2026 ALTA Survey Standards:
National Guidance from BLEW
The Largest ALTA Survey Provider in the Nation
The 2026 ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey Standards mark an important evolution in how commercial land surveys are prepared, documented, and relied upon in real estate transactions across the United States. As the largest ALTA survey provider in the nation, BLEW helps clients, lenders, developers, and title companies understand and apply these changes with confidence.
With 135 years in business (since 1891) and professional licensure in all 50 states, BLEW has unmatched experience delivering ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys at scale, while maintaining consistency, accuracy, and compliance nationwide.
National Changes to ALTA Standards in 2026
ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys are a critical requirement for commercial real estate transactions, financing, and title insurance. The 2026 ALTA standards, effective February 2026, replace the 2021 standards and introduce updates focused on:
-
Improved documentation and transparency
-
Clearer boundary and title evidence disclosure
-
Better alignment with lender and title insurance requirements
-
Flexibility for modern surveying technologies
At BLEW, these updates closely mirror how we already deliver ALTA surveys — with clear reporting, defensible methodology, and transaction-ready documentation across every market in the country.
Why the 2026 ALTA Standards Matter Nationwide
For national developers, institutional lenders, and multi-state operators, consistency is critical. The updated ALTA standards help reduce ambiguity and promote uniform expectations, something BLEW has specialized in for decades.
As the largest ALTA survey provider in the nation, BLEW performs ALTA surveys in all 50 states, supporting:
-
National real estate portfolios
-
Multi-site acquisitions and refinances
-
Large-scale development programs
-
Institutional underwriting and appraisal
Our national footprint allows us to interpret the 2026 ALTA standards consistently, regardless of jurisdiction.
Clearer Documentation and Title Evidence Requirements
One of the most important changes in the 2026 ALTA standards is a heightened focus on how survey conclusions are documented.
Surveyors are now expected to clearly disclose:
-
The source of title evidence
-
Conflicts between record data and field conditions
-
Missing or incomplete records
-
Visible evidence of occupation, possession, or use
BLEW’s ALTA surveys have long emphasized this level of transparency, which is why national lenders and title companies rely on BLEW to deliver surveys that withstand underwriting, legal, and insurance review.
Technology Flexibility Without Compromising Accuracy
The 2026 ALTA standards allow surveyors to use generally accepted professional practices rather than mandating specific tools. This enables responsible use of evolving technologies such as drone data, LiDAR, and advanced geospatial modeling.
With over 135 years of surveying experience, BLEW combines modern technology with proven professional judgment, ensuring every ALTA survey meets national standards while remaining adaptable to site specific conditions.
Enhanced Focus on Access, Encroachments, and Utilities
The updated standards provide clearer expectations for documenting:
-
Property access and access rights
-
Encroachments affecting boundaries or improvements
-
Utility features near property lines
-
Site conditions that may impact use or insurability
Because BLEW works on thousands of ALTA surveys nationwide each year, we understand how these details affect transactions in real-world underwriting scenarios, not just on paper.
Table A Enhancements That Improve Due Diligence
The 2026 standards refine Table A optional items, allowing surveyors to present key site conditions and encroachments more clearly.
BLEW works directly with clients, lenders, and title insurers to determine which Table A items add value to each transaction. Our national ALTA survey process ensures optional items are applied consistently across portfolios, making BLEW a preferred provider for multi-state clients.
Alignment with Lenders, Title Companies, and Appraisers
The updated ALTA standards improve coordination between surveys, title commitments, and lender requirements. BLEW’s role as the largest ALTA survey provider in the nation places us at the intersection of surveying, underwriting, and title insurance.
Our ALTA surveys are routinely relied upon by:
-
National and regional banks
-
Institutional lenders
-
Title insurers
-
MAI appraisers
-
Legal and risk teams
This alignment reduces delays, exceptions, and closing issues.
What the 2026 ALTA Standards Mean for BLEW Clients
For National Developers & Owners
-
Consistent ALTA surveys across all 50 states
-
Fewer surprises during due diligence
-
Scalable survey solutions for growing portfolios
For Lenders
-
Clear, defensible survey documentation
-
Easier underwriting and appraisal review
-
Reduced title and boundary risk
For Title Companies
-
Better alignment with commitments
-
Fewer survey related exceptions
-
Cleaner closings
BLEW: 135 Years of Surveying Leadership
Founded in 1891, BLEW has been in business for 135 years, delivering surveying and engineering services across generations of change. Today, BLEW is licensed in all 50 states and recognized as the largest ALTA survey provider in the nation.
As the 2026 ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey Standards take effect, BLEW remains committed to providing accurate, compliant, and transaction-ready ALTA surveys nationwide.
Work with the Nation’s Leading ALTA Survey Provider
If you are planning a commercial real estate transaction, development, or refinance and need guidance on the 2026 ALTA survey requirements, BLEW is ready to help.
Contact BLEW today to discuss your ALTA survey needs anywhere in the United States.
Navigate
