A fast closing leaves very little room for surprises. The lender needs to confirm that the property matches the loan file, and there may be only a few weeks to do it. An ALTA title survey is one of the most reliable tools for getting that answer quickly and accurately.

An ALTA title survey is a detailed land survey completed to a national standard set by the American Land Title Association and the National Society of Professional Surveyors. It compares the physical site to the title record and shows boundary lines, easements, access points, and any improvements that cross a line. For a lender, the survey confirms whether the land securing the loan is what the paperwork says it is.

A shared driveway is one of the most common issues these surveys uncover. It can look harmless during a site visit, but on paper it can raise serious questions about access and ownership. Below, we explain how the issue appears on a survey, why lenders pay close attention to it, and how to resolve it before the closing date arrives.

How a Property Survey Identifies a Shared Driveway Issue

A surveyor spots a shared driveway problem by comparing what exists on the ground with what appears in the records. The first step is to locate the property boundary using deeds, plats, and monuments found in the field. The crew then measures the edges of the pavement, curb cuts, gates, and nearby features. Those measurements are placed on the drawing alongside the property lines so any overlap is easy to see.

Next, the surveyor reviews the title commitment. This is the document a title company issues before writing a title insurance policy, and it lists recorded easements and other items that affect the land. The surveyor plots every easement that can be mapped and checks how each one relates to the driveway.

The results usually appear in the survey notes. A note might state that the driveway serves two neighboring lots, or that part of the pavement sits on the adjoining parcel. In either case, the lender now has a clear, measured record to work from instead of relying on assumptions.

When the Driveway Crosses a Property Boundary

When a driveway crosses a boundary, surveyors call it an encroachment. This means an improvement built for one lot sits partly on another lot. The overlap might be just a few inches of asphalt along the edge. It could also be a large section of pavement that serves as the property’s only connection to the road.

The size and location of the overlap make a big difference. A thin strip near the edge of a lot may be a minor concern that a lender is willing to accept. A driveway that provides the only access to the site is far more serious. If the neighbor has the right to block that access, the property could lose much of its usefulness and value.

Lenders care about this because the property serves as collateral for the loan. A title company may list the encroachment as an exception in the policy, meaning the policy won’t cover losses tied to it. Some lenders will accept that exception, while others won’t release funds until the issue is corrected or covered by additional insurance. Because every lender sets its own standards, it’s smart to raise the question early.

How Recorded Access Rights Affect the Survey Finding

A recorded access right can turn a potential problem into a routine survey note. An access easement is a legal right that allows one owner to cross another owner’s land for a specific purpose, such as reaching a road. These easements are often filed with the county or shown on a recorded subdivision plat. A signed shared driveway agreement can serve a similar purpose.

When a recorded easement covers the driveway, the surveyor can plot its location on the drawing. The survey then shows whether the pavement stays within the easement area. If it does, many lenders treat the shared driveway as a known and acceptable condition. If the pavement extends beyond the easement, the lender will likely have additional questions.

An unrecorded arrangement is a different situation. Two neighbors may have shared a driveway for decades based on a simple verbal agreement. That informal arrangement may not protect a new owner or a lender once the property changes hands. What counts as acceptable proof of access can vary by lender, title company, and county, so it’s wise to have a real estate attorney review the details.

What Buyers Should Review Before Moving Toward Closing

Buyers should review the survey and the title commitment side by side. These two documents are designed to work together, and each one should help explain the other. If the survey shows an issue that the title commitment doesn’t address, that gap needs to be resolved before closing.

Here’s what to review:

• The survey drawing, to see exactly where the driveway sits in relation to the boundary lines
• The surveyor’s notes describing any encroachments or shared use
• The list of easements in the title commitment, usually found in Schedule B
• Any recorded access agreement or maintenance agreement for the driveway
• Terms that explain who pays to repair, resurface, or maintain the shared section

Contact your lender as soon as the survey is complete. Ask whether the finding will affect the loan terms or the closing schedule. You should also ask what documentation the underwriter will need to approve the file. Having that conversation early can prevent costly delays in the final days before closing.

Resolving Survey Questions Before the Transaction Is Finalized

Most shared driveway issues can be resolved before closing if they’re identified early enough. The right solution depends on the specific facts of the property. It also depends on what the lender and title company are willing to accept. Your attorney can help you choose the approach that best fits the situation.

Common solutions include:

• Recording a new access easement signed by both property owners
• Signing a shared driveway and maintenance agreement
• Obtaining a title endorsement that provides coverage for the access issue
• Relocating or trimming the pavement so it no longer sits on the neighbor’s land
• Updating the survey to reflect any newly recorded rights

Timing is the biggest risk during a fast closing. A neighbor may need several days to review and sign an agreement, and the county may need additional time to record it. That’s why it’s important to order the ALTA survey as early as possible. You should also confirm which Table A items your lender requires, since Table A is the list of optional items a lender can add to the survey. Starting early gives everyone enough time to address whatever the survey reveals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an ALTA title survey?

An ALTA title survey is a detailed land survey completed to national standards. It shows boundaries, easements, access points, buildings, and encroachments on the property. Lenders and title companies rely on it to compare the physical site with the title record. It’s most common in commercial transactions and larger real estate loans.

Why do lenders ask for an ALTA survey?

Lenders want confidence that the property securing the loan has no hidden problems. The survey can reveal issues that a title search alone might miss, such as encroachments or unrecorded access. A title company may also need the survey before it can remove certain exceptions from the policy. This gives the lender stronger protection if a dispute comes up later.

Can a shared driveway stop a closing?

A shared driveway can delay a closing, but it often doesn’t stop one entirely. If a recorded easement covers the driveway, many lenders will accept it as a normal condition. If no recorded access right exists, the lender may hold funding until an agreement is signed and recorded. Identifying the issue early gives you the best chance of keeping the closing on schedule.