Anderson County Property Records
What Is Anderson County Property Records
Anderson County property records constitute the official documentation of real property ownership, transactions, and characteristics within Anderson County, South Carolina. These records serve as the authoritative source of information regarding land parcels, structures, and improvements throughout the county. Property records are maintained by multiple county departments in accordance with South Carolina state law.
The primary components of Anderson County property records include:
- Deeds and conveyances documenting property transfers
- Property tax assessment information
- Plat maps and surveys
- Mortgage and lien documentation
- Property descriptions and boundary information
- Building permits and improvement records
- Tax payment history
The Anderson County Register of Deeds serves as the principal custodian of property ownership records, while the Anderson County Assessor's Office maintains valuation and tax assessment records. These offices work in coordination to provide comprehensive property information to the public.
Anderson County Register of Deeds
Anderson County Courthouse
100 S. Main Street, Room 101
Anderson, SC 29624
(864) 260-4053
Register of Deeds Office
Anderson County Assessor's Office
Anderson County Courthouse Annex
401 E. River Street
Anderson, SC 29624
(864) 260-4028
Anderson County Assessor
Are Property Records Public Information In Anderson County?
Property records in Anderson County are public information pursuant to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-10 et seq.) and specific statutes governing property records. The South Carolina Public Records Act establishes that records created, prepared, owned, or retained by public bodies are available for public inspection during normal business hours.
Members of the public may access Anderson County property records through the following means:
- In-person visits to the Register of Deeds or Assessor's Office
- Online database searches through county-maintained portals
- Written requests for specific documents
- Third-party aggregator services that compile public records
Certain limitations may apply to public access, including:
- Reasonable fees for reproduction of documents
- Redaction of personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers
- Special handling procedures for historical or fragile documents
- Temporary restrictions during digitization or maintenance periods
The Anderson County Register of Deeds maintains public counter hours Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding county holidays. Visitors seeking to examine property records in person should be prepared to provide specific information about the property of interest to facilitate efficient record retrieval.
How To Search Property Records in Anderson County in 2025
The process for searching property records in Anderson County has been modernized for 2025, offering multiple pathways for accessing information. Individuals seeking property records may utilize the following methods:
For deed and ownership records, the Anderson County Register of Deeds provides:
- Online search portal accessible 24/7 through the county website
- In-person assistance at the public terminals located in the Register's office
- Document request forms that can be submitted via email or in person
For property tax and assessment records, the Anderson County Assessor's Office offers:
- Property search function by address, owner name, or parcel identification number
- GIS mapping interface with property boundary and zoning information
- Tax assessment history dating back to previous reassessment periods
When conducting a property records search, requestors should have the following information prepared:
- Property address (including city and zip code)
- Current or previous property owner's name
- Parcel identification number (if known)
- Approximate date of transaction (for historical searches)
- Legal description (for complex or rural properties)
Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 30-9-40, the Register of Deeds maintains an index of all recorded instruments that facilitates efficient searching by property location and parties to transactions. The South Carolina Department of Revenue provides additional resources for understanding property tax assessment ratios and statewide property tax information that may assist in interpreting Anderson County property records.
How To Find Property Records in Anderson County Online?
Anderson County has implemented comprehensive digital access to property records through several online platforms. Members of the public may access these records remotely through the following official channels:
The Anderson County Land Records Online Portal provides:
- Searchable database of recorded deeds, mortgages, and liens
- Digital images of recorded documents dating back to 1980
- Daily updates of newly recorded instruments
- User accounts for saving search criteria and document references
The Anderson County GIS (Geographic Information System) offers:
- Interactive mapping of all parcels within county boundaries
- Property characteristic data including acreage and zoning
- Aerial photography overlays
- Links to associated property tax information
To effectively utilize these online resources, users should:
- Create a free account for enhanced search capabilities
- Utilize the advanced search options for narrowing results
- Note that some older records may require in-person inspection
- Be aware that system maintenance typically occurs during overnight hours
For specialized searches or technical assistance with the online systems, the public may contact the Anderson County Information Technology Department at (864) 260-4070. The county's online property record systems comply with South Carolina's Uniform Real Property Electronic Recording Act (S.C. Code Ann. § 30-6-10 et seq.), which establishes standards for electronic recording and access.
Can You Look Up Anderson County Property Records for Free?
Anderson County provides several no-cost options for accessing property records in compliance with South Carolina public records laws. The following free services are available to the public:
- Basic online property record searches through the county's public access portal
- In-person inspection of property records during regular business hours
- Use of public computer terminals at the Register of Deeds office
- Limited property information through the county's GIS mapping system
While basic access is provided without charge, certain services do carry nominal fees:
- Printed copies of documents ($1.00 per page as authorized by S.C. Code Ann. § 30-9-30)
- Certified copies of recorded instruments ($5.00 per certification)
- Bulk data downloads or specialized research assistance
- Subscription services for high-volume professional users
The Anderson County Assessor maintains public terminals at their office where visitors may conduct unlimited searches and view digital images of property records without charge. These terminals are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
What's Included in a Anderson County Property Record?
Anderson County property records contain comprehensive information about real estate parcels within county boundaries. A complete property record typically includes the following components:
Property Identification Elements:
- Parcel identification number (PIN)
- Legal description of the property
- Street address and geographic coordinates
- Plat references and survey information
- Tax map number
Ownership Information:
- Current property owner name and mailing address
- Previous ownership history
- Date and type of most recent transfer
- Deed book and page references
- Purchase price (when disclosed in public records)
Valuation and Tax Data:
- Current assessed value
- Market value determination
- Property tax classification
- Applicable assessment ratio per S.C. Code Ann. § 12-43-220
- Exemption status (homestead, agricultural, etc.)
Physical Characteristics:
- Land area and dimensions
- Building size and construction details
- Year built and major renovation dates
- Number of rooms, bathrooms, and other structural features
- Outbuildings and site improvements
The comprehensiveness of individual property records may vary based on the property type, location, and age. Records for newer properties typically contain more detailed information than those for older parcels. The Anderson County Assessor's Office conducts periodic reassessments as required by S.C. Code Ann. § 12-43-217 to ensure property records reflect current conditions and values.
How Long Does Anderson County Keep Property Records?
Anderson County maintains property records in perpetuity in accordance with South Carolina records retention requirements. The preservation timeframes for various property record types are as follows:
- Deed records: Permanent retention (dating back to county formation in 1826)
- Tax assessment records: Minimum 10-year retention with permanent retention of assessment rolls
- Property plats and surveys: Permanent retention
- Building permits and inspection records: Minimum 7-year retention after structure demolition
- Property tax payment history: 10-year minimum retention
The Anderson County Register of Deeds has undertaken extensive preservation efforts for historical property records, including:
- Climate-controlled storage for original documents
- Microfilm backup of pre-1980 records
- Digital scanning and indexing of all accessible historical records
- Restoration of damaged or deteriorating documents
Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 30-1-90, county officials are prohibited from destroying public records without proper authorization. The South Carolina Department of Archives and History provides oversight and guidance regarding the preservation of historically significant property records.
For research involving historical property records predating 1900, specialized assistance may be available through the Anderson County Historical Society, which maintains additional resources complementing the official county records.
How To Find Liens on Property In Anderson County?
Liens against real property in Anderson County are documented through the official records maintained by the Register of Deeds. Members of the public seeking lien information may utilize the following resources:
The Anderson County Lien Search process includes:
- Searching the grantor/grantee index for the property owner's name
- Reviewing judgment rolls maintained by the Clerk of Court
- Checking tax records for potential delinquent tax liens
- Examining mechanic's lien filings in the Register of Deeds office
Common types of liens recorded in Anderson County include:
- Mortgage liens from financial institutions
- Tax liens (federal, state, and local)
- Judgment liens resulting from court proceedings
- Mechanic's liens filed by contractors or material suppliers
- Homeowners association assessment liens
- Child support or alimony liens
To conduct a comprehensive lien search, interested parties should:
- Obtain the correct legal name of the property owner
- Search records in both the Register of Deeds and Clerk of Court offices
- Check with the SC Department of Revenue for potential state tax liens
- Verify property tax payment status with the County Treasurer
Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 29-3-10 et seq., mortgage liens must be properly recorded to establish priority against the property. Similarly, judgment liens must be enrolled according to S.C. Code Ann. § 15-35-810 to become effective against real property.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Anderson County?
The Property Owner Rule in Anderson County refers to the legal principles governing property ownership rights and responsibilities as established by South Carolina law and local ordinances. This framework encompasses several key components:
Property Owner Rights:
- Right to exclusive possession and use of the property
- Authority to transfer ownership through sale or gift
- Ability to encumber property through mortgages or easements
- Right to develop property in accordance with zoning regulations
- Entitlement to due process in matters affecting property rights
Property Owner Responsibilities:
- Payment of annual property taxes by the deadline established in S.C. Code Ann. § 12-45-70
- Maintenance of property in compliance with county codes and ordinances
- Proper recording of all property transfers through the Register of Deeds
- Disclosure of property conditions during sales as required by S.C. Code Ann. § 27-50-10
- Adherence to land use restrictions and environmental regulations
Anderson County property owners should be aware that South Carolina follows the "race-notice" recording statute (S.C. Code Ann. § 30-7-10), which provides that the first properly recorded deed or mortgage generally has priority over subsequently recorded instruments. This underscores the importance of promptly recording all property transactions.
Property owners may also wish to investigate potential unclaimed property through the Unclaimed Property Program administered by the South Carolina State Treasurer's Office, which works to reunite owners with abandoned assets.