"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

Do You Need a Land Survey to Refinance Your Property in Texas? Here’s What to Know

Refinancing? Don’t Overlook the Land Survey

If you're refinancing your home, commercial property, or land in Texas, your lender may request something you weren’t expecting: a current land survey.

Why? Because lenders want to make sure the property boundaries are correct, no encroachments exist, and that the property still matches legal records. And in flood-prone areas like Houston, they may also require an updated flood elevation certificate.

At South Texas Surveying, we provide fast, lender-approved boundary, ALTA, Category 1A, and elevation surveys for refinancing projects across Houston, Conroe, Pasadena, Pearland, and beyond.

Why Lenders Request a Survey When You Refinance

When you refinance, your lender is issuing a new loan—and they want to protect that investment just like they would with a new purchase.

They may require a land survey to:

• Verify that property boundaries haven’t changed

• Confirm no new structures or encroachments exist

• Ensure there are no easement conflicts

• Confirm the home is or isn’t in a flood zone (for insurance)

• Satisfy title insurance updates

Even if you had a survey when you bought the property, if it’s more than a few years old, many lenders and title companies will require a new one.

Common Types of Surveys Used in Refinancing

✅ Boundary Survey

Confirms property lines and identifies improvements like fences, sheds, or driveways that may affect property value or risk.

✅ Category 1A Survey (Texas-specific)

Used in many Texas commercial real estate refinance transactions, especially when title insurance is updated.

✅ ALTA/NSPS Survey

Required by national lenders or for high-value commercial refinances. Includes extensive documentation of improvements, easements, and encroachments.

✅ Flood Elevation Certificate

Especially important for properties in Houston, Katy, Pasadena, and Friendswood—where flood zone verification is critical to refinance approval.

What Happens If You Skip the Survey?

Not providing an updated survey during refinancing can cause:

• Closing delays

• Title insurance exceptions (meaning less protection)

• Loan approval issues

• Unexpected surprises—like finding out part of your home is over the property line

It can also affect your flood insurance rate or eligibility if your old certificate is no longer valid based on updated FEMA maps.

Who Typically Requests the Survey?

• Lenders and banks handling the refinance

• Title companies updating insurance policies

• Homeowners or commercial owners refinancing for better terms

• Real estate attorneys assisting in commercial refinance transactions

South Texas Surveying Makes the Process Simple

We work directly with:

• Lenders to ensure your survey meets underwriting guidelines

• Title companies to confirm boundaries, easements, and access

• Property owners to make the process fast, easy, and accurate

Whether you’re refinancing a home in Spring, an industrial property in Deer Park, or a retail pad site in Sugar Land, we deliver the precise documentation needed to close on time.

Areas We Serve for Refinancing Surveys

• Houston – Inner Loop, Midtown, Westchase

• The Woodlands, Conroe & Magnolia

• Katy, Cypress & Tomball

• Pearland, Manvel & Alvin

• Baytown, Pasadena & Friendswood

• And many more surrounding communities

If you’re refinancing your property in Texas, don’t wait for the lender to delay your closing. Reach out to South Texas Surveying for a professional land survey that meets every requirement—quickly and accurately.