Do I need a survey of the property?
Usually not, because title insurance covers most of what a survey would reveal at a fraction of the cost. You need one when you are planning to build, or when there is a real boundary question.
A new survey is a substantial cost and takes weeks. Title insurance covers boundary and encroachment risk for a much smaller premium, which is why it has largely displaced surveys in ordinary residential closings.
Get one anyway when: you plan to build an addition, a garage or a fence and need exact boundaries; there is a visible encroachment such as a neighbour's structure over the line; you are buying a rural or irregular parcel; or your lender specifically requires it.
Ask the seller whether an existing survey exists. An older survey is often acceptable to your lawyer for insurance purposes even though it is not current.
Decide this with your lawyer during the closing period rather than after. Ordering a survey late delays closing, and a delayed closing costs you.