Buying a property is one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your life. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or an experienced investor, one key step that’s often overlooked is checking the property boundaries before buying. This might seem like a minor detail, but it can save you from serious legal disputes, construction issues, or neighborhood misunderstandings later on.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to check property boundaries before buying, and why it’s so important — especially if you’re eyeing a new development like the Tengah Garden Avenue New Launch.
Why Property Boundaries Matter
Imagine buying a house, setting up a beautiful garden, only to discover part of it lies on your neighbor’s land. Or worse, building a fence and facing a lawsuit for encroachment. These problems arise when property lines are unclear or not properly verified.
Property boundaries define the limits of the land you legally own. Knowing them ensures:
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You can build or renovate without legal risks
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You avoid trespassing or disputes
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You understand the true value and usable space of your property
1. Start with the Title Deed and Legal Documents
When you begin your property search, ask the seller or real estate agent for the title deed, also known as the Certificate of Title. This official document contains vital details like:
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Legal owner of the property
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Land size
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Lot number
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Boundary descriptions
However, these documents sometimes use technical terms or old references, so it’s a good starting point but not the full picture.
2. Check the Site or Land Survey Plan
A land survey plan is a map of the property drawn by a licensed surveyor. It shows exact measurements, landmarks, and boundary lines.
In Singapore, for example, these plans are accessible through the Singapore Land Authority (SLA). They’re often used for:
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Verifying legal boundaries
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Understanding zoning restrictions
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Knowing where fences or buildings should legally be placed
If you’re buying a unit at the Tengah Garden Avenue New Launch, these plans are already prepared by professional developers and made available to interested buyers.
3. Hire a Licensed Land Surveyor
If there’s any doubt about the property lines, or you’re purchasing a landed property, hire a land surveyor to conduct a fresh boundary survey.
They’ll visit the property, take precise measurements, and produce a detailed report. This step is crucial if:
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The fence or wall looks suspiciously misaligned
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Neighbors have conflicting claims
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You plan to extend, build, or subdivide
The cost of a land survey is a small price compared to potential legal trouble or building delays.
4. Cross-Check with the Local Land Office
Every country or region has a local land authority or registry. In Singapore, this is the Singapore Land Authority (SLA). You can request maps, boundary data, and previous survey reports.
Visiting the land office or accessing their portal helps you:
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Verify that the survey matches public records
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Spot any disputes or easements on the land
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Confirm if part of the land is reserved for public use
5. Conduct a Physical Site Inspection
Nothing beats walking the property yourself. Bring a copy of the site plan and look out for:
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Physical boundary markers (metal pegs, posts)
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Fencing or walls that don’t match the plan
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Neighboring structures too close to the edge
Take photos, ask questions, and if anything feels off — trust your instincts and ask for clarification.
6. Talk to the Neighbors
This may sound old-fashioned, but talking to neighbors is one of the best ways to learn about boundary issues. They often know if disputes have occurred or if someone previously built over the line.
Ask them:
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“Have there been any issues with boundary lines here?”
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“Was this fence or wall built recently?”
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“Do you know if the seller made any changes to the land?”
You might uncover helpful information that official documents don’t mention.
7. Review Any Easements or Rights of Way
An easement is a legal right for someone else to use part of your land — like for drainage, pipelines, or shared driveways. These don’t affect ownership but may limit what you can do on that part of the land.
Always ask your lawyer or agent if the property has:
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Public utility easements
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Shared pathways
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Drainage or sewage access
Knowing this helps you plan ahead and avoid future surprises.
Why This is Important for New Launches
New developments like the Tengah Garden Avenue New Launch are usually safer in terms of property boundaries. Developers follow strict regulations, have licensed surveyors, and provide clearly marked boundary plans. However, doing your own due diligence gives you peace of mind and confidence in your purchase.
This new launch is part of Tengah’s eco-friendly smart town initiative and is ideal for families, young couples, or first-time homeowners. If you’re buying into such a modern and sustainable project, it still pays to verify all documentation — especially boundary plans and unit layouts.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how to check property boundaries before buying isn’t just a formality — it’s a necessary step to protect your investment. A little extra effort now can prevent major issues in the future. So, whether you’re looking at a landed home or a condominium like the Tengah Garden Avenue New Launch, take the time to:
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Get the right documents
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Consult professionals
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Ask the right questions
You’ll thank yourself later for being a smart, informed buyer.