Property boundaries seem simple — until they're not. Disputes over property lines are among the most contentious issues in real estate, and the time to understand them is before you close, not after. Here's what every Idaho Falls buyer should know.
What a Survey Tells You
A land survey precisely establishes the legal boundaries of a property, the location of any improvements (house, fence, driveway) relative to those boundaries, and identifies any encroachments from neighboring properties. It's produced by a licensed land surveyor and is legally defensible documentation of where your property ends and your neighbor's begins.
When to Order a Survey
A survey isn't required for every residential transaction in Idaho, but it should be considered for: rural or acreage properties where boundaries aren't obvious, properties where fences, sheds, or driveways appear to cross property lines, properties with irregular shapes, and any purchase where the title company notes boundary issues.
Common Issues in Idaho Falls
In older Idaho Falls neighborhoods, fences installed decades ago often don't align precisely with legal property boundaries. Sheds and accessory structures are sometimes partially on neighboring lots. These issues aren't always deal-breakers, but they need to be identified, disclosed, and resolved before close.
Practical Advice: If you're buying a property with a fence around the yard and it matters to you that you own everything inside the fence — order a survey. It's a few hundred dollars of certainty that can prevent years of neighbor conflict.
Encroachments and Easements
An encroachment is when a structure from one property extends onto another. An easement grants the right to use a portion of property without owning it (utility easements, access easements). Both are shown on surveys and need to be understood before purchasing.
Ready to Make Your Move in Southeast Idaho?
Whether you're buying, selling, or just exploring, our team is here to guide you.
Search All SE Idaho Homes