Humber/Ontario Real Estate Course 4 Exam Practice

How are property lines most accurately defined and validated?

1. By land survey

2. By deed description

3. By plot plan

4. By tax map

5. By property registration

6. By municipal records

The correct answer is: By land survey

Property lines are most accurately defined and validated by a land survey. A land survey is a professional assessment conducted by a licensed surveyor who uses precise measurements and established methodologies to determine the boundaries of a parcel of land. This process involves analyzing existing legal documents, physical characteristics of the land, and, when necessary, the historical context of the property's boundaries. Surveys provide the most reliable and definitive representation of property lines because they are based on physical measurements and geological markers, reducing ambiguities that may arise from interpretive descriptions found in other documents. This accuracy is particularly important in resolving disputes between neighboring properties and for any transactions that require clear delineation of property boundaries. Other options, while useful for understanding property boundaries, do not offer the same level of precision and verification as a professional land survey. Deed descriptions can vary in clarity and often rely on historical terminology that might be misinterpreted over time. Plot plans are typically less detailed and may not undergo the rigorous checking that surveys do. Tax maps can provide general outlines but are meant for taxation purposes and may not reflect the most current boundary changes. Property registration can confirm ownership but does not guarantee the accuracy of boundaries. Finally, municipal records serve various functions but may contain outdated or incomplete boundary information