If you’re a homeowner planning a fence, thinking about an addition, or preparing to sell, you might be wondering, “How do I find my property line?” The challenge is that property boundaries aren’t always obvious, and online maps or assumptions can be misleading or even problematic. In this post, we provide clear and practical ways to locate your property line — from simple online options to consulting with the right professionals. Depending on your situation, one step may be enough to give you the confidence to make a move or help you avoid a dispute.
Your property deed is often the best place to begin. It contains the legal description of your land and may reference lot dimensions, boundary lines, or a recorded plat map. Some deeds may even mention landmarks, such as rock formations, large trees, or rivers and creeks that you can measure from. While deeds don’t always spell things out in plain language, descriptions can be difficult to interpret without a map or a professional. However, they can point you to the official records that define where your property begins and ends. If you don’t already have a copy of your deed, you can usually request one from your county recorder’s office or find it through local public records online. (See an example of a property deed.) Many counties or municipal governments offer online assessor or Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping tools that show parcel boundaries. You may find these online search tools on your county assessor or recorder websites. You can also search the internet using a phrase like “search property records in [county name] .gov.” By adding “.gov” to your search query, you increase the chances of finding an official government site where these services are often free. These systems let you search by address, owner name, or parcel number, and will show lot shapes and adjacent parcels. In smaller towns or municipalities, you may need to visit department offices in person.1. Start with your property deed
2. Check your local county or city property records
