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Charleston County Property Records

What Is Charleston County Property Records

Charleston County property records are official documents that contain detailed information about real estate properties within Charleston County, South Carolina. These records are maintained by the Charleston County Register of Deeds (ROD) office and include information such as property ownership history, property descriptions, tax assessments, and transaction details. Property records serve as legal documentation of property ownership and are essential for real estate transactions, property tax assessments, and resolving property disputes.

Charleston County Register of Deeds: 101 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29401

Are Property Records Public Information In Charleston County?

Yes, property records in Charleston County are considered public information under South Carolina law. This means that any individual can access these records without having to provide a reason for their request. The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) ensures that citizens have the right to access public records, including property records. However, certain personal information may be redacted to protect privacy.

The Charleston County Register of Deeds maintains these public records and makes them available through both in-person visits and online platforms. This transparency helps ensure fair property transactions and allows property owners, potential buyers, and other interested parties to verify property information.

Charleston County Public Services Building: 4045 Bridge View Drive, North Charleston, SC 29405

How To Search Property Records in Charleston County in 2025

Searching for property records in Charleston County in 2025 can be done through several methods:

  1. Online Search: Use the Charleston County Register of Deeds online search portal to access property records digitally. The system has been upgraded in 2025 to provide more user-friendly interfaces and faster search capabilities.

  2. In-Person Visit: Visit the Charleston County Register of Deeds office during business hours to request assistance with property record searches.

  3. GIS Parcel Viewer: Utilize the Geographic Information System (GIS) Parcel Viewer to access property information through interactive maps.

  4. Mobile Applications: In 2025, Charleston County offers mobile applications that allow users to search property records on smartphones and tablets.

  5. Third-Party Services: Various third-party services can conduct property record searches on your behalf, though these typically charge fees.

To conduct an effective search, you'll need specific information such as the property owner's name, property address, or Tax Map Number (TMN).

Charleston County Assessor's Office: 2 Courthouse Square, Charleston, SC 29401

How To Find Property Records in Charleston County Online?

Finding property records online in Charleston County is straightforward:

  1. Visit the Charleston County Register of Deeds website or the County's online services portal.

  2. Select the "Property Records Search" or "Register of Deeds Document Search" option.

  3. Choose your search method:

    • Search by owner name
    • Search by property address
    • Search by Tax Map Number (TMN)
    • Search by document type and date

  4. Enter the required information in the search fields.

  5. Review the search results and select the property record you're interested in.

  6. View, download, or print the property record as needed.

The online system provides access to records dating back several decades, though the most recent records are typically the most complete and accessible.

Can You Look Up Charleston County Property Records for Free?

Yes, you can look up basic Charleston County property records for free. The Charleston County Register of Deeds and the County Assessor's Office provide free online access to basic property information, including:

  • Property owner information
  • Property location and description
  • Recent sales information
  • Tax assessment values
  • Property tax information

However, there may be fees for:

  • Certified copies of documents
  • Extensive research assistance
  • Large volume document requests
  • Specialized property reports
  • Historical records that require manual retrieval

The free online services are designed to provide public access to essential property information, while fees for additional services help cover the costs of maintaining and providing these records.

Charleston County Treasurer's Office: 101 Meeting Street, Suite 240, Charleston, SC 29401

What's Included in a Charleston County Property Record?

A comprehensive Charleston County property record typically includes:

  1. Ownership Information:

    • Current property owner's name
    • Previous property owners
    • Dates of ownership transfers

  2. Property Description:

    • Property address
    • Legal description
    • Lot size and dimensions
    • Building specifications (if applicable)
    • Year built (for structures)

  3. Transaction Details:

    • Sale prices
    • Mortgage information
    • Transfer dates
    • Document recording dates

  4. Tax Information:

    • Property tax assessments
    • Tax payment history
    • Tax exemptions
    • Millage rates

  5. Legal Documents:

    • Deeds
    • Liens
    • Easements
    • Covenants
    • Restrictions

  6. Plat Maps and Surveys:

    • Property boundaries
    • Easements
    • Rights-of-way

  7. Zoning Information:

    • Current zoning classification
    • Permitted uses
    • Zoning restrictions

Charleston County Planning Department: 4045 Bridge View Drive, North Charleston, SC 29405

How Long Does Charleston County Keep Property Records?

Charleston County maintains property records indefinitely for most types of documents. The county has records dating back to the 1700s, though the completeness and accessibility of these records vary depending on their age.

Digital records are typically available for property transactions from the 1980s forward, with continuous improvements to the digital archive adding older records regularly. The county maintains a permanent archive of all property records, with historical records preserved through both physical and digital means.

For research purposes, records are categorized as:

  • Current records (readily accessible online)
  • Recent historical records (may require specific requests)
  • Archival records (may require specialized assistance)

The Register of Deeds office follows state retention schedules for property records, ensuring that these important documents are preserved for future generations.

How To Find Liens on Property In Charleston County?

To find liens on property in Charleston County:

  1. Online Search: Use the Charleston County Register of Deeds online search portal to search for liens by property address, owner name, or Tax Map Number.

  2. Public Index Search: Access the Charleston County Public Index to search for judgments, tax liens, and other encumbrances.

  3. In-Person Visit: Visit the Register of Deeds office to request a lien search, which may provide more comprehensive results.

  4. Title Search: Hire a title company to conduct a professional title search that will reveal all liens and encumbrances.

  5. Tax Records: Check with the Charleston County Treasurer's Office for any tax liens on the property.

Common types of liens you might find include:

  • Mortgage liens
  • Tax liens
  • Judgment liens
  • Mechanic's liens
  • HOA liens

Charleston County Clerk of Court: 100 Broad Street, Suite 106, Charleston, SC 29401

What Is Property Owner Rule In Charleston County?

The Property Owner Rule in Charleston County refers to the legal principle that property owners have certain rights and responsibilities regarding their real estate. This rule encompasses several key aspects:

  1. Ownership Rights: Property owners have the right to use, enjoy, and dispose of their property within the constraints of local laws and regulations.

  2. Public Record Requirement: All property ownership must be recorded with the Charleston County Register of Deeds to establish legal ownership and protect property rights.

  3. Disclosure Requirements: When selling property, owners must disclose certain information about the property's condition and any known defects.

  4. Tax Responsibilities: Property owners are responsible for paying property taxes as assessed by Charleston County.

  5. Compliance with Regulations: Owners must comply with zoning ordinances, building codes, and other local regulations.

  6. Easement and Encroachment Rules: The rule establishes guidelines for handling easements and encroachments on property.

  7. Adverse Possession Provisions: The rule includes provisions related to adverse possession claims in accordance with South Carolina law.

Understanding the Property Owner Rule is essential for anyone who owns or plans to purchase property in Charleston County.

Lookup Property Records in Charleston County

For comprehensive access to Charleston County property records, utilize these official resources:

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