Is a cadastral plan more than just a piece of paper?

Is a cadastral plan more than just a piece of paper?

To answer this question, it would be useful to ask yourself some other questions, especially if you own any land: Do you have or know where the plan of your property is? Have you seen it again since you created it or bought the property? Do you know if it is still valid or if it really describes your property? Can you interpret all or part of the information contained in it?

If you answered "no" to any of these questions, I invite you to continue reading to find out why it is important to have an affirmative answer to those and many other questions.

Importance of the Cadastral Plan

A cadastral plan is often seen as just another requirement within the bureaucratic maze necessary when carrying out a procedure. At that time, a surveyor is hired who creates it and delivers it to the owner, who often files it away and forgets about it along with other documents. Over time, these documents gather dust or get lost, causing a frantic search when they are needed.

But why would there be urgency in finding the plan of our property? Because it is more than just a piece of paper.

What is a Cadastral Plan?

A plan is a scaled drawing made by a professional that shows, after performing the respective measurements and/or designs, how the elements are distributed on a surface, such as boundaries, buildings, streets, rivers, etc. The term "cadastral" refers to it meeting the requirements set by a state office, like the cadastre, which keeps an "inventory" of the country's properties. Therefore, a cadastral plan is a graphic and mathematical description of the property that meets the information and appearance requirements demanded by the cadastre to be accepted and registered.

Why is it Important?

A cadastral plan describes a piece of land that is anything but simple. This piece of land is part of the total surface area of the national territory (51,085.63 km²), which, although it seems enormous, is finite and must be distributed among all the needs of the population. This includes both public use (conservation, health, recreation, transportation, power generation, etc.) and private use (commerce, agriculture, tourism, housing, industry, etc.).

The best way to ensure that both the public and private sectors have a portion of land where property and intended use are respected is by faithfully describing what it is and to whom it belongs. This information is filed in an office, making it public and allowing any interested person or institution to know the status of that specific piece of land and act accordingly.

Benefits of an Updated Plan

We can say with certainty that a cadastral plan is more than just a drawing on paper. It is a legal tool that allows the landowner to know the boundaries, shape, and area of their property. Additionally, it provides information that helps understand its precise location within the national territory, the impacts of national legislation, and the particular conditions of the land. It also provides details about the plan's genealogy and the reasons for its creation.

This information would be insufficient without the corresponding deed prepared by a public notary. However, once registered and linked to this, it constitutes a powerful and solid document that is a cornerstone of the owner's legal security. A well-prepared and properly registered plan with the national registry demonstrates that this piece of land belongs to us and that we can do on it whatever the law does not prohibit without anyone limiting us. Additionally, in case of conflict, we have the guarantee that the rule of law will protect us so that, through due process, we can continue to enjoy the property.

Finally

For these reasons, it is important to have a correctly prepared document that faithfully describes the physical reality of the land. This means that a plan is not necessarily forever, as if the land, environment, or needs change, it is advisable to keep the plan updated. Additionally, the technology for creating plans evolves, allowing for greater accuracy, precision, and clarity.

By keeping the plan updated, it ensures that it can provide a faithful testimony of what is recorded in it, becoming an ally and not a headache. An up-to-date and accurate cadastral plan is essential for legal security and the proper management of the property.

Recommendation

If you are unsure about the validity or accuracy of your property's plan, we recommend contacting a professional surveyor to review and update it if necessary. An adequate cadastral plan is fundamental to protecting your rights and ensuring that your property is correctly registered and described.

In conclusion, a cadastral plan is much more than just a piece of paper; it is a vital tool for property management and protection. Make sure to always have it on hand, valid, and up-to-date to avoid future problems and ensure your peace of mind as a property owner.