What type of legal description begins at the northwest corner of a property?

The metes and bounds legal description is a system used to describe land by delineating its boundaries using physical features and directional references. This method often starts at a specific point, commonly at a corner of the property, such as the northwest corner, and then outlines the perimeter of the land by describing distances (metes) and angles or directions (bounds).

This approach provides an accurate representation of irregularly shaped parcels of land and can incorporate natural landmarks and human-made markers into the description. It offers flexibility in conveying the unique characteristics of different properties, making it suitable for various situations, especially in areas where traditional lot systems may not apply.

In contrast, the other methods mentioned, such as lot and block, rectangular survey, and subdivision plat, follow standardized formats and are used for properties in more organized developments or regions where land has been divided systematically into lots. These systems do not typically begin the description from a specific corner point but rather rely on established maps and plats to convey property boundaries.