South Carolina Property Records
South Carolina is proud to have one of the tallest Ferris wheels in the world. Native American tribes of Cherokee, Creek, and Santee have lived in South Carolina for thousands of years. The state has plentiful forests, mountainous peaks, and miles of Atlantic coastline, offering residents variety and a choice of three regions to settle in. South Carolina has a population of over 5 million people, meaning millions of property records each year.
South Carolina property records impact property owners and the properties themselves. Lawyers, realtors, appraisers, inspectors, title companies, buyers, and sellers use property records to gain further insight into the property and its history. Property records contain much useful information, especially during real estate transactions.
Use this guide to learn all about South Carolina property records, what they are, how they work, the different types, and how to find them and change them when life events occur.
What Are Property Records in South Carolina?
Property records in South Carolina are documents (both legal and non-legal) that contain vast information about a piece of real property. They are created by many different types of government offices, realtors, title companies, attorneys, and others in the fields of law, government, and real estate.
Property History Search Can Include
When performing a property history search, you will come across many different types of records. Many of the records will be more detailed, and others sparse. Some of the things you may find along your search include:
- Property Address
- Detailed Legal Property Description
- Current Owner's Name and Address
- Historical Owners
- Property Inspections
- Appraisals / Property Value
- Deeds
- Liens
- Tax Records
- Mortgage Records
- Bankruptcies
- Foreclosures
- Plat Maps
- Surveys
- Easements / Conveyances
- Property Details
- Lot Size
- Zoning
- Boundary Lines
Sources of Property Records in South Carolina
The thing to understand is that property records are kept in different locations. You cannot just visit one office or a single government website and find them all. They are spread out among different offices, private companies, and various repositories. If you want to find deeds in the state of South Carolina, you must contact the register of deeds office. Many of them are handled through the courts, and some have a specific office. For example, Dorchester County has a register of deeds office that handles them. Local county treasurer's offices set tax rates and send out annual property tax bills. Charleston County has a great website to help residents pay their taxes online and view information. Each county has an office to issue building permits as well.
How are Land Records Different from Property Records?
Although people use the terms land records and property records interchangeably, they are different. In South Carolina, land records refer to plats and map coordinates of land within the state. Property records are more extensive and cover a lot more detailed information about the land, buildings, and owners.
What Are Property Records Register of Deeds
The register of deeds in each county has an important job. They are responsible for filing, indexing, and maintaining deeds, mortgages, plats, state and federal liens, commercial codes, mechanic's liens, and other documents pertaining to real property. They also collect fees and provide access to public records.
How Property Records are Maintained in South Carolina
Each register of deeds office has its own system of indexing documents. When filed, the clerk will stamp it with the date and time and a unique identifier to make it easy to find later. When people request records, the register of deeds can charge $0.50 per page or $1 per document plus the charge for copying.
Accessing Records at the Register of Deeds in South Carolina
Anyone can access records at the register of deeds office in their county. You can visit in person during regular business hours or access records through a search portal on their website. They can charge fees for copies, and you might have to wait while they find records. The trick to finding the right records is accessing them at the correct register of deeds location. To get you started here are a few:
Register of Deeds Locations in South Carolina
Every county in South Carolina has a register of deeds office. Use this list of all South Carolina county registers to find the one you need for records pertaining to a property in that jurisdiction.
Types of Property Records
During a property history search, you'll find many things. Different types of property records exist for different purposes. For example, deeds transfer ownership of real property, and building permits allow someone to add on to their existing homes.
Deeds and Conveyance Records
Deeds are the most common type of property record. They not only transfer ownership of property but also list any restrictions, easements, and covenants and detail the amount of warranty the grantor (seller) gives to the grantee (buyer).
All parties must sign deeds, and a notary must witness them. Some of the information contained in deeds includes:
- Name of the Seller/Grantor and Buyer/Grantee.
- A detailed description of the property.
- Maps and plats along with boundaries and sometimes surveys showing the acreage and edges of the property.
- Conveyance language explaining the ownership transfer from one person or entity to another.
- Notarization and execution are at the bottom, where everyone signs to make it legal.
Much of the language contained in deeds refers to the warranty implied or specified and the conveyance of the land from one or more parties to another.
Property Tax Records
Anyone who owns property in South Carolina must pay annual property taxes. The local county treasurer handles tax rates and sends out bills. If you fail to pay your property taxes, the county can impose a lien on your property and eventually foreclose and sell your house at auction.
Some counties in South Carolina have the lowest property taxes in the county, with an average effective tax rate of 0.52%. The national average is 0.99%. Check out the South Carolina Association of Counties for details about tax rates in each county.
The median home value in South Carolina is $383,900, and the average homeowner pays roughly $2,175.9 in property taxes.
Tax records in South Carolina contain the following information:
- Tax Rates - The document will show all the applicable taxes and how they are used to calculate the total owed taxes.
- Exemptions - The record will show any exemptions applying to the propertyâfor example, the homestead exemption.
- Property Value - Each assessor must value the property to make tax calculations. Therefore, the working assessment value should appear in the record.
- Payment Methods - The document may show the accepted payment methods and how to make contributions using them.
- Property Details - The document should at least include the property's address. Some records may have more details about the property, such as boundaries and claims against the land.
- County Name and Number - The document should identify the county the property falls under and a county number if assigned.
How Often is Property Tax in South Carolina Assessed?
The state requires assessors to reassess real properties every five years. The reassessment helps to determine the property's taxable market value, which changes when physical modifications have been made or when a county reassessment program is implemented. The County Assessor's office is responsible for conducting the reassessments. They distribute assessors at the local level to value properties as guided by state laws. The process of reassessment usually follows these steps:
- Property Valuation - The assessor visits the property and measures it to determine the square footage. The assessor also observes characteristics such as construction type, age, HVAC, number of floors, and the availability of other amenities. The assessor considers this information plus data from the recent sales of similar properties, adjusting for differences. If it is a commercial property, the assessor evaluates how much income the property produces, the operating expenses, and what income or profit it can generate. The assessor then concludes the market value of the property.
- Notification - The assessor must notify the property owner of their market value if it increases by $1,000 or more. The notification should be mailed to the individual listed as the property owner. Notification documents usually contain the new assessment value, the market value, the assessment ratio, the number of acres or lots, the tax map number, the property's location, and the appeals procedures.
- Appealing - If the owner disagrees with the newly assigned value, they have the right to appeal by filing a written appeal with the Assessor's office at most 90 days past the assessment notice, not when the tax bill arrives. If the assessor does not settle the appeal by December 31st, the owner pays 80% and receives a refund or is expected to pay additional tax, depending on how the assessor resolves the appeal.
Easements and Covenants
Another common thing you will find in property records are easements and covenants, which may both accompany deeds. Easements are rights-of-way that give someone other than the owner rights to access the property for a specific purpose. If the town makes a portion of a road on private property, the town can access that road anytime without first asking the owner.
Covenants are rules about how a piece of land may be used. These are common with condos and gated communities. They can be as simple as prohibiting pink flamingos on your lawn.
Plats and Surveys
Plats and surveys are types of maps that detail the property. Plats show the boundaries of all the neighboring properties, but surveys only show the boundaries of a single property. Surveys deal with coordinates and measurements. To find plats or other maps, you can consult this government resource.
Standard survey documents in South Carolina contain the following information:
- Property Details - The document may include information about the property, such as address, assigned identification numbers, and a legal description.
- Encroachments - The survey will likely reveal any encroachments on the land.
- Rights of Way - The survey should show the rights of way on the property.
- Boundaries - Surveys usually show the property's boundaries by measurement and angles.
Historical Property Records
Once property records reach a certain level, states often offload them into archives to free up space for newer records.
The South Carolina Department of Archives and History has a great resource where you can search for older property records to fill in some blanks.
Building Permits and Regulations in South Carolina
South Carolina's Information Highway (SCIWAY) is full of great information for researchers or homeowners. You can find information from each county on how to obtain a building permit to build a new structure or add onto an existing one.
How Can I Search for Property Records?
Performing a property history search is relatively easy, depending on what you are looking for. Thankfully, you have many different ways to search. Some of the more common are:
Online Property Record Search
Your first option should be to try a generic online property record search. Type the property address or owner's name into a search bar and review the results. You may find what you need or may need to take it a step further.
In-Person Property Record Search
You can always visit the register of deeds office in the county where the property is. You may have to wait while they find the records, and you will have to pay a fee for copies.
Using Property Record Indexes
If visiting in person isn't possible, you could try consulting the many property record indexes online. However, they are not always properly maintained or updated, so be careful.
Utilizing Commercial Services
The best way to search for and find property records is PropertyChecker. You can examine millions of nationwide property records, including those in South Carolina. You can run unlimited searches and find exactly what you need within minutes!
How to Search Property Records by Address
It's best to search using the property address. Type the full address into a search bar, and you should be able to find it quickly.
How to Search Property Records by Name
Sometimes, you can also find records based on the current or past owner's name. It's rarer, but it can be done.
Understanding Property Ownership in South Carolina
There is nothing quite as lovely as owning your own home. South Carolina residents have a lot of beautiful land to enjoy, but along with that comes the responsibility of maintaining the property and paying mortgages and taxes. Once you sign on the dotted line, your name will appear in the property records as the current owner.
Identifying Property Owners
It's easy to identify the current owner of a property by consulting the most recent deed. You can search for deeds online or at the Register of Deeds office in the county where the property is.
Chain of Title
The chain of title is the complete list of all the owners who have ever owned the property going back to the first one. There can be no break in the chain of title. Title companies research this before allowing a sale to ensure there are no issues after closing.
Ownership History and Transfers
Property does not just change hands through sales. Sometimes, a person will sign over the deed to their house to get out of debt or gift the property to someone. Often, parents will property to their children. You can trace the ownership history of a property by viewing all the deeds in order. They tell a story.
Property Descriptions and Boundaries in South Carolina
Many property records include the legal property description. This description includes map coordinates, natural landmarks, and a written description so that anyone can clearly identify it.
Surveys and Land Measurements
Surveys measure the land and produce map coordinates that uniquely identify the property. They are used for new construction, utility installation, and boundary disputes.
Boundary Disputes and Resolutions
Boundary disputes happen when someone is mistaken about their property lines and believes someone else is trespassing. If heated, these end up in court for a judge to decide. The courts call on professional surveyors to come in and provide expert testimony to help determine the issue.
Liens, Encumbrances, and Property Records in South Carolina
Property records also contain encumbrances like liens, which can dramatically affect the property negatively. There are two different types of liens: voluntary and involuntary.
Voluntary Liens
Voluntary liens are those which you choose and readily agree to. They come into play with mortgages, home equity loans, and other situations where you use your home as collateral for financing.
Mortgage Liens
Anyone who cannot afford to pay cash for a house must obtain financing. The lender agrees to help you pay for the house as long as you agree to pay monthly payments with interest and allow them to place a lien on the home. If you default on the loan, the lender can foreclose and sell your house to get their money back.
Mortgage documents differ according to the lender, county, and specific requirements. However, a standard record mentions the following information:
- County Name - The document must contain the county name where the deed is recorded. It may also include information about the county Register of Deeds office, such as phone number or address.
- Dates - The record must include the signing and/or recording dates.
- Parties - The document should outline the names and contact information of the lender and borrower.
- Marital Status - Sometimes, the deed will note if the borrower is married.
- Loan Terms - The document will include the initial borrowed amount, the interest rate, the repayable amount, the repayment schedule, and the least contribution amount.
- Property Details - The record will outline details of the property, such as boundaries and property address.
Involuntary Liens
Involuntary liens are those over which you have no control. They are imposed upon your property when you fail to pay a debt. If you don't resolve them quickly, they usually lead to the loss of your home.
Mechanic's Liens
Contractors, subs, laborers, material suppliers, and architects can place a lien on your property if they perform work or supply materials and you don't pay them. They must follow a strict set of rules and timelines, but once the lien is in place, if you sell the house, they will be paid from the proceeds.
Tax Liens
Everyone who owns property must pay annual taxes. If you fail to do so, the county will put a lien on your property, and after a short time, they will foreclose and sell it at auction to pay off the taxes.
Judgment Liens
Creditors can use judgment liens to get you to pay them. They must take you to court, and if the judge rules in favor of the creditor, they, too, can foreclose and sell your home to get paid.
Property Records and Real Estate Transactions in South Carolina
Real estate transactions are when property records really come into focus. They are used beforehand to research the property and gather information. During the deal, more records will be created, filed with the government, and eventually become public records.
Buying Property: Due Diligence
Before buying any property in South Carolina, you should get as much information as possible. Property records can tell you a lot about a property. Check out the fair market value of a single home and others in the area, as well as the taxes, and look for liens, building permits indicating renovations, and foreclosures.
Selling Property: Providing Disclosure
Before selling a home in South Carolina, you must disclose any material defects you know about to the buyer. For example, if the furnace needs to be replaced, you will have to disclose that or face legal issues later.
Title Searches and Insurance
When a lender finances the purchase of your home, they will require that you purchase title insurance. It protects you and them from any title defects or legal claims on the property after the sale. Title companies perform a property title search to head off issues like these.
Foreclosure and Property Records in South Carolina
Foreclosures show up in property records also. They can show if an owner failed to pay the mortgage or taxes and lost the home in a foreclosure. These can be tricky because they complicate a sale and require more paperwork.
Pre-Foreclosures in South Carolina
Regular buyers may shy away from buying foreclosure or pre-foreclosure homes, but investors look for bargains like these to buy cheap and sell for a profit.
When was the House Built?
If you are wondering when the house was first built, you can find out easily. Check building permits going back years to find the first one, and then you can see if any renovations have been done since then.
Property Records and Property Values
Property values are among the most helpful information found in property records. During a property history search, you can see the fair market value of a single home or others in the neighboring area. These values come from assessments and appraisals.
Assessments and Appraisals
Assessments and appraisals are both tools used by professionals to arrive at a proper value for the home. Tax officials use assessments to value the house and set tax rates. Appraisers, working for mortgage lenders and estate planners use an appraisal to determine the fair market value of the home. They do so by comparing it with other similar home sales in the area.
Property Records and Market Value
Keep in mind that the fair market value can fluctuate widely based on market conditions and economic factors. The value derived from assessments may not match the fair market value of an appraisal.
Factors that Determine Property Values in South Carolina
Some areas of South Carolina have significantly higher property values. The following factors often influence these costs:
- Proximity to Amenities - Property values tend to be greater near desirable features such as beaches, parks, shopping complexes, schools, and recreational facilities. For example, properties in central tourist locations with gorgeous beaches and various facilities, such as Hilton Head Island, Myrtle Beach, or Charleston, frequently attract higher property values.
- School Districts - Because many purchasers prefer access to outstanding schools for their children, the quality of school districts can significantly impact property values. Property values are greater in areas with highly respected educational systems, such as Mount Pleasant, Lexington, or Fort Mill.
- Natural Features - Properties with appealing natural features like beachfront settings, mountain views, or stunning landscapes typically command higher prices. For example, properties along the coast, such as Pawleys Island and Kiawah, may have higher property values.
- Historical Preservation Appeal - Properties having historical or cultural significance can command higher prices due to their distinct character and charm. For example, property values in Charleston and Beaufort's historic districts, which are famed for their well-preserved architecture and rich history, are often higher.
Privacy and Property Records
Property records are public records and can be accessed by anyone at any time without reason. Your name and address, plus other details, may be listed in some public property records.
Accessing Public Property Records
Accessing public property records is as easy as visiting the government office that holds them or looking online. Everyone has the legal right to access public property records.
Why are Property Records Public?
Property records are public to provide the proper chain of title (no hidden records and owners) and to protect the citizens from any government office having too much power.
How Do I Protect My Personal Information in Property Records?
It's not possible to completely remove all your personal information from property records. However, you can minimize your exposure and risk of identity theft by contacting the proper agencies and having them redact anything beyond your name and address.
Maintaining and Amending Property Records
Maintaining and correcting your property records is your responsibility. No one will know to do it automatically. You must contact the correct agency and bring proper documentation to support the change.
Correcting Errors on Property Records
Individuals create property records, and sometimes they contain errors. To correct the mistakes on property records, contact the government office where they were filed and ask for a correction. Bring documentation to prove the error. The office may ask for your ID.
Amending Property Records for Legal Changes
Legal changes are another thing that require changes to your property records. An example would be to update property records when someone dies. To do that, bring the will and death certificate to the register of deeds location where the property resides and ask them to change it.
How to Change the Name on Property Records in South Carolina
You may want to update your property records when you get married or divorced. You can do so by bringing your divorce decree or marriage certificate to the register of deeds and asking them to update the name on it.
What Should I Consider When Buying a Property Using Property Records?
There is a lot to consider when buying property in South Carolina. You will want to learn as much as possible about the home and the surrounding area. You can find all sorts of details in property records, like the value of the house, taxes, renovations, inspections, liens, and foreclosures. A comprehensive source like PropertyChecker can be your best friend when searching for nationwide property records. Find everything you need within minutes.
South Carolina County Property Records
- Abbeville County
- Aiken County
- Allendale County
- Anderson County
- Bamberg County
- Barnwell County
- Beaufort County
- Berkeley County
- Calhoun County
- Charleston County
- Cherokee County
- Chester County
- Chesterfield County
- Clarendon County
- Colleton County
- Darlington County
- Dillon County
- Dorchester County
- Edgefield County
- Fairfield County
- Florence County
- Georgetown County
- Greenville County
- Greenwood County
- Hampton County
- Horry County
- Jasper County
- Kershaw County
- Lancaster County
- Laurens County
- Lee County
- Lexington County
- Marion County
- Marlboro County
- McCormick County
- Newberry County
- Oconee County
- Orangeburg County
- Pickens County
- Richland County
- Saluda County
- Spartanburg County
- Sumter County
- Union County
- Williamsburg County
- York County
South Carolina Property Records Search
South Carolina Property Records Search
Table of Contents
- Property Records in South Carolina
- What Are Property Records in South Carolina?
- What Are Property Records Register of Deeds
- Types of Property Records
- How Often is Property Tax in South Carolina Assessed?
- How Can I Search for Property Records?
- Understanding Property Ownership in South Carolina
- Property Descriptions and Boundaries in South Carolina
- Liens, Encumbrances, and Property Records in South Carolina
- Property Records and Real Estate Transactions in South Carolina
- Property Records and Property Values
- Privacy and Property Records
- Maintaining and Amending Property Records
- South Carolina County Property Records