New Castle County Property Records
What Is New Castle County Property Records
New Castle County property records are official documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property (land and buildings) within New Castle County, Delaware. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership and transactions throughout the county.
Property records in New Castle County fulfill several essential functions:
- Establish legal ownership and chain of title
- Provide public notice of property interests
- Protect property rights of owners and lienholders
- Facilitate real estate transactions
- Support property tax assessment and collection
Pursuant to Delaware Code Title 9, Chapter 96, § 9605, all instruments affecting real property in New Castle County must be recorded with the county's Recorder of Deeds office. This statutory requirement ensures that property ownership and interests are properly documented and accessible to the public.
The New Castle County Recorder of Deeds serves as the official repository for these records, maintaining documents such as deeds, mortgages, easements, liens, and other instruments affecting real property within the county boundaries.
New Castle County Recorder of Deeds
800 N. French Street, 2nd Floor
Wilmington, DE 19801
(302) 395-7700
Recorder of Deeds
Are Property Records Public Information In New Castle County?
Property records in New Castle County are public information and accessible to all citizens. This public access is mandated by both Delaware's Freedom of Information Act (29 Del. C. § 10001) and specific property recording statutes. The legal basis for this public access rests on several principles:
- Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
- Recording statutes require transparency to establish priority of interests
- Public access promotes integrity in real estate transactions
- Transparency in land ownership serves the broader public interest
Under Delaware law, 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 reflects the state's commitment to government transparency and the public's right to information.
The Delaware Public Records Law specifically addresses property records in Title 9 of the Delaware Code, establishing that these records must be maintained and made available for public inspection during regular business hours.
How To Search Property Records in New Castle County in 2026
Members of the public seeking to search New Castle County property records may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains comprehensive systems for both online and in-person searches.
To search property records in New Castle County:
- Determine the specific property information needed (ownership, tax assessment, deed history, etc.)
- Select the appropriate search method based on information needs:
- Online search through the county's property information portal
- In-person visit to the Recorder of Deeds office
- Written request for certified copies
- Gather necessary search information:
- Property address
- Tax parcel number
- Owner name
- Subdivision name
- Conduct the search using the county's search tools
- Request copies of relevant documents if needed
For in-person searches, visitors may utilize public terminals at:
New Castle County Recorder of Deeds
800 N. French Street, 2nd Floor
Wilmington, DE 19801
(302) 395-7700
Recorder of Deeds
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (excluding holidays)
For certified copies of property records, requestors must complete the county's official request form and submit applicable fees as established by Delaware Code Title 9, § 9607.
How To Find Property Records in New Castle County Online?
New Castle County offers comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms. These resources allow users to search and retrieve property information remotely at any time.
To find property records online:
- Visit the New Castle County Document Search portal
- Select the appropriate search option:
- Parcel Search - for property assessment and tax information
- Deed Search - for property ownership and transfer history
- Land Use Search - for zoning and land use information
- Enter search criteria:
- Property address
- Tax parcel number (preferred for most accurate results)
- Owner name
- Subdivision name
- Review search results and select specific records for detailed viewing
- Download or print available documents as needed
The county's online property information system provides access to:
- Current and historical property ownership
- Property assessment values
- Tax payment status
- Recorded deeds and mortgages
- Property survey information
- Building permit history
For specialized searches or technical assistance, users may contact:
New Castle County Land Use Department
87 Reads Way
New Castle, DE 19720
(302) 395-5400
Land Use Department
How To Look Up New Castle County Property Records for Free?
New Castle County provides several free options for accessing property records. These no-cost resources ensure that all citizens can obtain basic property information without financial barriers.
Free property record search options include:
-
New Castle County Parcel Search - This online tool provides free access to:
- Property ownership information
- Assessment values
- Tax status
- Property characteristics
- Sales history
-
In-person terminal access at county offices:
- Recorder of Deeds Office
- Assessment Division
- Land Use Department
-
Public library access:
- Many New Castle County libraries offer free computer access to county property databases
While basic property record searches are free, fees may apply for:
- Certified copies of documents
- Extensive research assistance
- Large volume document reproduction
- Specialized maps or surveys
The fee schedule for property record services is established pursuant to Delaware Code Title 9, § 9607 and is reviewed periodically by the county council.
New Castle County Assessment Division
87 Reads Way
New Castle, DE 19720
(302) 395-5520
Assessment Division
What's Included in a New Castle County Property Record?
New Castle County property records encompass a comprehensive collection of documents and information related to real property within the county. These records are maintained by multiple county offices, each responsible for specific aspects of property documentation.
Property records typically include:
-
Ownership Documents:
- Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, special)
- Certificates of transfer
- Probate records affecting title
- Court orders affecting ownership
-
Financial Encumbrances:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Tax liens (federal, state, local)
- Mechanics' liens
- Judgment liens
- Utility liens
-
Property Characteristics:
- Legal description
- Lot size and dimensions
- Building specifications
- Improvement details
- Zoning classification
-
Assessment and Tax Information:
- Assessed value
- Tax classification
- Tax payment history
- Special assessment districts
-
Land Use Records:
- Subdivision plats
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants
- Condominium declarations
- Environmental restrictions
The distinction between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable assets) is significant in New Castle County records. While the county maintains extensive real property records, personal property documentation falls under different jurisdictions and recording requirements as specified in Delaware Code Title 6, Article 9.
How Long Does New Castle County Keep Property Records?
New Castle County maintains property records according to retention schedules established by Delaware state law and county ordinances. These retention periods ensure the preservation of essential property documentation while managing the county's record storage resources.
Property record retention periods vary by document type:
- Deeds and ownership transfers: Permanent retention
- Mortgages and satisfactions: Permanent retention
- Easements and rights-of-way: Permanent retention
- Tax assessment records: Minimum 7 years after reassessment
- Building permits: Life of structure plus 3 years
- Property tax payment records: 7 years after payment
- Zoning variances and special exceptions: Permanent retention
The county's record retention practices comply with the Delaware Public Archives General Records Retention Schedule, which establishes minimum retention periods for various government records, including property documentation.
For historical property records predating digital systems, the county maintains:
New Castle County Archives
800 N. French Street, 8th Floor
Wilmington, DE 19801
(302) 395-5587
County Archives
Pursuant to Delaware Code Title 29, Chapter 5, § 504, certain historical property records may be transferred to the Delaware Public Archives for permanent preservation while remaining accessible to the public.
How To Find Liens on Property In New Castle County?
Identifying liens and encumbrances on New Castle County properties requires searching specific record types maintained by various county and state offices. Liens represent legal claims against property that must be satisfied before clear title can be transferred.
To find liens on New Castle County property:
-
Search the Recorder of Deeds records:
- Access the Document Search portal
- Enter the property address or parcel number
- Filter results to show "Liens" or "Encumbrances"
- Review all recorded documents affecting the property
-
Check for tax liens:
- Visit the New Castle County Tax Portal
- Enter the property information
- Review current and delinquent tax status
- Note any tax liens or pending tax sales
-
Search for judgment liens:
- Contact the New Castle County Superior Court
- Request a judgment lien search against the property owner
- Review results for any judgments that may attach to real property
-
Verify utility liens:
- Check with New Castle County Special Services
- Verify sewer and water payment status
- Identify any outstanding utility liens
-
Research mechanics' liens:
- Search Recorder of Deeds records for construction-related claims
- Verify filing dates and satisfaction status
For comprehensive lien searches, many property owners and professionals utilize:
New Castle County Recorder of Deeds
800 N. French Street, 2nd Floor
Wilmington, DE 19801
(302) 395-7700
Recorder of Deeds
Professional title companies also provide lien search services for a fee, offering expertise in identifying all potential claims against property.
What Is Property Owner Rule In New Castle County?
New Castle County maintains specific regulations governing property ownership, responsibilities, and rights. These rules establish the framework for property ownership and management within the county.
Key property ownership regulations include:
-
Recording Requirements:
- All property transfers must be recorded within 30 days
- Unrecorded deeds may be valid between parties but lack priority against subsequent purchasers
- Recording establishes constructive notice to the public
-
Property Tax Responsibilities:
- Property owners must pay annual county and school district taxes
- Tax bills are issued to the owner of record as of July 1
- New owners are responsible for taxes even if bills were sent to previous owners
-
Property Maintenance Standards:
- Owners must maintain properties according to county code
- Violations may result in citations and fines
- Abandoned properties subject to special monitoring
-
Disclosure Requirements:
- Sellers must provide property condition disclosures
- Known defects must be reported to potential buyers
- Failure to disclose may create legal liability
-
Ownership Forms and Rights:
- Fee simple, condominium, cooperative ownership recognized
- Joint tenancy and tenancy in common established by deed language
- Transfer on death designations permitted under state law
These regulations are established under multiple sections of Delaware law, including Delaware Code Title 25, Chapter 21, which governs real property ownership and transfers.
Property owners seeking information about their specific rights and responsibilities may contact:
New Castle County Property Owner Services
87 Reads Way
New Castle, DE 19720
(302) 395-5400
Property Owner Services