Search Public Records
Cabarrus Public Records /Cabarrus County Property Records

Cabarrus County Property Records

What Is Cabarrus County Property Records

Property records in Cabarrus County are official documents that establish and track the legal ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within county boundaries. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of who owns specific parcels of land and buildings throughout Cabarrus County, North Carolina. The primary purpose of maintaining these records is to establish clear chains of title, provide public notice of property interests, protect property rights, and facilitate real estate transactions.

Pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 47-18, all instruments affecting title to real property must be recorded with the county Register of Deeds to be effective against third parties. This statutory requirement ensures that all property ownership changes, liens, easements, and other encumbrances are properly documented and accessible to the public.

Property records in Cabarrus County include:

  • Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, special warranty)
  • Mortgages and deeds of trust
  • Satisfaction of mortgages
  • Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
  • Easements and right-of-way agreements
  • Plats and surveys
  • Restrictive covenants
  • Foreclosure documents

The Cabarrus County Register of Deeds maintains these records and makes them available to the public through both in-person services and online access systems.

Cabarrus County Register of Deeds
65 Church Street SE
Concord, NC 28025
704-920-2112
Cabarrus County Register of Deeds

Are Property Records Public Information In Cabarrus County?

Property records in Cabarrus County are public information and accessible to all citizens under North Carolina law. The North Carolina Public Records Act § 132-1 establishes that public records, including property records, shall be "the property of the people." This statute explicitly defines public records to include all documents made or received 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 rests on several important principles:

  1. Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
  2. Recording statutes require public access to ensure notice to all potential parties
  3. Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest
  4. Public access facilitates commerce and protects property rights

Any member of the public may access property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for their request. This open access policy applies to all property records maintained by Cabarrus County offices, including the Register of Deeds, Tax Assessor, and Planning Department.

While property records are public, certain personal information may be redacted in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes § 132-1.10, which protects social security numbers, bank account information, and other sensitive personal data from public disclosure.

How To Search Property Records in Cabarrus County in 2026

Searching property records in Cabarrus County can be accomplished through several methods, depending on the specific information needed and the searcher's preference. The county offers both in-person and online options for accessing property records.

For in-person searches:

  1. Visit the Cabarrus County Register of Deeds office during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
  2. Complete a records request form available at the public counter
  3. Provide specific information about the property (address, owner name, parcel number)
  4. Staff will assist in locating the requested records
  5. Pay applicable fees for copies ($1.00 for the first page, $0.25 for each additional page)

For telephone requests:

  1. Contact the Register of Deeds office at 704-920-2112
  2. Provide specific information about the property records needed
  3. Staff can verify availability of records and provide guidance on access methods
  4. Copies can be mailed for an additional fee

The county also offers specialized assistance for complex property record searches through the Register of Deeds office. Professional title searchers and attorneys frequently utilize these services when conducting thorough title examinations.

Cabarrus County Register of Deeds
65 Church Street SE
Concord, NC 28025
704-920-2112
Cabarrus County Register of Deeds

How To Find Property Records in Cabarrus County Online?

Cabarrus County provides comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms. These online resources allow users to search and retrieve property information without visiting county offices in person.

To access property records online:

  1. Visit the Cabarrus County Register of Deeds official website
  2. Select "Search Records Online" from the available options
  3. Create a free user account if required (for certain advanced features)
  4. Choose the appropriate search method:
    • Property address
    • Owner name
    • Parcel identification number (PIN)
    • Book and page number
    • Instrument number
  5. Enter the search criteria and submit the query
  6. Review the search results and select specific documents to view
  7. Download or print documents as needed (fees may apply for certain documents)

The Cabarrus County GIS Mapping System provides additional property information, including:

  • Property boundaries
  • Zoning classifications
  • Flood zones
  • Tax assessment values
  • Building footprints
  • Aerial photography

For tax-related property information, the Cabarrus County Tax Administration website offers online access to:

  • Property tax bills
  • Payment history
  • Current assessed values
  • Tax rates
  • Property characteristics

The City of Concord Planning Department also maintains online records related to zoning, land use, and development permits for properties within city limits.

How To Look Up Cabarrus County Property Records for Free?

Cabarrus County offers several free options for accessing basic property records. These no-cost resources provide essential information about property ownership, values, and characteristics without requiring payment.

Free property record access methods include:

  1. Public Access Terminals: Located at the Register of Deeds office, these computer terminals allow visitors to search property records at no charge. While viewing is free, printing documents incurs standard copy fees.

  2. Cabarrus County Property Records Search: The county's online property records portal provides free access to basic property information, including:

    • Current owner name
    • Property address
    • Legal description
    • Recent sales information
    • Property tax assessment
  3. Cabarrus County Tax Records: The Tax Administration website offers free access to property tax information, including current assessed values and tax bills. According to the City of Concord Tax Collections department, residents receive one consolidated tax bill that includes both city and county taxes.

  4. Cabarrus County GIS Maps: The county's Geographic Information System provides free access to interactive property maps showing boundaries, dimensions, and basic ownership information.

  5. Public Libraries: The Cabarrus County Public Library system offers free internet access where residents can use the county's online property record systems at no charge.

While basic property information is available at no cost, certain specialized searches or document copies may require payment of statutory fees. Additionally, certified copies of property records always incur the standard certification fee as established by North Carolina law.

What's Included in a Cabarrus County Property Record?

Property records in Cabarrus County contain comprehensive information about real property within the county's jurisdiction. These records distinguish between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable assets), with different county offices maintaining specific types of records.

A typical Cabarrus County property record includes:

  • Ownership Information

    • Current owner name(s)
    • Previous owner history
    • Date of acquisition
    • Type of ownership (individual, joint tenancy, tenancy in common)
  • Property Identification

    • Legal description
    • Parcel identification number (PIN)
    • Street address
    • Subdivision name (if applicable)
    • Lot and block numbers
  • Transaction Details

    • Sale price
    • Date of transaction
    • Type of deed
    • Recording information (book/page numbers)
    • Documentary stamp tax paid
  • Property Characteristics

    • Land area (acreage or square footage)
    • Building size and dimensions
    • Year built
    • Construction type
    • Number of rooms/bedrooms/bathrooms
    • Heating and cooling systems
    • Special features or improvements
  • Financial Information

    • Assessed value
    • Tax appraisal amount
    • Annual property tax
    • Mortgage information
    • Liens or encumbrances
  • Land Use Information

    • Zoning classification
    • Permitted uses
    • Restrictions or covenants
    • Easements or rights-of-way

Pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 47-14, all recorded instruments must meet specific standards for content and format to be accepted by the Register of Deeds. These requirements ensure consistency and completeness of property records throughout the county.

Multiple county offices maintain different aspects of property records:

  • Register of Deeds: ownership documents, deeds, mortgages
  • Tax Assessor: valuation, tax assessment, property characteristics
  • Planning Department: zoning, land use, development permits
  • Building Inspections: construction permits, certificates of occupancy

How Long Does Cabarrus County Keep Property Records?

Cabarrus County maintains property records permanently in accordance with North Carolina's records retention requirements. The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources establishes retention schedules for all county records, including property documents, through its Government Records Section.

The permanent retention of property records is mandated by North Carolina General Statutes § 161-14, which requires Registers of Deeds to preserve all books and records in their custody. This ensures that the complete chain of title for all properties remains available indefinitely.

Specific retention periods for various property-related documents include:

  • Deeds and conveyances: Permanent
  • Mortgages and deeds of trust: Permanent
  • Plats and surveys: Permanent
  • Easements and right-of-way agreements: Permanent
  • Property tax records: Minimum 10 years, with permanent retention of tax scrolls
  • Building permits: Life of structure plus 6 years
  • Zoning decisions: Permanent
  • Property appraisals: Current plus previous revaluation cycle

The county employs multiple preservation methods to ensure the longevity of property records:

  1. Digitization of historical documents
  2. Climate-controlled storage for original paper records
  3. Microfilm backup of essential records
  4. Electronic backup systems with off-site storage
  5. Regular condition assessments of older documents

The North Carolina Judicial Branch maintains additional property-related records through the Cabarrus County Courthouse, including judgments, liens, and other court orders affecting property rights.

How To Find Liens on Property In Cabarrus County?

Locating liens on property in Cabarrus County requires searching several different record systems, as various types of liens may be recorded with different county offices. A comprehensive lien search should include multiple sources to ensure all encumbrances are identified.

To search for liens on Cabarrus County property:

  1. Register of Deeds Office: Search the grantor/grantee index for:

    • Mortgage liens
    • Deed of trust liens
    • Mechanic's liens
    • Materialman's liens
    • Federal tax liens
    • State tax liens
  2. Clerk of Superior Court: Search for:

    • Judgment liens
    • Child support liens
    • Lis pendens notices
    • Attachments
  3. Tax Administration Office: Check for:

    • Property tax liens
    • Special assessment liens
    • Municipal tax liens
  4. Homeowners Association: Contact the relevant HOA for:

    • Association assessment liens
    • Covenant violation liens

Online searches can be conducted through:

For the most comprehensive results, many professionals recommend conducting an in-person search at the county offices or hiring a title company to perform a thorough lien search. According to the Cabarrus Property Tax Bills information, tax liens are based on the assessed value of property and property tax rates set by county and municipal officials.

Cabarrus County Clerk of Superior Court
77 Union Street S
Concord, NC 28025
704-262-5500
Cabarrus County Clerk of Court

What Is Property Owner Rule In Cabarrus County?

The Property Owner Rule in Cabarrus County refers to the legal principles governing property ownership, rights, and responsibilities within the county. These rules are derived from North Carolina state law and local ordinances that establish the framework for property ownership.

Key aspects of the Property Owner Rule include:

  1. Recording Requirement: Pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 47-18, all instruments affecting title to real property must be recorded with the Register of Deeds to be effective against third parties. This "race recording" statute means that the first properly recorded document generally has priority over later recordings.

  2. Ownership Types: Cabarrus County recognizes several forms of property ownership:

    • Fee simple (complete ownership)
    • Joint tenancy with right of survivorship
    • Tenancy in common
    • Tenancy by the entirety (for married couples)
    • Life estates
  3. Property Tax Responsibility: Property owners are legally responsible for paying annual property taxes based on the assessed value of their property. The Cabarrus County Tax Administration bills and collects these taxes, which fund county services and schools.

  4. Disclosure Requirements: When selling property, owners must complete the North Carolina Residential Property Disclosure Statement, revealing known material defects to potential buyers.

  5. Zoning Compliance: Property owners must adhere to zoning regulations established by the Cabarrus County Planning Department or municipal planning departments like the City of Concord Planning Department.

  6. Adverse Possession: Under North Carolina law, a person who openly occupies property for 20 years (or 7 years under color of title) may gain ownership through adverse possession if specific legal requirements are met.

  7. Eminent Domain: Government entities in Cabarrus County have the authority to acquire private property for public use through eminent domain, provided they pay just compensation to the owner.

  8. Restrictive Covenants: Many properties in Cabarrus County are subject to restrictive covenants that limit how the property can be used. These covenants run with the land and bind future owners.

Property owners should consult with qualified legal professionals regarding specific property rights questions, as the application of these rules can vary based on individual circumstances and property location within the county.

Lookup Property Records in Cabarrus County

City of Concord Tax Collections

Cabarrus County Court Services

Concord Planning Department

Cabarrus Property Tax Information