Boundary vs Mortgage Surveys

The Township receives many questions about surveys, including the types of surveys and whether a copy of their property's survey is on file.

There are two types of surveys we commonly receive questions about: mortgage and boundary surveys.

A mortgage survey is primarily used in facilitating mortgage transactions. It will identify existing structures on a property, and is not calculated with dimensions. It may show easements and right of ways that are recorded against the property.

A boundary survey is a more comprehensive and detailed survey of the property. These surveys are used in various ways, but are more commonly used to establish clear property lines between lots, land divisions, and are used in legal disputes. A boundary survey is more complex than a mortgage survey and will call out the property corners (iron monuments), easements, and other improvements to the lot. 

In most instances, the Township will not have a boundary survey for your house. The Township does not provide surveying services, and new building permits require plot plans, which differ from an actual boundary survey. A homeowner would need to hire the services of a certified surveyor to get a boundary survey for their property.

Here is an informational article explaining the differences between mortgage and boundary surveys. If you have any further questions regarding surveys, feel free to contact the Building Department at 248-698-3300 ext. 2 or permits@whitelaketwp.com