How much does a CMBS compliant ALTA survey cost?

ALTA surveys meeting CMBS requirements typically cost $3,000 to $8,000, often at the higher end due to expanded Table A requirements. The additional items can add $1,000-$2,000 compared to agency loan surveys.

Best ALTA Survey Providers for CMBS Loans (2026)

Q: What Table A items do CMBS lenders typically require?

CMBS lenders typically require more extensive Table A items than agency lenders, including Items 1, 2, 3, 4, 6a, 6b, 7a, 8, 9, 10, 11a, 13, 16, 18, 20. This expanded scope includes wetland delineation, flood zone certification, and more detailed building information to support securitization due diligence.

Q: Why do CMBS loans require more Table A items?

CMBS loans are securitized and sold to investors, requiring enhanced due diligence to support the offering. Rating agencies and bond investors expect comprehensive property documentation. The expanded Table A requirements provide additional information about building conditions, zoning compliance, and site characteristics.

Why CMBS Loans Need Specialized ALTA Surveyors

CMBS (Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities) loans are securitized and sold to investors, requiring enhanced due diligence compared to balance sheet or agency loans. CMBS lenders typically require more Table A items than Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac to support rating agency requirements and investor expectations.

The best ALTA survey providers for CMBS loans understand expanded Table A requirements, have experience with securitization timelines, and can deliver surveys that meet the rigorous standards of bond investors and rating agencies.

Typical CMBS Required Table A Items

CMBS lenders typically require these Table A items (specific requirements vary by lender):

Item 1

Monuments placed (or found) Survey monuments at property corners

Item 2

Address Street address shown on survey

Item 3

Flood zone classification FEMA flood zone with map/panel info

Item 4

Gross land area Total land area in square feet and acres

Item 6a

Setback restrictions Zoning setback, height, and bulk restrictions

Item 6b

Measured setbacks Current setback distances from improvements

Item 7a

Exterior walls located Exterior walls within 5 feet of boundaries

Item 7b1

Building height Height of principal buildings

Item 8

Substantial features Parking, driveways, fences, and improvements

Item 9

Parking spaces Number and type of parking spaces

Item 10

Access to public way Evidence of access to public roads

Item 11

Utilities Location of utilities serving the property

Item 13

Adjoining owners Names of adjoining property owners

Item 16

Evidence of utilities Observable utility evidence

Item 17

Property lines in ROW Location of property lines within right-of-way

Item 18

Building dimensions Exterior building dimensions

Item 19

Gross building area Gross square footage of buildings

CMBS requirements vary by lender and transaction. Always confirm specific Table A requirements with your lender before ordering the survey.

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How We Evaluate CMBS Surveyors

CMBS Experience Critical

Prior experience completing surveys for CMBS and conduit loan transactions

Expanded Table A Proficiency Critical

Understanding of all 21 Table A items including less common requirements

Rating Agency Standards Important

Familiarity with rating agency due diligence requirements

Turnaround Time Important

Ability to meet securitization timelines

Title Coordination Helpful

Experience with CMBS title company requirements

National Coverage Helpful

Multi-state capabilities for portfolio transactions

Top ALTA Survey Providers for CMBS Loans

These surveying firms have demonstrated expertise in CMBS loan surveys.

Ranking methodology: Providers sorted by coverage, years in business, then alphabetically.

Bureau Veritas (BVNA)

national Coverage 198+ years

Part of global Bureau Veritas network, lifecycle risk services

ALTA Survey industrialcommercial

Blew & Associates P.A.

national Coverage 102+ years

100+ years experience, nationwide licensing, LiDAR capabilities

ALTA Survey commercialenergy

NV5

national Coverage 77+ years

100+ offices nationwide. PFAS specialty. Geospatial (Quantum Spatial, Axim Geospatial acquisitions). Wholly-owned subsidiary of Acuren Corporation (NYSE: TIC) since Aug 4, 2025 — $1.7B deal closed.

ALTA Survey infrastructureindustrial

ECS Limited

national Coverage 38+ years

Large multi-disciplinary firm with 3,000+ employees. Founded 1988. Pre-approved by major GSE lenders (Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, HUD). Comprehensive due diligence services.

ALTA Survey geotechnical engineeringenvironmental consulting

Bowman Consulting Group

national Coverage 31+ years

Publicly traded on Nasdaq (BWMN) since May 2021; multi-disciplinary consulting firm offering broad range of services to public and private clients

ALTA Survey real estateenergy

Clark Land Services

national Coverage 29+ years

EV charging specialists, ClarkHub project management portal

ALTA Survey EV chargingcommercial

View all ALTA survey providers →

CMBS ALTA Survey Costs

Typical Price Range $3,000 – $8,000

Expanded Table A: +$1,000-$2,000

CMBS compliant ALTA surveys cost toward the higher end due to expanded Table A requirements. The additional items (building height, gross area, detailed utilities) add significant scope compared to agency loan surveys.

Calculate your ALTA survey cost →

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do CMBS loans require more Table A items?

CMBS loans are securitized and sold to investors. Rating agencies and bond buyers expect comprehensive property documentation to support their investment decisions. The expanded requirements provide additional risk information.

What Table A items do CMBS lenders typically require?

CMBS lenders typically require Items 1, 2, 3, 4, 6a, 6b, 7a, 8, 9, 10, 11a, 13, 16, 18, 20, including building height, gross area, and detailed utility information. Always confirm specific requirements with your lender.

How long does a CMBS ALTA survey take?

Due to expanded scope, CMBS surveys typically take 2-4 weeks. Rush service may be available for an additional fee. Plan early to avoid delays in securitization timelines.