What Buyers Need to Know About Property Lines and Setbacks

Property lines and setbacks are two of the most misunderstood — yet most important — aspects of buying a home. They determine what you legally own, what you can build, and how you can use your land. Overlooking them can lead to expensive disputes, project delays, or even forced removals of fences or structures.

Here’s what every homebuyer should know before signing on the dotted line.

1. What Property Lines Actually Mean

Property lines define the legal boundaries of a piece of land.They affect:

• Where you can put up fences

• Where you can build extensions

• What part of the yard belongs to you vs. a neighbor

• Access pathways or easements

• Landscaping rights (trees, shrubs, retaining walls)

Relying on assumptions — instead of verified information — can cause major issues down the road.

2. Why You Should Always Review a Survey

A property survey is the official document showing exact boundaries.

A survey can reveal:

• True lot size

• Encroachments (a neighbor’s fence or structure on your land)

• Easements (shared driveways, utility access, drainage paths)

• Setbacks and buildable areas

If the seller doesn’t have a recent survey, it’s often worth ordering one.

3. What Setbacks Are and Why They Matter

A setback is the required distance between a structure and the property boundary.

Common setbacks include:

• Front yard setbacks (to keep homes aligned)

• Side yard setbacks (for privacy and access)

• Rear yard setbacks

• Utility easement setbacks

• Pool setbacks

Setbacks are determined by local zoning laws and vary by city, neighborhood, and even house type.

Ignoring setbacks can result in:

• Fines

• Denied permits

• Forced removal or modification of structures

This is crucial if you plan to build a fence, pool, garage, deck, addition, or even a shed.

4. Encroachments: A Hidden Deal Breaker

An encroachment happens when:

• A neighbor builds onto your property

• A fence or wall crosses the boundary

• Part of your home extends into someone else’s land

Encroachments can cause legal headaches and even affect financing.

Before closing, always confirm:✔ fences are on the correct line✔ trees aren’t straddling boundaries✔ no part of a structure crosses a neighbor’s property

5. Easements: Shared Rights You Must Understand

Easements give others the legal right to use part of your property for specific purposes.

Common easements include:

• Utility companies accessing cables or pipes

• Shared driveways

• Drainage channels

• Public walkway access

An easement can limit what you’re allowed to build in that area.

Never assume the whole yard is available for construction — the easement might say otherwise.

6. How to Check Property Lines Before Buying

Buyers should confirm boundaries using:

• The property survey

• County GIS maps (online)

• Title documents

• HOA guidelines

• A professional surveyor (for complete accuracy)

You should always verify lines if the home has:

• Fences

• Retaining walls

• Additions

• Nearby neighbors

• Irregular lot shapes

7. Why Property Lines Affect Resale Value

Clean, dispute-free boundaries make a home easier to sell.On the other hand, issues like boundary disagreements or incorrect fences can:

• Delay closings

• Lower appraised value

• Scare buyers away

Understanding lines and setbacks now protects your future investment.

Final Thoughts

Property lines and setbacks may not be the most glamorous part of buying a home, but they’re among the most important. They determine what you truly own, what you can build, and how smoothly future renovations will go. Before closing, make sure you understand the boundaries — so your dream home doesn’t come with unexpected limitations or legal surprises.