Land records · Parcel maps · October 7, 2026
Survey No-Change Affidavit for Closing
What a survey no-change affidavit is: a seller's sworn statement that nothing changed since a prior survey, so a title company may accept the old survey.
Survey no-change affidavit is a sworn statement signed by a property owner, usually the seller, confirming that no improvements, fences, additions, or boundary changes have been made since a prior survey was prepared. Title companies may accept an existing survey plus this affidavit instead of requiring a new survey, saving time and cost at closing. Texas, for example, uses a standard residential real property affidavit for this purpose. Whether an affidavit is acceptable depends on the title company, the lender, the age of the survey, and local practice. This page is general land-records background, not legal advice.
What the affidavit typically says
| Statement | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Identity of the prior survey | Date, surveyor, and property |
| No new improvements | No additions, pools, sheds, or garages |
| No new fences or walls | No changes along boundaries |
| No new easements known | No new rights granted |
| No boundary disputes | No conflicts with neighbors |
| Exceptions listed | Any changes are disclosed |
Why it is used
A new boundary survey can be expensive. If nothing has changed, an affidavit can let the title company remove or modify the survey exception in the title commitment and issue title insurance with survey coverage.
When an affidavit may not be accepted
- Improvements were added since the survey.
- The survey is too old or unclear.
- The lender requires a new survey.
- Boundary issues are known.
- The property was subdivided or combined.
Risks of signing falsely
Because it is sworn, a false affidavit can expose the signer to liability and may void coverage. Sellers should read it carefully and disclose any changes, even small ones like a new fence.
Buyer considerations
Buyers may prefer a new survey to identify encroachments, easements, or setback issues, even if an affidavit is allowed. See how to read a property survey. A mortgage survey is a different, more limited product used in some states; see plat map vs a mortgage survey.
Example
A seller provides a 2015 survey of their home. Since then, nothing has been built or changed. The seller signs a no-change affidavit, and the title company accepts it, allowing the buyer to purchase survey coverage without ordering a new survey.
Disclosing changes
If a small shed or fence was added, the affidavit can list it, and the title company decides whether a new survey is needed.
Keeping the survey
Owners should keep their survey and any affidavits with closing documents, since they can be reused or help in future disputes.
Local practice
Practices vary by state and title company. Ask early in the transaction whether an affidavit will be accepted.
Timing
Title companies usually request the affidavit early, after reviewing the existing survey.
Bottom line
A survey no-change affidavit is a sworn statement that nothing has changed since a prior survey, which may let a title company accept the old survey. It saves cost but must be accurate. Buyers may still choose a new survey for protection. Explore parcels via the Platbookmapper map.
Survey no change affidavit FAQ
What is a no-change affidavit?
A sworn statement that a property has not changed since a prior survey.
Who signs the affidavit?
Usually the seller.
Will the title company accept an old survey?
Possibly, with an affidavit and if nothing changed.
What if I added a fence?
Disclose it; a new survey may be needed.
Should a buyer get a new survey anyway?
It can provide more protection.