New Hanover County Property Records
What Is New Hanover County Property Records
New Hanover County property records constitute official government documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within county boundaries. These records serve as the authoritative source documenting the legal status of all land and buildings in New Hanover County, North Carolina. Property records are maintained pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 161-14, which establishes requirements for recording instruments affecting real property.
The primary purposes of property records include:
- Establishing legal ownership through chain of title documentation
- Providing public notice of property interests
- Protecting property rights of owners and lienholders
- Facilitating real estate transactions
- Supporting property tax assessment and collection
- Enabling land use planning and development
The New Hanover County Register of Deeds serves as the official custodian of these records, maintaining a comprehensive system for recording, indexing, and preserving documents that affect real property interests. The New Hanover County Register of Deeds maintains these records in accordance with state law and provides public access to this information.
Are Property Records Public Information In New Hanover County?
Property records in New Hanover County are public information, accessible to all members of the public without restriction. This public access is mandated by both the North Carolina Public Records Law § 132-1 and specific property recording statutes under North Carolina General Statutes § 161-22, which requires registers of deeds to maintain indices of recorded instruments.
The legal basis for public access to property records includes:
- Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
- Recording statutes explicitly require public accessibility
- Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest
- Public records promote informed real estate transactions
- Access supports proper functioning of property markets
Any individual may access property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for the request. This unrestricted access reflects the principle that property ownership information must be transparent and available to all citizens, businesses, and government entities.
New Hanover County Register of Deeds
320 Chestnut Street, 2nd Floor
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 798-4530
New Hanover County Register of Deeds
How To Search Property Records in New Hanover County in 2026
Members of the public seeking to search New Hanover County property records may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains multiple access points to accommodate different research needs and preferences.
For online searches:
- Visit the New Hanover County Register of Deeds website
- Select "Search Records" from the main navigation menu
- Create a free account or log in as a guest user
- Enter search criteria such as property owner name, address, or parcel number
- Review search results and select documents for viewing
- Download or print documents as needed (fees may apply for certain documents)
For in-person searches:
- Visit the Register of Deeds office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
- Request assistance from staff at the public service counter
- Use public computer terminals for self-service searching
- Submit specific document requests to staff
- Pay applicable fees for copies of documents
For mail or phone requests:
- Contact the Register of Deeds office by phone at (910) 798-4530
- Submit written requests with specific information about the property
- Include payment for applicable search and copy fees
- Provide return address for document delivery
The county also maintains a separate property tax records system through the Tax Assessor's office, which contains additional information about property values, tax assessments, and ownership.
New Hanover County Tax Assessor
230 Government Center Drive, Suite 190
Wilmington, NC 28403
(910) 798-7300
New Hanover County Tax Assessor
How To Find Property Records in New Hanover County Online?
New Hanover County offers comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms. These systems allow users to conduct thorough research without visiting county offices in person.
The primary online resources include:
-
Register of Deeds Online Portal:
- Access the New Hanover County Register of Deeds website
- Select "Search Records" from the navigation menu
- Search by name, document type, book and page, or date range
- View document images online (some documents from 1979 forward)
- Purchase and download certified copies electronically
-
GIS Property Information System:
- Visit the New Hanover County GIS Portal
- Search by address, owner name, or parcel ID
- View property boundaries, zoning, and flood zones
- Access property card information including ownership history
- Link directly to related tax and deed records
-
Tax Records Search:
- Navigate to the New Hanover County Tax Department
- Select "Property Search" from available options
- Search by owner name, address, or parcel number
- View current and historical tax assessments
- Access property characteristics and improvement details
When using these online systems, users should note:
- Some historical records may only be available in person
- Certain document types may have restricted online access
- User accounts may be required for advanced search features
- Fees apply for certified copies and some document downloads
- Technical assistance is available by contacting the respective departments
How To Look Up New Hanover County Property Records for Free?
New Hanover County provides several options for accessing property records at no cost to the public. These free resources allow individuals to conduct basic property research without incurring expenses.
Free access options include:
-
Public Access Computers:
- Available at the Register of Deeds office during business hours
- No fee for on-site searching and viewing of records
- Staff assistance available for search guidance
- Only printing and certified copies incur fees
-
Online Basic Search:
- The New Hanover County Register of Deeds offers limited free searches
- Guest access allows basic name and property searches
- View basic index information without charge
- Document image viewing may require fees
-
Tax Records Search:
- The New Hanover County Tax Department provides free property searches
- Complete property ownership information available
- Tax assessment history viewable at no cost
- Property characteristics and improvements data accessible
-
GIS Mapping System:
- The New Hanover County GIS Portal is free to use
- Property boundaries and ownership information available
- Aerial photography and zoning information accessible
- Links to related property records provided
-
Public Libraries:
- New Hanover County Public Libraries provide free internet access
- Library staff can assist with navigating county websites
- Some historical property records may be available in library collections
New Hanover County Public Library - Main Branch
201 Chestnut Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 798-6300
New Hanover County Public Library
What's Included in a New Hanover County Property Record?
New Hanover County property records encompass a diverse collection of documents that collectively establish the legal status of real property within the county. These records are maintained by multiple county offices in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes § 161-22.1, which establishes minimum indexing standards.
Property records typically include:
-
Ownership Documents:
- Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, special warranty)
- Certificates of title
- Executor's deeds
- Trustee's deeds
- Court orders affecting title
-
Encumbrances and Liens:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Tax liens (federal, state, local)
- Mechanics' liens
- Judgment liens
- Lis pendens notices
- Homeowners association liens
-
Easements and Restrictions:
- Right-of-way agreements
- Utility easements
- Conservation easements
- Restrictive covenants
- Subdivision restrictions
-
Plats and Surveys:
- Subdivision plats
- Boundary surveys
- Condominium plans
- Lot consolidations or divisions
-
Tax and Assessment Records:
- Property tax assessments
- Special assessment notices
- Tax payment history
- Exemption applications
Each property record typically contains detailed information including:
- Legal description of the property
- Names of grantors and grantees
- Date of transaction or recording
- Consideration paid (when disclosed)
- Notarization and witness information
- Recording information (book and page or instrument number)
- Property identification numbers
- References to related documents
It is important to note that real property records pertain to land and permanently attached structures, while personal property records (vehicles, equipment, etc.) are maintained through separate systems.
How Long Does New Hanover County Keep Property Records?
New Hanover County maintains property records permanently in accordance with the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Records Retention Schedule. This permanent retention is mandated by state law to ensure the continuous chain of title for all real property within the county.
The retention periods for various property-related documents include:
- Deeds and conveyances: Permanent retention
- Mortgages and deeds of trust: Permanent retention
- Plats and surveys: Permanent retention
- Easements and rights-of-way: Permanent retention
- Property tax records: Minimum 10 years, with permanent retention of master summaries
- Building permits: Life of structure plus 6 years
- Zoning decisions: Permanent retention
- Property condition reports: 3 years after superseded
The Register of Deeds office has implemented a comprehensive preservation program that includes:
- Digital scanning of historical documents
- Climate-controlled storage for original records
- Microfilm backup of essential records
- Regular condition assessment of bound volumes
- Conservation treatment for deteriorating documents
While most property records are retained permanently, supporting documentation and administrative records may follow different retention schedules. The county maintains these records in multiple formats to ensure long-term accessibility and preservation, with original documents, microfilm copies, and digital images providing redundant storage.
How To Find Liens on Property In New Hanover County?
Locating liens on property in New Hanover County requires searching multiple record systems, as liens may be filed with different government offices depending on their type. A comprehensive lien search involves checking several sources of information.
To conduct a thorough lien search:
-
Register of Deeds Records:
- Access the New Hanover County Register of Deeds
- Search by property owner name or property description
- Review index for mortgages, deeds of trust, and statutory liens
- Check for satisfaction or cancellation of identified liens
- Request copies of relevant documents for detailed review
-
Clerk of Superior Court:
- Contact the New Hanover County Clerk of Court
- Search judgment dockets for civil judgments against property owners
- Check for pending litigation (lis pendens) affecting the property
- Review special proceeding files for partition actions or foreclosures
-
Tax Department:
- Visit the New Hanover County Tax Department
- Search for delinquent property taxes or special assessments
- Check for tax foreclosure proceedings
- Verify current tax status and payment history
-
Municipal Records:
- Contact relevant municipality for properties within city limits
- Check for utility liens, nuisance abatement costs, or code enforcement liens
- Verify compliance with municipal assessments
-
Federal Records:
- Search federal court records for bankruptcy filings
- Check for federal tax liens at the Register of Deeds
- Review for environmental liens or federal enforcement actions
New Hanover County Clerk of Superior Court
316 Princess Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 772-6600
New Hanover County Clerk of Court
Professional title searchers and attorneys often conduct comprehensive lien searches as part of real estate transactions to ensure all encumbrances are identified before property changes hands.
What Is Property Owner Rule In New Hanover County?
New Hanover County adheres to North Carolina's property ownership regulations, which establish specific rules governing how property may be owned, transferred, and encumbered. These regulations derive from state statutes and common law principles that define property rights within the jurisdiction.
Key aspects of property ownership rules include:
-
Forms of Ownership:
- Fee simple ownership (complete ownership rights)
- Life estates (ownership for duration of specified life)
- Leasehold interests (rights of possession for specified term)
- Easements and rights-of-way (limited use rights)
- Condominium and time-share ownership
-
Co-Ownership Options:
- Tenancy in common (separate undivided interests)
- Joint tenancy with right of survivorship
- Tenancy by the entirety (married couples only)
- Partnership and corporate ownership
-
Recording Requirements:
- All instruments affecting real property must be recorded to provide constructive notice
- Documents must comply with North Carolina General Statutes § 47-14 regarding acknowledgments
- Priority generally established by order of recording
- Unrecorded instruments valid between parties but may not bind third parties
-
Transfer Restrictions:
- Deed restrictions and covenants
- Zoning and land use regulations
- Historic district requirements
- Environmental protection provisions
- Homeowners association rules
-
Adverse Possession:
- Requires 20 years of open, notorious, continuous possession
- 7-year period with color of title
- Payment of property taxes strengthens claim
New Hanover County property owners must comply with these regulations when acquiring, transferring, or developing real property. The county's land use ordinances, building codes, and environmental regulations impose additional requirements that affect how property may be used and developed.