Can I Use an Old Survey When Selling or Buying Property in Texas?
"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
“Can’t I Just Use the Old Survey?” Why You Might Need a New One
It’s one of the most common questions we hear at South Texas Surveying—especially from homeowners getting ready to sell, or buyers trying to avoid extra costs:
“Can’t I just use the old survey?”
The short answer? Maybe.
The better answer? Only if you want to risk delaying your closing or running into problems later.
Let’s break down when an old survey might be acceptable—and when it’s a better (and safer) move to get a new one.
First, What Counts as an “Old Survey”?
In Texas, most title companies and lenders require that a survey:
Is certified to the current transaction (buyer, lender, and title company listed on it)
Is signed and sealed by a licensed surveyor
Accurately reflects current conditions on the property
Has not been altered, edited, or copied improperly
So, that faded scan from 2005 with handwritten notes on it? Probably not going to cut it.
What’s Changed Since the Last Survey? A Lot, Actually.
Even if the property hasn’t been bought or sold recently, it may have:
A new fence or driveway
A storage shed or pool
Tree removal or grading changes
A change in neighboring properties that affects boundaries or access
Revised easements or setback rules
These changes could make your old survey out of date—and a potential liability.
Why Title Companies Usually Require a New or Updated Survey
Most title companies want the survey to match what’s really on the ground—today. If anything’s changed, they may require:
A new survey
A “Surveyor’s Affidavit” confirming nothing has changed
Or a certification update from the original surveyor (which often isn’t possible)
And if the original surveyor is out of business or didn’t record the work properly? You’re starting from scratch anyway.
When Can You Actually Reuse a Survey?
You might be able to reuse a survey if:
It’s less than a few years old
No improvements have been made
You have a clean, signed, original version
The title company and lender both accept it (always check with them first)
But keep in mind: even if the old survey is accepted, it might not protect you from boundary disputes, permitting issues, or construction problems down the line.
When It’s Worth Getting a New One
If you’re:
Selling your home
Buying land
Building anything
Pulling permits
Requesting title insurance
…it’s almost always worth investing in a current survey.
It’s a small cost upfront to avoid expensive surprises later.
South Texas Surveying Makes It Easy
We’ve helped thousands of Texas property owners—especially around Houston, Conroe, Montgomery, and The Woodlands—get updated surveys quickly and painlessly.
Whether you need a boundary survey, ALTA survey, topographic map, or just guidance on what your title company needs, we’ll get it done right.
Old Surveys Aren’t Useless—But They’re Rarely Enough
It’s tempting to try to save a few bucks using a previous survey. And sometimes, it works. But in most cases, the cleanest, safest, and smartest move is to get a current one.
Contact South Texas Surveying today and we’ll help you figure out exactly what you need—no guesswork, no delays.
