A land survey is one of the most overlooked steps in buying a home in Ontario. Cecilia Guo, REALTOR®, brings it up early with every client because the answer depends on the property, and getting it wrong can cost far more than the survey itself.

What a Land Survey Tells You

A surveyor confirms the legal boundaries of the lot and marks where fences, driveways, sheds, decks, pools, and additions sit in relation to those lines. It also identifies easements and rights-of-way. Cecilia Guo has seen buyers discover after closing that a neighbour's garage crossed the line, or that a fence gave away two metres of backyard.

When a Survey Matters Most

Not every purchase needs a new survey. Here is how Cecilia Guo frames the decision:

• Older homes in North York real estate: Lots subdivided decades ago, mature trees, and multiple owners increase the odds that something drifted over the line.
• Waterfront and rural lots in Keswick real estate: Shoreline allowances, irregular lot shapes, and septic setbacks make a current survey especially valuable.
• Newer subdivisions in Vaughan real estate: A builder's survey may still be on file, and title insurance may cover boundary issues. A new survey is often optional.

Survey vs. Title Insurance

Title insurance protects against financial loss from many boundary problems, which is why some buyers skip the survey. It does not, however, tell you where the boundaries actually are. If you plan to build a fence, add a pool, or extend the home, Cecilia Guo recommends a survey regardless of coverage.

What It Costs and How to Get One

A residential survey in the GTA typically costs $1,500 to $3,000. In the Ontario housing market 2026, where TRREB reports an average GTA selling price of $993,410, that is a fraction of one percent of the purchase. Ask the seller for any existing survey first. If none exists, Cecilia Guo can connect you with an Ontario Land Surveyor and help time the work around your conditional period.

See how Cecilia guides clients through every step on her buying page, or explore homes for sale in Keswick.

Frequently Asked Questions