Search New Hanover County, NC Property Records

Property records in New Hanover County, North Carolina, are managed at the county and municipal levels. County offices preserve recorded real estate instruments and administer assessments, billing, and collection of ad valorem taxes. Municipalities each handle certain local functions such as zoning enforcement and building permits within their incorporated limits.

The county's real estate market is among the most active in coastal North Carolina. The median home value in the county stands at $318,100.00, while the median rent is $1,297.50. The median household income is $76,091.50, and the median real estate tax paid by property owners is 0.62%.

In New Hanover County, NC, property records are generally available through multiple channels. Individuals may visit offices in person during business hours or submit requests by mail. Email and phone inquiries are likewise accepted for general questions about available records.

Online access is also available for most users. However, individuals must know what type of record they need before proceeding.

For assessment data, tax history, and parcel characterisitcs, the Real Estate Search is the go-to starting point. Recorded legal instruments, such as deeds, mortgages, and liens, are indexed separately through the Online Public Records Search platform.

Those who prefer not to navigate multiple county platforms can use PropertyChecker to consolidate property-related data into a single, searchable interface. It is a convenient option for viewing a property's background before pulling specific documents from official sources.

Running a successful search usually comes down to having the right identifiers ready. A street address works for most general lookups, while a parcel identification number (PIN) tends to return the most precise results. Owner name searches are also supported, but may return multiple records when common names are involved.

Note that older records may not appear in online indexes and could require an in-person visit for complete results. Newly recorded documents may not appear in search results immediately. Also, certain record categories are restricted under North Carolina statutes and are not accessible to the general public.

Property Ownership and Title Information

In New Hanover County, the Register of Deeds maintains property ownership and title information. Records include deeds, liens, mortgages, plats, and related filings that document ownership history and legal interests. Together, they confirm title status and disclose encumbrances or defects that may place a cloud on the property’s ownership.

Public access is available through the Online Public Records Search. Individuals may also request copies or conduct searches in person at the office using available public terminals.

Property Sales and Transaction History

Those seeking sales and transaction histories of New Hanover County properties can consult the Register of Deeds. This office houses recorded deed instruments that document each transfer of ownership. Upon reviewing these records, individuals can trace conveyances, identify the parties involved, and confirm when transactions were officially recorded.

PropertyChecker enhances this process by delivering consolidated transaction summaries. Users can access structured data that highlights previous sale dates, recorded values, ownership progression, and transaction activity.

Property Tax Assessment and Payment Records

Property tax assessment and payment records in New Hanover County are accessible online through two main tools. The Real Estate Search can provide information on assessed values, charges, and tax billing history. Meanwhile, the Property Assessment Search offers users specific valuation details prepared by property tax assessors.

For those who prefer in-person access, the Tax Department provides records directly at its office. Individuals can review assessment rolls, tax statements, and parcel information with the assistance of department staff.

If a property owner believes an assessment is inaccurate, they may file a formal appeal. This process requires submitting an online tax appeal form before the appeals deadline, which is typically mid-May.

Property Characteristics and Parcel Details

Property characteristics in New Hanover County are retrievable online via the Real Estate Search and Property Assessment Search. These tools allow property parcel searches by owner name, parcel ID, or address. Depending on availability, these tools can return parcel size, land use, building type, number of stories, square footage, year built, and other structural features.

If the online systems do not provide sufficient information, individuals may contact the Tax Department directly, where staff can provide the latest parcel details, including any improvements.

Zoning, Land Use, and Planning Records

The County Planning and Land Use Department manages all records related to zoning, land use, and planning in unincorporated areas of New Hanover County.

The department provides online access to documents such as the Unified Development Ordinance, the Future Land Use Map, and rezoning cases. Additional records, including site plans, subdivision approvals, conditional use permits, and other development-related documents, can be reviewed in person at the department’s office.

For incorporated municipalities, zoning and planning records are maintained locally by the respective municipal offices. Individuals must contact their municipal office directly, as these offices have exclusive jurisdiction over land use regulations, development approvals, and zoning applications within their boundaries.

Legal Documents Affecting Property

Legal documents affecting real property in New Hanover County are maintained by the Register of Deeds. Common types of these records include deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, lis pendens notices, and restrictive covenants. These can help identify property ownership and any claims or restrictions on the title.

Access to these instruments is facilitated by the Online Public Records Search, which indexes filings by grantor and grantee name, recording date, and document type. For older or more detailed records, individuals may visit the office in person. Note that office staff can only guide individuals in retrieving records, but they do not perform title searches or provide legal advice.

Building Permits, Inspections, and Construction Records

Building-related records in New Hanover County are accessed differently depending on the property’s location.

In unincorporated areas, the County Building Safety Department manages permits and inspection records. All permits are submitted through the Customer Online Application and Services Tool (COAST), which also serves as the public database for searching issued permits. Inspection requests and inspection status tracking are handled through the same portal.

Within incorporated municipalities, local building departments manage their own permits and construction records. For example, the Kure Beach Department of Development and Compliance oversees permitting, inspections, and recordkeeping within its city limits. Residents can access records and request information directly through the municipal office.

Maps and Visual Property Data

New Hanover County provides access to maps and visual property data through its interactive Basic Map, which covers nearly 112,000 county parcels.

In this tool, users may view parcel boundaries, tax identification numbers, property dimensions, zoning, and aerial imagery. Additional layers, such as roads and land use, are also available, which may help individuals better understand surrounding features and infrastructure.

In addition, the county's More Maps page provides access to additional mapping tools that can visualize property details and geographic and land-use patterns across the county. These resources can range from zoning boundaries and land development characteristics to contour lines and elevations.

Displayed here are charts summarizing the county's tax rates, accompanied by insights into median home values, income figures, and rent rates.

Median Rent

$1,297.50

North Carolina	$846.75
National	$840.25

• +53.2 %
  vs North Carolina
• +54.4 %
  vs National

Median Home Value

$318,100.00

North Carolina	$176,900.00
National	$173,750.00

• +79.8 %
  vs North Carolina
• +83.1 %
  vs National

Median Household Income

$76,091.50

North Carolina	$57,889.50
National	$65,108.00

• +31.4 %
  vs North Carolina
• +16.9 %
  vs National

Median Property Tax Rate

0.62%

North Carolina	0.72%
National	0.74%

• -13.9%
  vs North Carolina
• -16.2 %
  vs National

Unemployment Rate

2.6%

North Carolina	3.02%
National	2.87%

• -13.9 %
  vs North Carolina
• -9.4 %
  vs National

Renter Occupied Housing

25.85%

North Carolina	25.4%
National	21.81%

• +1.8 %
  vs North Carolina
• +18.5 %
  vs National

The Register of Deeds functions as the official custodian of all real estate-related public documents filed within the county. The office records and indexes deeds, mortgages, subdivision and condominium plats, liens, restrictive covenants, easements, and related documents. Some records on file date as far back as the county's establishment in 1729.

This office serves as a key resource that helps multiple county agencies manage property and development efficiently. The Tax Department uses its instruments in property assessments and billing. At the same time, the Planning and Land Use Department relies on recorded plats and legal descriptions to oversee zoning compliance, subdivision, and development projects.

Most recently recorded instruments are accessible at the Online Public Records Search portal. However, historical records are only available for in-person visits to the main or satellite office. Mail requests can also be sent to the main office, along with a check and a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Fees are $0.25 per page for plain copies. Certified documents cost $5 for the first page plus $2 per additional page. For map copy charges and other fee details, navigate the Register of Deeds Fees.

New Hanover County is home to four municipalities. While the county oversees most major property records, each municipal government manages zoning, land-use planning, and other property-related responsibilities within its boundaries.

The county’s municipalities are listed below, with links to their official government websites for easy reference.

• Carolina Beach
• Kure Beach
• Wilmington City
• Wrightsville Beach