What a Real Property Report is
A Real Property Report, or RPR, is a legal survey of your property prepared by an Alberta Land Surveyor. It shows your property lines and where everything sits on the lot: the house, garage, deck, fence, shed and other improvements.
Why sellers need one
Most Alberta home sales use a standard purchase contract that asks the seller to provide a current RPR, along with proof that the City has reviewed it. Buyers, lenders and lawyers rely on it. If it's missing or out of date, closing can be delayed.
City compliance in Edmonton
In Edmonton, the City reviews your RPR and issues a Compliance Certificate. It confirms the buildings shown meet the Zoning Bylaw and have the right permits.
- You apply online, and your surveyor uploads the RPR and title.
- It takes about 10 working days on average.
- If something changes after a review, a reduced-fee Compliance Revision is available within 6 months.
- Fees are set in the City's Planning and Development Fee Schedule.
Is your old RPR still good?
It may be, if nothing on the property has changed since it was drawn. A new deck, fence, shed, garage or addition means it no longer shows what's there. Your surveyor can tell you whether it can be updated or you need a new one.
Common problems
- A deck, garage or basement suite built without a permit.
- A fence or shed over the property line or too close to it.
- Something built onto City land or a neighbour's lot.
Most of these can be fixed. You might get a permit after the fact, sign an encroachment agreement with the City, or move the structure. Some sellers negotiate with the buyer instead. Each takes time, which is why it pays to start early.
When to order it
Order your RPR as soon as you decide to sell, before you list. Surveyors get busy in spring. Apartment-style condo units usually don't need an RPR, but bare land condos often do. Ask early.
Thinking about selling? See my selling page, or ask me how this works for your home.
Rules as of October 2026. Check edmonton.ca for the latest fees and process.