If you own property or plan to buy some, you’ll likely need a land survey at some point. But how much does a land survey cost per acre? The cost can range between $200 to $800 ro more based on land size, location, and what type of survey you do.
A land survey mainly refers to measuring land to define its boundaries and document any geographical features. It’s important for property sales, new construction projects, and legal disputes regarding property lines.
In this blog post, we’ll break down the average cost of land surveys per acre, explain what influences these costs, and provide some real-world examples to help you understand what to expect.
How Much Does a Land Survey Cost Per Acre on Average?
Land survey costs vary based on several factors. On average, a land survey can cost $50-$800 or more based on the survey type.
The larger the property, the higher the total cost, though the price per acre decreases with larger plots. Similarly, irregularly shaped parcels with more corners can take longer to survey, driving up costs.
Below is a table summarizing the estimated survey cost for various property sizes.
Acreage | Total Survey Cost Range |
Small-sized lands (Less than 1 acre) | $500 – $1,000 |
Medium-sized Lands (1 to 2 acres) | $500 – $1,500 |
Large Sized Lands (5 to 10 acres) | $1,500-$3,500 |
Large Sized Lands (40 acres or more) | $4,000 – $6,000+ |
Average Land Survey Cost By Different Survey Types
There are different types of land surveys. And so based on these survey types, the cost can vary.
Survey Type | Average Cost Range |
New construction | $1,000–$2,000 |
ALTA | $2,000–$3,000 |
As-built | $800–$1,200 |
Staking | $200–$2,000 |
Fencing | $250–$1,000 |
Boundary | $400–$700 |
Mortgage | $400–$700 |
Topographic | $500–$1,200 |
Plat | $400–$700 |
Subdivision | $300–$400 |
Boundary & Fencing Survey: These are the most inexpensive land surveys that range from $400 to $1000 and are done for small properties. A boundary survey is needed when you need to give a boundary or fence on your land. To identify the neighboring land and boundary line, this survey is done. And it is pretty quick and cheap.
Topographic Survey: this type of survey is more detailed, costing $500 to $1,200. It is mainly required on empty lands with rivers, streams, or other topographical elements.
ALTA & New Construction Survey: These are the most expensive type of survey, commonly used for commercial transactions, ranging from $2,500 to $3,000 or even more. ALTA is the American Land Title Association’s standard survey, which helps to identify the land’s instability or any title dispute.
These are basically a wholesome survey that takes a longer time to complete but adds potential value for the person. Staking survey is also a kind of survey needed for new construction, and it’s also way too expensive.
Plat Survey: Plat survey is quite affordable, ranging from $400 to $700. This is needed when you need to create a map of any land. It helps in paperwork for navigating nearby roads, buildings, etc.
As-Built Survey: This type of survey is needed when you need to make a 3D model of your land showing the property lines, utility lines, etc. However, this survey is not that much cheaper compared to general surveys.
Subdivision Survey: Want to divide a land? You need to do the subdivision survey to divide the land into equal plots according to the legal documents and zoning requirements. Subdivision survey is cheaper, ranging from $300 to $400.
Factors Affecting Land Survey Costs
As said above, several factors can affect the cost of the land survey. And the factors are:
Size of the Property:
Larger properties generally require more time and effort to survey, leading to higher costs.
Location:
Surveys in urban areas might be more expensive due to factors like denser populations, existing infrastructure, and potential legal complexities.
Terrain:
Properties with challenging terrain, such as steep slopes, dense vegetation, or bodies of water, can increase the survey’s complexity and cost. A surveyor may charge extra (e.g., $100 per 10,000 square feet) for difficult-to-reach or hard-to-navigate properties
Specific Services:
The services required, such as boundary determination, topographic mapping, or legal descriptions, can influence the overall cost.
Surveyor’s Fees:
The experience, reputation, and location of the surveyor can affect their pricing.
Technology Usage:
Modern surveying technologies such as drones and LiDAR offer better precision and can reduce time on-site, but they might increase the cost by several hundred dollars
Pro Tips to Save on Land Survey Costs
Here are a few simple tips to cut land survey costs:
- Share past surveys or records to reduce research time.
- Bundle different surveys for a lower combined cost.
- Schedule surveys in the fall or winter when vegetation is lower.
Final Thoughts:
Knowing the cost of a land survey is key when you’re dealing with property, but more than that, it’s about making a smart, long-term investment. While it might feel like an extra expense upfront, a land survey ensures you know exactly what’s yours, helping you avoid costly mistakes or boundary disputes down the road.
So, now that you have an idea of how much does a land survey cost per acre, you can easily do a survey of your land without any confusion. But if you don’t want to take the headache, Super Land Buyer can do that for you.
FAQs:
Is it worth getting a professional land survey done?
Yes, hiring a professional land surveyor is worth it. A professional land survey can provide valuable information for real estate transactions, property development, and legal purposes. It can help avoid costly disputes and ensure accurate property boundaries.
How much does it cost to do a survey?
Land survey cost ranges from $200 to $1000 or even more based on the survey type, land location, and land size.
What is the most common type of land survey for homeowners?
The most common type for homeowners is the boundary survey, which typically costs between $400 and $700 for small properties. It accurately determines property lines.
What is the most accurate way to survey land?
The most accurate way to survey land is like taking a high-tech snapshot of your property. Instead of just looking at it with your eyes, we use special tools that can measure distances, angles, and even changes in the Earth’s surface. It’s like creating a digital blueprint that shows exactly where your property starts and ends.