Buncombe County Property Records
What Is Buncombe County Property Records
Buncombe County property records are official documents that establish and track the legal ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within the county's jurisdiction. These records serve as the authoritative source for determining property ownership and interests throughout Buncombe County, North Carolina. Property records encompass a comprehensive collection of documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, plats, and other instruments affecting real property rights.
The primary purposes of maintaining property records include:
- Establishing legal ownership and chain of title
- 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
Pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 161-14, the Register of Deeds is responsible for recording and maintaining these vital records. The statute mandates specific requirements for document recording, including format standards and indexing protocols to ensure accessibility and preservation.
The Buncombe County Register of Deeds maintains the official repository of property records, with documents dating back to the county's formation in the late 1700s. These records document the complete history of land ownership and development throughout the county, providing an unbroken chain of title for all real property.
Buncombe County Register of Deeds
205 College Street, Suite 100
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 250-4300
Register of Deeds
Are Property Records Public Information In Buncombe County?
Property records in Buncombe County are public information and accessible to all citizens under North Carolina law. The public nature of these records is established by both state statutes and common law principles governing transparency in government records and real property ownership.
North Carolina's Public Records Law, codified in North Carolina General Statutes § 132-1, explicitly defines public records to include "all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, photographs, films, sound recordings, magnetic or other tapes, electronic data-processing records, artifacts, or other documentary material, regardless of physical form or characteristics, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance in connection with the transaction of public business by any agency of North Carolina government or its subdivisions."
The legal basis for public access to property records includes:
- Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
- Recording statutes require public accessibility to provide constructive notice
- Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest
- Public access facilitates real estate transactions and property development
Any member of the public may access Buncombe County property records without demonstrating a specific interest or providing a reason for their request. This open access policy applies to both in-person requests at county offices and online access through the county's digital platforms.
The Buncombe County Land Records department maintains property records for taxation, public inquiry, and legal research purposes. These records are accessible through various platforms, including in-person visits, online databases, and official requests.
How To Search Property Records in Buncombe County in 2026
Buncombe County offers multiple methods for searching property records. Members of the public may utilize the following procedures to access property information:
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Online Search Portal
- Navigate to the Buncombe County Tax Lookup portal
- Enter search criteria such as owner name, property address, or parcel identification number (PIN)
- Review search results and select the property of interest
- Access detailed property information including ownership history, tax assessment values, and property characteristics
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In-Person Research
- Visit the Buncombe County Register of Deeds office during regular business hours
- Request assistance from staff to access physical records or use public computer terminals
- Provide specific property information to facilitate the search
- Review documents on-site and request copies as needed
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GIS Mapping System
- Access the Buncombe County GIS interactive mapping system
- Use the map interface to locate properties visually
- Click on parcels to view basic property information
- Follow links to access more detailed property records
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Written Request
- Submit a formal written request to the Register of Deeds office
- Include specific information about the property and records being requested
- Provide contact information for response
- Include applicable fees for document reproduction
The county currently maintains a comprehensive reappraisal initiative called MyValueBC for the upcoming reappraisal cycle. This program provides additional property valuation information and is accessible through the Tax Department website.
Buncombe County Tax Department
94 Coxe Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 250-4910
Tax Department
How To Find Property Records in Buncombe County Online?
Buncombe County provides comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms. These resources allow users to search, view, and in some cases, download property documents without visiting county offices. The following steps outline the process for finding property records online:
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Register of Deeds Online Search
- Visit the Buncombe County Register of Deeds website
- Select the "Search Records" option
- Create a free account or log in as a guest user
- Search by name, document type, date range, or book and page number
- View document images and print or save copies as needed
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Tax Department Property Search
- Access the Buncombe County Tax Lookup portal
- Search by owner name, property address, or parcel identification number
- Review property details including ownership information, tax values, and property characteristics
- Access tax payment history and current tax status
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GIS Property Mapping
- Navigate to the Buncombe County GIS portal
- Use the interactive map to locate properties
- Click on parcels to view property information
- Access links to related property records and tax information
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Land Records Database
- Visit the Land Records department website
- Select the appropriate search tool based on the information needed
- Enter search criteria to locate specific properties
- Review property boundaries, subdivision information, and related documents
When using online search tools, users should note that while most records are available digitally, some historical documents may only be accessible in person at the Register of Deeds office. Additionally, certain specialized records may require assistance from county staff to locate and interpret.
How To Look Up Buncombe County Property Records for Free?
Buncombe County provides several free options for accessing property records. These no-cost resources allow citizens, researchers, and real estate professionals to obtain essential property information without incurring fees. The following methods are available for free property record searches:
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Public Access Computers
- Visit the Register of Deeds office or county libraries
- Use designated public terminals to access the complete property records database
- Search by name, property address, or parcel number
- View documents and property information at no charge
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Online Basic Search
- Access the Buncombe County Tax Lookup website
- Conduct basic property searches using owner name, address, or parcel ID
- View fundamental property information including ownership, tax value, and property characteristics
- Access tax payment history and current tax status
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GIS Mapping Resources
- Use the Buncombe County GIS interactive mapping system
- Navigate the map to locate properties of interest
- View basic property information by clicking on parcels
- Access property dimensions, zoning information, and flood zone data
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Real Estate Assessment Records
- Visit the Tax Assessment department website
- Search property assessment records by various criteria
- Review property valuation information and assessment history
- Access information about property tax exemptions and special classifications
While basic property record searches are free, users should be aware that fees may apply for certain services such as:
- Printed copies of documents (typically $1-$5 per page)
- Certified copies of records ($5-$10 per document)
- Bulk data requests or specialized research assistance
- Expedited search services
The Real Estate division of the Tax Department also provides free access to property tax exemption information and assessment records that can supplement property ownership research.
What's Included in a Buncombe County Property Record?
Buncombe County property records contain comprehensive information about real property within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained by multiple county offices, including the Register of Deeds, Tax Department, and Land Records division. The content of property records varies by document type but typically includes the following elements:
Deed Records:
- Names of grantors (sellers) and grantees (buyers)
- Legal description of the property
- Date of property transfer
- Sale price or consideration amount
- Deed type (warranty, quitclaim, special warranty)
- Notarization and witness information
- Recording information (book and page number)
Tax Records:
- Parcel identification number (PIN)
- Property owner name and mailing address
- Property location and physical address
- Land and building values
- Tax assessment history
- Property tax exemptions or special classifications
- Tax payment history
Land Records:
- Plat maps and surveys
- Subdivision information
- Property boundaries and dimensions
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Zoning classifications
- Flood zone designations
Encumbrance Records:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
- Restrictive covenants
- Homeowners association documents
- Conservation easements
It is important to distinguish between real property records (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property records (movable assets like vehicles, equipment, and business inventory). While both are maintained by Buncombe County, they are handled by different departments and subject to different recording requirements under North Carolina General Statutes § 105-302.
The Tax Collections department maintains records of property tax payments, which can provide additional information about property ownership and financial encumbrances.
How Long Does Buncombe County Keep Property Records?
Buncombe County maintains property records permanently, with retention periods governed by North Carolina state law and county retention schedules. The longevity of these records ensures an unbroken chain of title and provides historical documentation of property ownership throughout the county's history.
The retention periods for various property-related documents include:
- Deed Records: Permanent retention
- Mortgage and Lien Documents: Permanent retention of the record, though the encumbrance itself may be satisfied and released
- Tax Assessment Records: Permanent retention of core assessment data; supporting documentation retained for 3-10 years depending on type
- Plats and Surveys: Permanent retention
- Building Permits and Inspections: Minimum 6 years after completion; permanent for historically significant structures
- Property Tax Payment Records: 10 years after payment or resolution
The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources establishes records retention schedules for county governments under North Carolina General Statutes § 121-5. These schedules mandate minimum retention periods, though Buncombe County often exceeds these requirements, particularly for property ownership records.
The Register of Deeds office maintains property records dating back to the county's formation in the late 1700s. These historical records provide valuable information for title research, historical studies, and genealogical research. The county has undertaken extensive digitization efforts to preserve these records and make them more accessible to the public.
While most property records are retained permanently, users should be aware that supporting documentation and administrative records may have shorter retention periods. Additionally, the format of older records may vary, with some historical documents available only on microfilm or as original paper documents.
How To Find Liens on Property In Buncombe County?
Locating liens on property in Buncombe County requires searching several different record sources, as various types of liens may be recorded with different county departments. The following methods can be used to identify liens and encumbrances affecting real property:
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Register of Deeds Search
- Visit the Recording division website
- Search by property owner name or property description
- Review index of recorded documents for liens, including:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Mechanic's liens
- Judgment liens
- Federal and state tax liens
- Homeowners association liens
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Tax Department Search
- Access the Tax Collections website
- Search by parcel number or property address
- Review tax payment status to identify potential tax liens
- Check for special assessments or other governmental charges
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Clerk of Superior Court
- Contact the Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court
- Request a search of judgment dockets
- Identify any court judgments that may constitute liens against property
- Review pending litigation that could affect property interests
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Title Search
- Consider engaging a professional title searcher or attorney
- Request a comprehensive title search that will identify all recorded liens
- Obtain a title report summarizing all encumbrances
- Consider purchasing title insurance for complete protection
When searching for liens, it is important to search under all current and previous property owners' names, as some liens may attach to the property owner rather than the property itself. Additionally, certain liens may not be immediately visible in public records if they have been recently filed but not yet indexed.
Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court
60 Court Plaza
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 259-3400
Clerk of Superior Court
What Is Property Owner Rule In Buncombe County?
The Property Owner Rule in Buncombe County refers to a set of regulations and responsibilities that govern property ownership within the county. These rules are established by state law, county ordinances, and administrative policies that collectively define the rights and obligations of property owners.
Key components of the Property Owner Rule include:
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Property Tax Responsibility
- Property owners are legally responsible for paying all applicable property taxes
- Under North Carolina General Statutes § 105-355, property taxes become a lien on real property as of January 1 each year
- Tax bills are typically mailed in August and due by January 5 of the following year
- Failure to receive a tax bill does not relieve the owner of responsibility to pay taxes
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Property Listing Requirements
- Property owners must list all taxable property with the county during the annual listing period (January 1-31)
- New construction, improvements, and property transfers must be reported to the Tax Assessment department
- Failure to properly list property may result in penalties and back taxes
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Recording Requirements
- All documents affecting property interests must be recorded with the Register of Deeds
- Documents must meet specific formatting requirements established by state law
- Recording provides constructive notice to the public of property interests
- Unrecorded documents may be valid between parties but may not be enforceable against third parties
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Property Maintenance Responsibilities
- Property owners must maintain their property in compliance with county health and safety codes
- Owners are responsible for addressing nuisance conditions, including overgrowth, debris, and unsafe structures
- Failure to maintain property may result in code enforcement actions and potential fines
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Tax Exemption Burden of Proof
- Property owners seeking tax exemptions bear the burden of proving eligibility
- Applications for exemptions must be filed during the statutory period
- Documentation supporting exemption claims must be provided upon request
The Property Owner Rule also encompasses regulations regarding property transfers, which require proper documentation and recording to establish legal ownership. All property transfers must be documented through appropriate instruments (deeds, etc.) and recorded with the Register of Deeds to provide public notice and establish legal title.
Lookup Property Records in Buncombe County
Tax Assessment information and property valuation
Search property records and tax information
Access land records and mapping data
Interactive GIS mapping system
Tax Department resources and services
Tax collection information and payment options
Real estate assessment and exemption information
Property details and tax lookup example