.

At South Texas Surveying, we help Houston commercial buyers identify and understand encroachments so there are no surprises after closing.