A Real Property Report (RPR) is a legal document that illustrates a detailed survey of a property, showing all visible improvements relative to property boundaries and is authored by a licensed land surveyor.
In Calgary and across Alberta, this crucial document serves as your property’s ‘snapshot’ in time. It helps homeowners, buyers, and sellers understand exactly what they’re dealing with.
As a vital part of real estate transactions, a surveyor’s real property report offers peace of mind by clearly outlining what exists on your property relative to the property lines.
Additionally, an RPR is prepared by a professional land surveyor. Third Rock Geomatics makes sure to include everything from your home’s foundation to fences, decks, and even that garden shed you built last summer.
As such, this comprehensive document helps prevent future disputes and is the beginning point for the municipality to review for compliance with local bylaws and regulations.
What is the Importance of A Real Property Report?
A surveyor’s RPR Report plays a fundamental role in protecting your investment and ensuring smooth property transactions. Let’s take a closer look at why this document is valuable.
1. Legal Protection
An RPR serves as a legal shield, documenting the exact location of buildings and improvements on your property. This documentation can prevent costly disputes with neighbours over boundary lines or encroachments.
2. Municipal Compliance
In Calgary, your RPR helps verify that your property complies with local zoning bylaws and development permits. Without this verification, you might face unexpected compliance issues that could lead to costly modifications and lengthy legal challenges.
3. Facilitation of Real Estate Transactions
When selling your home, a current RPR is often required by the buyer’s lawyer to ensure there are no surprises or complications that could affect the property’s value of transferability. Many real estate professionals consider an RPR more important than a home inspection.
4. Renovation Planning
Before starting any major outdoor renovations or additions, it’s important to review local bylaws and your RPR. This way, you ensure your plans comply with setback requirements and property line restrictions – potentially saving you from expensive mistakes.
5. Property Assessment
Lenders, municipalities and insurance companies often use RPRs to assess property values and coverage requirements accurately – which guarantees that you remain properly protected.
Who Needs a Real Property Report?
Property owners and potential buyers should know who benefits the most from an RPR. In Calgary, these are the key groups who typically require one:
1. Home Sellers
When listing your property, having a current RPR ready can streamline the sale process. Most purchase contracts in Calgary require the seller to provide an up-to-date RPR with a municipal compliance certificate. This proactive approach helps avoid last-minute delays and negotiations.
2. Property Buyers
As a buyer, requesting an RPR during your purchase gives you confidence in the investment you’re making. After all, a surveyor’s RPR reveals any potential issues like encroachments or compliance violations before you finalize the deal.
3. Property Developers
Developers need an RPR to make sure their plans align with municipal regulations and property boundaries before working on construction or renovation projects. This is particularly important in Calgary’s growing communities.
4. Mortgage Lenders
Many financial institutions require an RPR before approving a mortgage. They use this document to verify the property’s compliance and assess any risks associated with the loan.
5. Commercial Property Owners
Business owners need RPRs for leasing, development, or sale of commercial properties. With these documents, they can trust their compliance with zoning laws and commercial property regulations.
6. Homeowners Planning Renovations
Before you get excited about that new deck or fence, consult your RPR. It helps ensure your plans comply with setback requirements and property lines. Afterward, a professional Calgary land surveyor can update your RPR for you to reflect these changes once completed.
What Does A Real Property Report Include?
Any comprehensive RPR that is prepared by a qualified land surveyor will include several crucial elements. Take a look:
- Property Boundaries: Precise measurements and locations of your property lines.
- Building Locations: The position of your house and its distance from property lines.
- Visible Improvements: AKA documentation of any of the following:
- Decks and patios
- Garages and sheds
- Fences and retaining walls
- Driveways and walkways
- Rights-of-Way and Easements: Any areas where utilities or others have legal access to your property must be included.
- Encroachments: Identification of structures that may cross property lines or easements.
- Municipal Compliance: Verification that improvements meet local bylaws is crucial.
- Certification: Professional certification from a registered Alberta Land Surveyor.
Takeaway: Each element is carefully measured and documented to provide a complete picture of your property’s current state. You’ll find that your RPR must meet strict professional standards to be considered valid for legal and municipal purposes.
How To Read a Real Property Report
Reading an RPR seems like a challenge – what, with all the meticulous elements and details it covers. However, the following comprehensive breakdown should help you easily interpret your RPR.
Title Block and Legend
- Look for the surveyor’s certification date
- Check the property address and legal description
- Review the legend explaining symbols and lines
- Verify the scale used in the drawing
Property Boundaries
- The solid lines indicate property boundaries
- Measurements are usually shown in meters
- Look for monuments (i.e. survey markers) at corners
- Compare details with your land title certificate
Structures and Improvements
- The main building footprints will be prominently displayed
- Accessory buildings (e.g. garages, sheds, etc.) will be clearly marked
- Note any setback distances from your property lines
- Check for any encroachments on or from neighbouring properties
Tip: A professional land surveyor in Calgary can help explain any further complex details in your RPR that confuse you.
Remember also that features like underground utilities or internal floor plans aren’t included in a standard RPR, as it focuses only on visible surface improvements.
How To Get A Real Property Report
Obtaining an RPR in Calgary involves several steps and working with qualified professionals.
Heads up! The process requires a keen eye for detail and professional expertise to guarantee your RPR is accurate. As such, working with an experienced land surveyor is absolutely necessary.
1. Choosing a Qualified Surveyor
Start by researching reputable land surveyor firms in Calgary.
Verify their experience with residential properties before picking one. Always check reviews and professional certifications as well. Finally, make sure they’re registered with the Alberta Land Surveyor’s Association.
2. The Booking Process
You’re not done picking a surveyor just yet. You may need to contact several of them to ask how long it will take to complete a real property report and the associated costs.
After that, you can schedule a qualified surveyor who meets your needs. Remember, they will need access to your whole property during the visit.
3. Survey Execution
A surveyor’s RPR requires a physical property inspection and measurement of all visible exterior improvements. They’ll document boundary locations while verifying compliance issues.
4. Local Ordinance Adherence
After the RPR is written, your surveyor will submit it to the City of Calgary (or the local municipality). The city then reviews it for bylaw compliance. During this step, they may request additional documentation so don’t be alarmed. When finalized and approved, the city adds a compliance stamp to your RPR.
5. Timeline Considerations
A standard RPR typically takes 3-5 business days. Rush services may be available at additional costs. Keep in mind that weather conditions can also affect scheduling. Municipal compliance reviews add extra time as well.
6. Document Delivery
You’ll be provided with a digital copy of the RPR. The digital copy is the certified copy for legal purposes and can be printed if necessary.
Real Property Report Cost
The cost of an RPR in Calgary varies depending on several factors that we cover below. As you go through them, you may notice that an RPR cost seems significant.
Remember RPRs are valuable investments that prevent costly disputes and compliance issues later. Additionally, many Calgary land survey firms offer competitive pricing.
With that, let’s get into the factors affecting RPR costs.
- Property Characteristics: These include lot size and complexity, number of improvements, property location, terrain, and accessibility.
- Administration:
- Municipal Compliance Stamp $150 – $250
- Coordination with municipal processes
- Communication with your real estate team
- Advice to remedy outstanding issues
- Additional Services:
- Property line staking
- Updates for existing reports
- Development Permit Applications
- Encroachment Agreement Applications
Land Surveyor in Calgary
At Third Rock Geomatics, we pride ourselves on delivering fast and reliable RPRs and comprehensive residential land surveying services.
Our team of experienced land surveyors and geomatics professionals is dedicated to providing precise and detailed reports that meet the needs of our clients in Calgary and surrounding areas. Our services vary widely, encompassing boundary surveys, topographic surveys, and construction staking.
When choosing Third Rock, you gain access to expert guidance and support throughout the surveying process. We’re committed to delivering high-quality results efficiently, which allows you to move forward in your real estate business with confidence.
Let us assist you in securing your property’s future today! Contact us through our website, directly order an RPR, or request the help of a surveyor – all with a simple click. Not sure yet? Check out our About page for 5-star reviews left by trusted clients and a detailed look into our qualifications and expertise.
