House Accidentally Built on Neighbor's Property

Without a property survey, you could end up facing significant title issues, as I experienced with a case a few years ago. In that situation, a buyer purchased a home without a survey, only to later discover that two-thirds of the house was built on the neighbor’s property. This oversight led to a major legal and financial headache.

Without the proper boundary information, buyers risk encroaching on neighboring land, which can result in costly disputes or even the need to tear down parts of the house. A property survey ensures you know exactly what land you’re purchasing and helps to avoid boundary disputes, zoning violations, or other hidden issues. It’s a critical step in protecting your investment and ensuring that the title to your property is clear and legally sound. Skipping this step can lead to expensive fixes that easily outweigh the cost of the survey itself.

Tiffany Webber is a real estate attorney and owner of Thomas & Webber, a real estate law firm in Mooresville, North Carolina. They handle both commercial and residential real estate closings, estate planning, and business formations.

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Thomas & Webber
514 Williamson Rd.
Suite 421
Mooresville, NC 28117
704-663-1600

[sermexflomex]

Builder didn’t get a survey? Neighbor didn’t get a survey? Who else didn’t get a survey?

[stevenaamos]

I'm a surveyor and I had a client whose house was build ENTIRELY on the adjoining property.

[AmiraHarper-xyxq]

Same thing happened to me when i worked in a real estate law firm. He wouldnt get a survery and he wouldnt get title insurance. He ended up having to tear down half the house 😂

[KurtKoster-st]

I would think someone would give a variance or be grandfather in

[mikerevendale]

Any realtor would be liable for selling such a property. I've never purchased a property where the listing agent didn't provide a map with the property lines. And I've always walked the property lines with the agent too.

[mikehunnewell]

My nabbor didn't and found out his property was much smaller than he thought. The old nabbed rented part from my dad to make his back yard bigger and he put a fence up. The contract was good until he sold the house.

[christineheery]

So.. I had a property dispute and I called soo many surveyors… they were booking like a month out. That would most def mess up closing. I think taking into consideration timing also matters for rural areas where there’s not many options. Just a thought ! Definitely would if you can!

[Anne-eepw]

I got a survey after purchasing and it was what I thought and then a new neighbor (moved in) and pull out the survey stakes that were put in by the survey company. You know the ones with the bright florescent pink tassels. Then he began to undermine the retaining wall and used the dirt and topsoil from my yard to level out his yard. I’m frustrated. What do I do.

[NBleSouP]

Measure twice cut once lol pay to make sure you’re not building over someone’s fence

[mikalasimpson]

Blue prints cost nothing, that's a start.