Our lender requires an ALTA/NSPS survey for a commercial building purchase. What makes it different?
Asked October 25, 2026
AI answer · not yet verified by a surveyor
An ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey follows national standards published by the American Land Title Association and the National Society of Professional Surveyors [1]. It's mostly used in commercial real estate.
What makes it different:
- Standard requirements: boundary, improvements, easements and other matters listed in the title commitment, and access.
- Table A items: optional extras the client chooses, such as zoning information, parking counts, flood zone, utilities and building dimensions.
- Title review: the surveyor locates and reports on the recorded documents listed in the title commitment.
- Certification to the buyer, lender and title company.
Because of the research and detail involved, it costs more and takes longer than a residential survey [2]. Order it early in due diligence, and give the surveyor the title commitment and the lender's Table A list right away.
General information only. Answers here are not a survey or legal advice, and no one here can tell you where your boundary is. For your property, hire a licensed land surveyor in your state; for legal questions, a real-estate attorney.