What Is a Land Survey in NH Real Estate and Why Do Buyers Need One?

🏡 What Is a Land Survey in NH Real Estate and Why Do Buyers Need One?

Whether you’re buying a home or land in Plymouth, Campton, Rumney, Thornton, Ashland, or anywhere across Central NH, one of the most important documents you can review is the land survey.

Surveys show exactly where boundaries, structures, and easements are located — critical information before you purchase property.

Here’s what NH buyers should know.

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What Is a Land Survey?

A land survey is a professionally prepared map that shows:

✔ Exact property boundaries

✔ Lot size and dimensions

✔ Location of structures

✔ Driveways and access points

✔ Septic systems and wells

✔ Easements and rights-of-way

✔ Topographic features (in some cases)

NH surveyors use precise measurements and GPS data to confirm legal boundary lines.

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Types of Land Surveys in New Hampshire

1. Boundary Survey

Most common — confirms property lines and corners.

2. Mortgage Loan Inspection (MLI)

A simplified map lenders use during financing — not a full survey.

3. Topographic Survey

Shows slopes, elevations, and terrain — important for building on hills or mountains.

4. Subdivision Survey

Used when dividing or adjusting lots.

5. As-Built Survey

Confirms structures are located correctly after construction.

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Why NH Buyers Should Review Surveys

Surveys help buyers avoid problems with:

✔ Encroachments (sheds, fences, driveways)

✔ Incorrect lot size

✔ Septic or well placed too close to boundaries

✔ Disputes with neighbors

✔ Unrecorded access issues

✔ Misunderstanding where your land actually begins

In rural NH towns — especially Wentworth, Rumney, and Thornton — boundaries can be irregular or based on old stone walls or outdated maps.

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Do You Always Need a Survey?

Not always — but buyers should strongly consider one when:

✔ Buying land

✔ Buying a home with unclear boundaries

✔ Access or driveway rights are uncertain

✔ Septic or well locations are unknown

✔ The seller has no recent survey

✔ A boundary line adjustment was done

✔ There are signs of encroachment

A new survey can save thousands in legal disputes later.

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Q&A

Q: How much does a survey cost in NH?

A: Typically $1,000–$2,500 depending on acreage, terrain, and complexity.

Q: How old is too old for a survey?

A: Anything over 15–20 years should be updated — many older NH surveys used outdated equipment.

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Keywords

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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