ALTA Survey Cost in Texas: What You’re Really Paying For

🔎 What Is an ALTA/NSPS Survey?

Before we dive into costs, let’s get clear on what you’re paying for.

An ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey is a comprehensive, standardized survey used in commercial real estate transactions. It adheres to national standards set by the American Land Title Association (ALTA) and the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS), most recently updated in 2021.

These surveys are designed to satisfy:

• Lender requirements
  
  

• Title insurance underwriting
  
  

• Attorney due diligence
  
  

• Risk management in high-value property transfers
  
  

It maps boundaries, improvements, easements, encroachments, access, utilities, zoning, and more, often including optional items selected from the Table A menu.

⚠️ In Texas, ALTA surveys are essential for commercial transactions involving banks, REITs, private equity, or institutional investors.

💰 How Much Does an ALTA Survey Cost in Texas?

Short answer: ALTA survey pricing in Texas typically ranges from $3,000 to $25,000+, depending on property size, location, complexity, and optional Table A items.

📍 Real-World ALTA Survey Examples in Houston, TX

✅ Example 1: Single-Tenant Retail Site – Midtown Houston

• Size: 0.8 acres
  
  

• Features: Alley access, underground utilities, driveway easement
  
  

• Table A: 1, 4, 6(a), 8, 11
  
  

• ALTA Survey Cost: $4,800
  
  

• Turnaround: 12 business days
  
  

✅ Example 2: Industrial Site – North Houston (Hempstead Road)

• Size: 11 acres
  
  

• Features: Rail line access, multiple title encumbrances, drainage easement
  
  

• Table A: 1, 4, 6(a), 6(b), 8, 11, 20
  
  

• ALTA Survey Cost: $11,200
  
  

• Turnaround: 17 business days
  
  

✅ Example 3: Office Park Subdivision – Westchase Area

• Size: 33 acres across 4 tracts
  
  

• Features: Internal lot lines, cross-access easements, parking calcs
  
  

• Table A: 1–11, 13, 14, 19
  
  

• ALTA Survey Cost: $22,000
  
  

• Turnaround: 20 business days
  
  

💡 How to Reduce ALTA Survey Costs Without Sacrificing Quality

1. Narrow Down Your Table A Items
Only request what’s required by your lender or use case. For example, you may not need parking or zoning data on a raw land purchase.

2. Provide Existing Documents Upfront
Supplying a previous survey, title commitment, and deed saves hours of research time.

3. Avoid “Rush” If Possible
Give the surveyor enough time to schedule field crews, perform utility locates, and coordinate title research.

4. Use a Local Surveyor
A licensed Texas-based surveyor who regularly works in Houston or Austin will be faster and more accurate than an out-of-town firm unfamiliar with city GIS or county records.

5. Bundle with Other Services
If you're ordering multiple surveys or additional services (like subdivision or platting), request a bundled rate.

🧑‍⚖️ Legal & Lending Perspective: Why Price Shouldn’t Be Your Only Filter

"Cheaper is not better when it comes to ALTA surveys."

An incomplete or non-compliant survey can:

• Delay closing
  
  

• Invalidate your title insurance coverage
  
  

• Miss encroachments or critical easements
  
  

• Lead to disputes, fines, or lawsuits post-closing
  
  

If your attorney or lender requires Table A compliance or encumbrance mapping, and your surveyor skimps on the standards to save cost, the downstream consequences could far outweigh the savings.

✅ Pro Tip: Always confirm your surveyor is using the latest ALTA/NSPS standards (2021 edition) and is familiar with title integration.