When you're getting ready to sell your house, knowing where your lot ends and your neighbor’s begins is key. A property line dispute might slow down or even prevent your house from selling. This guide will break down how to find your property lines and what to do about boundary issues before listing your home.
What to know about property lines
Property lines establish the bounds of your land. These legal boundaries include the street-facing edge, side property lines, and the rear lot line.
Local zoning laws set these boundaries, and knowing where they are can help you avoid property disputes when selling your house.
Typical property line disputes in St. Louis
A property line dispute can happen for different reasons. In St. Louis, some of the most common causes include:
-
Driveways that cross boundaries
-
Properties with shared private roads
-
Landscaping or physical barriers that appear to mark a boundary but don’t match legal records
Occasionally, an easement could be necessary prior to listing your property. An access right grants another party the ability to cross part of your lot.
Ways to determine your property lines
You have several options for finding your property lines:
-
Review your legal paperwork for boundary descriptions or lot dimensions
-
Use county GIS maps or Google Maps property line tools (if available in your area)
-
Visit your local land records office to access official plat maps or survey records
-
Hire a licensed surveyor to get an official property line survey
-
Some lenders or buyers may request a new survey as part of the sale process, especially if boundaries are unclear.
In some cases, a home appraisal or online home appraisal might require an updated property line survey to confirm property boundaries.
Understanding property line surveys in St. Louis
A property line survey is usually recommended to verify legal boundaries. According to Angi.com, surveys in St. Louis typically cost between $1,200 and $5,500.
Who pays for the survey? It depends:
-
If the buyer requests a survey, they usually pay
-
If the seller needs it to resolve a property line dispute, they might cover the cost
-
Sometimes, the cost is negotiated as part of the sale agreement
Getting a survey can help resolve disputes and provide clarity before you sell your house.
Selling a house with a property line dispute in St. Louis
Property line disputes often make selling more difficult. Many buyers won’t consider a property with boundary issues.
If an encroachment or legal issue exists, resolving it ahead of time can prevent surprises later. Legal help or a formal agreement may be needed before closing.
Sell your house “as is” with We Buy Ugly Houses®
With We Buy Ugly Houses®, you can avoid the stress of property line disputes. Here’s what you can expect:
-
Sell your house “as is”: We purchase houses in almost any condition. We take care of everything, including properties with boundary disputes.
-
Get a quick, convenient offer: We can provide you with a no-obligation offer with no delays.
-
Flexible closing timeline: We can make short work of your home sale, and can sometimes close in as little as 3 weeks. If that sounds too fast, we work with our sellers to find a closing date that fits their schedule.
We don’t charge commissions or hidden fees, and we pay all typical closing costs.† Don’t let property line issues delay your sale. If you're ready to sell your house hassle-free, contact We Buy Ugly Houses in St. Louis today!
This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.
