How To Search for Winston-Salem Property Records

Checking property records before buying or investing in real estate is very important. Public property records provide valuable details, such as ownership history, tax assessments, liens, zoning data, and legal filings, all of which can help you make informed decisions. Property records are public information in Winston-Salem, meaning anyone can view them or request copies. The key is knowing where to look. Below, we've listed available resources that you can use to search for Winston-Salem property records.

Forsyth County Register of Deeds Office

The Forsyth County Register of Deeds is the official custodian of records relating to the ownership and transfer of real property in Winston-Salem. These records include deeds, mortgages, plats, liens, and foreclosures. The register's office provides an online record search system that you can use to look up these records by name, book/page number, document type, and other criteria. You can also visit the Register of Deeds office at 201 N. Chestnut St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101 to search for and obtain copies of the necessary records in person or call the office at (336) 703-2700 for general inquiries and assistance.

Forsyth County Tax Administration

The Forsyth County Tax Administration Department is responsible for managing all aspects of property taxation in the City of Winston-Salem, including valuing property and collecting tax payments. This makes the department a key resource for property records, such as ownership records, assessed values, property descriptions, tax payment histories, and much more. The tax administration department provides several search tools on its website that you can use to look up this information; just click on the "online tools" subheading at the top of the site and select your preferred search tool. You can also visit its office at 201 N. Chestnut St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101, if you prefer to access these records in person, or call (336) 703-2300 for general inquiries and assistance.

Forsyth County Court

The Forsyth County Court is another great source for property records, especially information related to legal actions involving property, such as foreclosures, liens, title issues, and civil judgments. You can access these documents online through the court's website or using the North Carolina Judicial Branch's eCourts portal. You can also get certified copies of these records in person at the Forsyth County Courthouse, located at 175 N. Chestnut Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101. Note that copy fees may apply.

Winston-Salem property taxes are the primary source of funding for local government services, such as police and fire departments, public schools, emergency response, roads, parks, libraries, public transit, and more. The Forsyth County Tax Administration Department is responsible for assessing values, calculating tax bills, and collecting payments for all real property in the city. Assessments are based on a property's market value, which is determined using standard appraisal methods such as the sales comparison approach, cost approach, and income approach. Properties are reassessed every four years to ensure that assessed values reflect current market trends and that taxes are fair and consistent. Your property tax will be based on the property's assessed value and a tax rate determined by the Winston-Salem City Council and the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners.

Property tax bills are generally mailed out in July, and payments must be made by January 5th of the following year. Late payments are subject to a 2% penalty after this date, with an additional 0.75% interest charged monthly. If the taxes remain unpaid, a lien might be placed on the home, which can eventually lead to foreclosure. The Forsyth County Tax Department offers multiple options for paying your property taxes. These include online, by mail, in person at the tax administration office, and by phone, by calling 1-833-658-9507 (you must have your tax account number, bank routing transit number, and checking account number on hand for this option).

Assessments

The Forsyth County Tax Administration Department assesses real properties in Winston-Salem every four years through a process known as a "reappraisal". This involves using data from recent comparable sales, neighborhood trends, and individual property characteristics to establish fair market value. The most recent reappraisal in Winston-Salem was completed in 2025, with the new assessed values effective January 1, 2025. The next reappraisal for the city (and Forsyth County as a whole) is scheduled for 2029.

A property's assessed value typically remains unchanged during the four-year period between reappraisals unless significant improvements or new construction prompt a reassessment. Property owners are usually mailed reappraisal notices informing them of their new assessed values within the first two weeks of February in a reappraisal year or immediately following an off-cycle reassessment. If you disagree with your property's assessment, you can contact the tax administration office for an informal review. If you are still unsatisfied after this, you can submit a formal appeal to the Forsyth County Board of Equalization and Review (BOER). This must be done on or before June 30th. Appeals are most common during reappraisal years, but they're also allowed in non-reappraisal years if there's strong evidence that supports a lower valuation, such as a recent appraisal or significant property damage. You can call the Forsyth Tax Administration Department at (336) 703-2300 for more information.

Appraisals

Winston-Salem assessments work similarly to appraisals. They both determine the fair market value of property by comparing similar properties with others in the local area that have sold recently. In cases of odd structures or new construction, the county may call upon an appraiser to help determine the value. Estate planners, courts, and lenders also use appraisals to value real property.

Tax Rates

The median effective tax rate in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is 1.31%, which is higher than both the national median of 1.02% and the North Carolina state median of 0.82%. However, the average annual tax bill in the city is $1,718, which is lower than the national average of $2,400 by $682.

Here's a look at how Winston-Salem's tax rate compares to other counties in North Carolina:

• Brunswick County 0.43%
• Chatham County 0.85%
• Clay County 0.46%
• Durham County 1.31%
• Gates County 1.03%
• Guilford County 1.35%
• Mecklenburg County 0.61%
• Pitt County 1.17%
• Randolph County 0.68%
• Robeson County 0.87%
• Sampson County 0.92%
• Union County 0.67%
• Washington County 1.05%

Exemptions

While property tax rates in Winston-Salem may be slightly higher than state and national averages, the city's average annual tax bill remains below the national median, mostly due to the area's relatively lower home values. Still, some homeowners may find it difficult to keep up with tax payments. Thankfully, Forsyth County offers relief programs that can ease the tax burden for certain eligible homeowners. These include:

• Elderly or Homestead Exclusion: Available for residents aged 65 and older or totally and permanently disabled, with income below a certain threshold. This program excludes either the first $25,000 or 50% of their home's appraised value from taxation, whichever is greater.
• Disabled Veteran Exclusion: Provides a $45,000 reduction in taxable value for the homes of honorably discharged veterans who are 100% permanently service-connected disabled. This benefit also extends to their unmarried surviving spouses.

You can contact the Forsyth County Tax Administration Department for more information on available tax relief programs, including eligibility or application procedures.

Permits are typically required for all new construction and most building renovations in Winston-Salem. Exceptions may be made for cosmetic work and minor repairs, like painting, installing flooring, or replacing cabinets, as long as the work does not impact the building's structure or systems. The Winston-Salem Inspections Division handles the city's permitting process. You can use the division's website to apply for permits, submit plans, schedule inspections, and more. You can also visit the division's permit office at the Bryce A. Stuart Municipal Building, 100 E. First Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, for in-person services. Note that you will first need to schedule an appointment by calling (336) 727-2624 before your visit.

Common types of permits issued in Winston-Salem include:

• Building Permits: Required for construction, structural modifications, or changes in use.

  • Single-Family Building Permits: For the construction or major alteration of single-family residential homes.
  • Commercial and Multifamily Building Permits: For the construction, renovation, or expansion of buildings used for business, institutional, or multi-unit residential purposes.

• Trade/Specialty Permits: Required for specific types of work that involve technical systems or skilled trades.

  • Electrical Permits: For installing, upgrading, or modifying wiring, panels, outlets, and electrical systems.
  • Mechanical Permits: For work on HVAC systems, ductwork, ventilation equipment, and other mechanical systems.
  • Plumbing Permits: For installing or repairing water lines, sewer systems, fixtures, drainage components, and other plumbing-related work.

When applying for any of these permits, you must submit the proper documentation (building plans, blueprints, contractor licenses, materials lists, etc.). You must also pay the appropriate fee.

Building inspections are part of the permit process, and they ensure that the work complies with local building and safety codes. You can schedule an inspection through the online portal or in person at the office during regular business hours.

Historically known as the "Camel City" for its iconic R.J. Reynolds Tobacco legacy and the "Twin City" for the merger of Winston and Salem, Winston-Salem is the fifth-largest city in North Carolina and the second most populous in the state's Piedmont Triad region. While the city is traditionally associated with the textile and tobacco industries, it has since transitioned into a hub for healthcare, education, technology, and finance. Winston-Salem is home to several major institutions and historic landmarks, including Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem State University, and the only Shell Service Station still standing in the country. Cultural attractions like the historic Old Salem district, Reynolda House Museum of American Art, and the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art (SECCA) also showcase the city's artistic spirit and colonial roots.

Winston-Salem, North Carolina, has a population of 249,545 residents. The city has 116,276 housing units, with 108,695 of these occupied and 7,581 vacant, indicating an occupancy rate of approximately 93.5%. The city offers a wide range of housing options, such as single-family homes, townhouses, condos, and apartments. Common housing styles include Craftsman, Colonial and Georgian Revival, Ranch, Modern, Contemporary, Victorian, and Tudor. The average price of a house in Winston-Salem, NC, is $257,040, which represents a 1.0% decrease from previous years. Note that actual prices may vary significantly based on the area in the city. Here are a few examples of average house prices in different neighborhoods across Winston-Salem:

• South Park $152,546
• South Marshall $352,566
• Washington Park $225,278
• West Salem $242,828
• Wachovia Highlands $194,316

The Winston-Salem, North Carolina, real estate market is competitive. Home prices in the city have shown modest but steady growth, fueled by strong buyer demand, limited inventory, relative affordability (compared to larger cities), and continued job opportunities across healthcare, research, and manufacturing sectors. Listed homes typically go under contract in around 15 days, and over 31% of listings sell above asking price.