Corner
Definition and meaning of Corner in real estate.
A corner is a legal reference point established by a surveyor that marks the intersection of two boundary lines or a change in direction of a property boundary. In land surveys, a corner does not necessarily represent a right-angle turn; rather, it identifies any vertex along the boundary perimeter.
In more detail
Identifying corners is critical when defining the legal description of a parcel of land, particularly in metes and bounds surveys. Surveyors physically mark these points on the land using monuments, which can be iron pins, concrete posts, or historical markers. If a monument is damaged or lost, a professional surveyor must use recorded deeds and neighboring markers to re-establish the corner location.
Clear boundary corners help property owners avoid encroachment disputes and are necessary before constructing fences, driveways, or buildings.
Key facts
| Category | Legal, Titles & Closing |
|---|---|
| Marking device | Monuments, iron pins, or concrete markers |
| Legal importance | Defines property boundaries in legal deeds |
| Target user | Landowners, surveyors, developers, and title companies |
A surveyor drives an iron pipe into the ground to mark the southeast corner of a lot, establishing the exact point where the boundary line turns north.
Frequently asked questions
Does a property corner have to be a ninety-degree angle?
No. In real estate surveying, a corner simply refers to any point where a boundary line changes direction, regardless of the angle of the turn.
How can a homeowner locate their property corners?
A homeowner can look for metal pins buried at the property lines using a metal detector, but hiring a licensed land surveyor is the most reliable way to identify legal corners.