Wake County Property Records
What Is Wake County Property Records
Wake County property records are official documents maintained by the Wake County Register of Deeds office that contain detailed information about real estate properties within Wake County, North Carolina. These records serve as the official history of property ownership and transactions within the county's jurisdiction.
Property records typically include:
- Deeds and conveyances documenting property transfers
- Mortgage documents and financing instruments
- Plat maps showing property boundaries and subdivisions
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Tax assessment information
- Liens and encumbrances affecting property titles
The Wake County Register of Deeds serves as the custodian of these records pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 161-14, which mandates the proper recording and preservation of property documents. The office is responsible for maintaining accurate records of all real property transactions that occur within Wake County boundaries.
Wake County Register of Deeds
300 S. Salisbury Street, Suite 1700
Raleigh, NC 27601
919-856-5460
Wake County Register of Deeds
Are Property Records Public Information In Wake County?
Property records in Wake County are public information and accessible to all citizens in accordance with North Carolina Public Records Law (N.C.G.S. § 132-1). This statute establishes that public records, including property records, shall be "the property of the people" and therefore open for inspection by any person at reasonable times.
The following aspects of property record accessibility apply in Wake County:
- Any member of the public may request access to property records without providing identification or stating a reason for their request
- Records may be inspected during normal business hours at the Register of Deeds office
- Copies of records may be obtained for a nominal fee as established by N.C.G.S. § 161-10
- Electronic access to many property records is available through the county's online portal
- Certain personal information may be redacted from public view in accordance with privacy laws
The North Carolina General Assembly has determined that public access to property records serves important governmental interests, including transparency in property ownership, facilitating real estate transactions, and providing notice of encumbrances affecting property titles.
Exceptions to public disclosure may apply to certain information contained within property records, such as social security numbers, which are protected under N.C.G.S. § 132-1.10 to prevent identity theft and protect individual privacy.
How To Search Property Records in Wake County in 2025
Wake County offers multiple methods for searching property records in 2025, with enhanced digital options complementing traditional in-person research. Members of the public may utilize the following procedures to locate property records:
For online searches:
- Visit the Wake County Register of Deeds online records search portal
- Create a free account or log in as a guest user
- Enter search criteria such as property owner name, address, or parcel identification number
- Refine search parameters by date range or document type as needed
- Review search results and select documents for viewing or downloading
For in-person searches:
- Visit the Wake County Register of Deeds office during public counter hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM)
- Request assistance from staff at the public research terminals
- Provide relevant search criteria to the clerk
- Review documents on-site with assistance from staff as needed
For assistance by mail:
- Submit a written request to the Register of Deeds office specifying the records sought
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and applicable fees
- Allow 5-7 business days for processing
Pursuant to Wake County Ordinance § 34-7, the Register of Deeds maintains public access terminals at the main office location. Staff members are available to provide technical assistance with searches but cannot provide legal advice regarding the interpretation of property records.
How To Find Property Records in Wake County Online?
Wake County provides comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms maintained by county agencies. The primary online resources for accessing property records include:
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The Wake County Register of Deeds Records Search system offers:
- Access to recorded documents dating back to 1785
- Search capabilities by name, property address, or book and page number
- Digital images of recorded documents
- The ability to purchase certified copies online
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The Wake County Revenue Department's Real Estate Property Search provides:
- Current property ownership information
- Property tax assessment values
- Land use classifications
- Building characteristics and improvements
- Tax payment history
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The Wake County GIS Mapping system enables users to:
- View property boundaries on interactive maps
- Access parcel data and ownership information
- Identify zoning designations and land use restrictions
- Determine flood zone status and other environmental factors
To conduct an online search, users should navigate to the Books! Online Records Search portal. The system allows searches using various criteria including grantor/grantee names, document types, and recording dates. Users are advised to search all possible name variants to ensure comprehensive results.
In accordance with N.C.G.S. § 161-22.3, Wake County maintains electronic indexes of property records that are searchable by the public. The online system is updated daily with newly recorded documents, typically available within 24-48 hours of recording.
Can You Look Up Wake County Property Records for Free?
Wake County provides several free options for accessing property records, though certain services may incur nominal fees as authorized by North Carolina General Statutes § 161-10. The following free access options are available to the public:
- Basic online searches through the Wake County Register of Deeds public access portal are available at no cost
- In-person inspection of property records at the Register of Deeds office during regular business hours is free of charge
- Public computer terminals at the Register of Deeds office provide free access to the electronic records database
- The Wake County GIS mapping system offers free public access to basic property information and parcel maps
Fee-based services include:
- Printed copies of documents (currently $0.25 per page)
- Certified copies of recorded documents ($5.00 for the first page, $2.00 for each additional page)
- Subscription services for high-volume users with enhanced search capabilities
- Document recording fees for new property transactions
The Wake County Board of Commissioners reviews and approves the fee schedule annually in accordance with state law. Current fee schedules are posted at the Register of Deeds office and on the county website. Government agencies and certain nonprofit organizations may qualify for fee waivers under specific circumstances as outlined in county policy.
Wake County Revenue Department
301 S. McDowell Street
Raleigh, NC 27601
919-856-5400
Wake County Revenue Department
What's Included in a Wake County Property Record?
Wake County property records contain comprehensive information about real estate parcels within the county's jurisdiction. The content of these records is governed by North Carolina General Statutes § 161-14.1 and includes the following standard elements:
- Legal description of the property, including metes and bounds or lot/block designations
- Names of current and previous property owners (grantors and grantees)
- Dates of property transfers and recording information
- Purchase price or consideration paid (when disclosed)
- Mortgage information, including lender names and loan amounts
- Plat maps showing property boundaries and dimensions
- Easements and rights-of-way affecting the property
- Restrictive covenants and deed restrictions
- Tax parcel identification numbers
- Property tax assessment values
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
- Liens, judgments, and other encumbrances
- Homestead exemptions or other tax status designations
Additional information may include:
- Building characteristics (square footage, number of rooms, etc.)
- Year of construction and major renovations
- Zoning classification and permitted uses
- Flood zone designation
- Historical property designations
The Wake County Tax Administration maintains supplementary property data related to tax assessments and valuations. This information is accessible through the property tax forms portal maintained by the North Carolina Department of Revenue.
How Long Does Wake County Keep Property Records?
Wake County maintains property records in perpetuity in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes § 161-14, which mandates the permanent preservation of real property instruments. The county's record retention policies ensure the continuous availability of property records dating back to the county's formation.
The retention schedule for property records includes:
- Deeds and conveyances: Permanent retention
- Mortgage documents: Permanent retention
- Plat maps and surveys: Permanent retention
- Easements and rights-of-way: Permanent retention
- Property tax records: Minimum 10-year retention with permanent retention of assessment rolls
- Building permits: Minimum 6-year retention after certificate of occupancy
- Certificates of occupancy: Permanent retention
The Wake County Register of Deeds has implemented a comprehensive records preservation program that includes:
- Digital scanning and indexing of historical documents
- Climate-controlled storage facilities for original documents
- Backup systems and disaster recovery protocols
- Regular auditing and quality control measures
Records dating back to 1785 have been preserved and are accessible through the county's archival system. The oldest property records require special handling and may be subject to restricted access to prevent damage to fragile documents. Digital copies of these historical records are available through the online portal or by request at the Register of Deeds office.
How To Find Liens on Property In Wake County?
Liens on property in Wake County can be identified through several official channels established for public notice of encumbrances. The process for locating liens involves searching multiple record repositories maintained by different government agencies.
To conduct a comprehensive lien search:
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Check the Wake County Register of Deeds records:
- Search by property owner name or property address
- Review index books for mechanics' liens, judgment liens, and tax liens
- Examine the property's chain of title for mortgage liens and other encumbrances
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Search Wake County Tax Administration records:
- Verify property tax payment status
- Identify any delinquent tax liens
- Check for special assessments or municipal liens
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Review North Carolina court records through the North Carolina Judicial Branch:
- Search for judgments against property owners
- Identify pending litigation affecting the property
- Check for bankruptcy filings that may impact lien status
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Consult with the following agencies for specialized liens:
- Wake County Environmental Services for environmental liens
- City of Raleigh Code Enforcement for code violation liens
- Homeowners Association records for HOA assessment liens
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 44A-12, mechanics' and materialmen's liens must be filed with the Clerk of Superior Court and subsequently recorded with the Register of Deeds to remain valid. Federal tax liens are filed directly with the Register of Deeds in accordance with federal law.
Wake County Clerk of Superior Court
316 Fayetteville Street
Raleigh, NC 27601
919-792-4000
Wake County Clerk of Court
What Is Property Owner Rule In Wake County?
The Property Owner Rule in Wake County refers to the legal principle established under North Carolina law that governs property owners' testimony regarding the value of their own property. This rule is codified in North Carolina case law and applies to property valuation disputes, tax assessment appeals, and eminent domain proceedings.
Key aspects of the Property Owner Rule include:
- Property owners are presumed to have special knowledge about their property by virtue of ownership
- Owners may testify about the value of their property without qualifying as expert witnesses
- Such testimony is admissible in court proceedings and administrative hearings
- The weight given to owner testimony is determined by the trier of fact
The rule applies in the following contexts:
- Property tax appeal hearings before the Wake County Board of Equalization and Review
- Condemnation proceedings under N.C.G.S. § 40A
- Insurance claim disputes
- Divorce proceedings involving property division
To exercise rights under the Property Owner Rule, property owners should:
- Maintain records of property improvements and maintenance
- Document comparable sales in the neighborhood
- Retain professional appraisals when available
- Prepare factual basis for valuation opinions
The Wake County Board of Equalization and Review recognizes the Property Owner Rule in its procedural rules for tax assessment appeals. Property owners may present their own valuation evidence at hearings without expert testimony, though the board may consider the credibility and basis of such evidence in reaching its determination.
Lookup Property Records in Wake County
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