Not necessarily, but performing a property survey before buying a home ensures you pay for the advertised property. Property surveys are rarely required when buying a home but are often a good idea to ensure you're paying for what you think you're paying for. The last thing you want is to close the deal on a home, only to discover that what you purchased is not what the seller promised. If a survey is required during the closing process, you can often negotiate these costs with the sellers. A survey can help you to understand what kind of infrastructure lies beneath your home. Some examples might include: underground power lines, sewage and water pipes, and telephone lines. If you don't know where these utilities are, you risk damaging them during the construction process. Learn more about the difference between buying vs. building a home.