What Is a Boundary Line Adjustment in NH Real Estate?

🏡 What Is a Boundary Line Adjustment in NH Real Estate?

In towns across Central NH — like Plymouth, Wentworth, Campton, Rumney, and Thornton — property lines aren’t always perfect squares.

Sometimes neighbors agree to shift borders slightly to fix old survey issues, add access, or clean up irregular lot shapes.

That process is called a boundary line adjustment.

Here’s how it works in New Hampshire.

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What Is a Boundary Line Adjustment?

A boundary line adjustment (BLA) is when two or more property owners agree to modify a shared property line without creating a new lot.

Key features:

✔ Land is transferred between existing parcels

✔ No new buildable lot is created

✔ Both owners must agree

✔ Approved through the local Planning Board

✔ A new survey and deed update are recorded

NH towns require the new boundary to comply with zoning rules, setbacks, and minimum lot sizes.

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Why NH Property Owners Use Boundary Line Adjustments

BLAs are common in Central NH for reasons like:

✔ Fixing an encroachment

✔ Making a driveway fully on one property

✔ Cleaning up irregular or outdated survey lines

✔ Expanding a yard or usable land area

✔ Adjusting lots before selling

✔ Clarifying riverfront or stone-wall boundaries

They’re especially useful in older rural towns where maps were drawn decades ago.

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How the BLA Process Works in New Hampshire

Typical steps:

1️⃣ A licensed NH surveyor maps the new boundary

2️⃣ Both property owners sign the plan

3️⃣ The plan is submitted to the town Planning Board

4️⃣ A public meeting may be required

5️⃣ Once approved, the plan is recorded at the county registry

6️⃣ Deeds are updated to reflect changes

This process ensures the new lines are legally recognized.

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What Buyers Should Watch For

Before purchasing land or a home, always:

✔ Review the latest recorded survey

✔ Confirm the BLA was officially approved

✔ Check the acreage change (it may affect taxes)

✔ Verify septic and well locations relative to new lines

✔ Make sure access/driveways weren’t impacted

Your agent and title company will help verify everything is correct.

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Q&A

Q: Does a boundary line adjustment affect my taxes?

A: Yes — taxes may change slightly if acreage changes.

Q: Can a BLA fix a shared driveway issue?

A: Yes — many owners shift the line so the driveway sits fully on one parcel.

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Keywords

nh boundary line adjustment, new hampshire survey rules, plymouth nh land buyers, campton nh boundary issues, rumney nh property lines, thornton nh land surveys, central nh real estate tips

Jim Johnson — Real Estate Agent

58 NH Route 25A

Wentworth, NH 03282

P: (857) 249-7392

W: www.JimJohnsonRealEstateAgent.com

Licensed New Hampshire REALTOR® with Three Hills Real Estate Services

Broker Email: info@ThreeHillsRES.com

Broker Website: www.ThreeHillsRES.com