Updated 2026 ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys

These standards represent the benchmark for professional land title surveying in the United States and are the baseline requirements for surveys used in commercial real estate transactions, title insurance underwriting, due diligence, and risk assessment.

What’s important about the 2026 standards?

‍
They replace the 2021 standards for any surveys contracted on or after the effective date — meaning all new ALTA/NSPS surveys must conform to the 2026 language and requirements.

The update refines key definitions especially around Relative Positional Precision (RPP) — offering clearer expectations around measurement accuracy and how results are reported.

There’s improved guidance on documenting utility locate evidence and utility features, including utility poles within10 feet of property boundaries.

A new optional Table A item helps standardize how conditions and potential encroachments are summarized when requested, providing greater transparency for lenders, attorneys, and title underwriters.

Enhanced expectations around record research, documentation, and property access help ensure surveys portray both legal and physical realities of the property more clearly.

‍

Key takeaway for industry practitioners:

‍
If your next ALTA/NSPS survey contract is signed on or after February 23,2026, be sure to reference and comply with the 2026 Minimum Standard Detail Requirements, not the 2021 version.

Whether you’re a surveyor, lender, title professional, attorney, or developer, this update strengthens clarity and consistency across land title surveys helping align expectations and reduce risk across commercial real estate transactions.

‍