Northampton County Property Records
What Is Northampton County Property Records
Property records in Northampton County 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 documentation of property ownership and interests throughout Northampton County, Pennsylvania. Pursuant to Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 21 § 351, all deeds, mortgages, and other instruments affecting real property must be recorded in the county where the property is located.
The Northampton County Recorder of Deeds maintains these vital records, which serve multiple essential functions:
- Establishing legal chain of title and ownership history
- Providing public notice of property interests and encumbrances
- Protecting property rights through official documentation
- Facilitating real estate transactions and property transfers
- Supporting property tax assessment and collection
Property records in Northampton County include various document types such as deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and other instruments that affect real property rights. These records form the foundation of the county's land records system and are critical for maintaining orderly property ownership and transfer processes.
Northampton County Recorder of Deeds
669 Washington Street
Easton, PA 18042
Phone: 610-559-3077
Northampton County Recorder of Deeds
Are Property Records Public Information In Northampton County?
Property records in Northampton County are public information and accessible to all citizens as established by Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law (65 P.S. § 67.101) and specific property recording statutes. The public nature of these records serves several important purposes within the county's governance framework.
The legal basis for public access to property records includes:
- Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record in Pennsylvania
- Recording statutes require public accessibility to provide constructive notice
- Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest by preventing fraud
- Public access supports proper functioning of real estate markets and taxation
Any member of the public may access property records in Northampton County without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for their request. This open access policy aligns with Pennsylvania's commitment to government transparency and public information accessibility.
The Northampton County Assessment Office maintains public property assessment records that complement the ownership records maintained by the Recorder of Deeds. Together, these offices ensure comprehensive public access to property information throughout the county.
How To Search Property Records in Northampton County in 2026
Northampton County offers multiple methods for searching property records. Members of the public may utilize the following procedures to access property information:
Online Search Method:
- Visit the Northampton County official website
- Navigate to the "Property Records" section
- Enter search criteria such as property address, owner name, or parcel ID
- Review search results and select the desired property record
- Access available document images or summary information
- Download or print records as needed (fees may apply for certain documents)
In-Person Search Method:
- Visit the Northampton County Recorder of Deeds office during regular business hours
- Complete a records request form at the public service counter
- Provide specific search criteria to the records clerk
- Wait while staff retrieves the requested records
- Review documents at designated public viewing stations
- Request copies of needed documents (fees apply based on current fee schedule)
Mail or Email Request Method:
- Download the official records request form from the county website
- Complete all required fields with specific search criteria
- Include payment for applicable search and copy fees
- Submit the completed form via mail or email to the Recorder's office
- Allow 5-10 business days for processing
- Receive requested records via mail or email as specified
The county currently charges nominal fees for certain search services and document copies in accordance with Pennsylvania law. Fee schedules are subject to periodic review by the County Commissioners.
How To Find Property Records in Northampton County Online?
Northampton County provides comprehensive online access to property records through its digital portal systems. The county has invested in modern record management technology to facilitate efficient public access to property information.
To find property records online, follow these specific steps:
- Access the Northampton County property records portal through the official county website
- Create a user account if accessing premium features (basic searches may not require registration)
- Select the appropriate search type from the available options:
- Property address search
- Owner name search
- Parcel identification number search
- Document type search
- Date range search
- Enter the relevant search criteria in the provided fields
- Review the search results list showing matching properties
- Select a specific property to view detailed information
- Access available document images, property details, and transaction history
- Use the portal's tools to save, print, or download information as needed
The online system provides access to various property record types including:
- Deed transfers and ownership history
- Mortgage recordings and satisfactions
- Tax assessment information
- Property dimensions and descriptions
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Liens and encumbrances
The Northampton County Assessment Office also maintains a separate online database specifically for property assessment and tax information that complements the Recorder's property ownership records.
How To Look Up Northampton County Property Records for Free?
Northampton County provides several options for accessing property records at no cost to residents and other interested parties. These free access methods ensure that basic property information remains accessible to all citizens regardless of financial means.
Free property record access options include:
Public Access Terminals:
- Located in the Northampton County Courthouse
- Available during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)
- Provide basic search functionality without fees
- Staff assistance available for search guidance
Limited Online Access:
- Basic property information available through the county website
- Property assessment data accessible without registration
- Current owner information and basic property characteristics
- Recent sales data and property tax information
Public Libraries:
- Selected Northampton County public libraries offer free access to county databases
- Library staff can assist with basic property record searches
- Computer terminals with internet access to county websites
While basic property information is available at no cost, fees may apply for:
- Certified copies of documents
- Extensive research assistance
- Bulk data downloads
- Document printing services
- Historical record searches beyond standard timeframes
The Northampton County Register of Wills also maintains certain property-related records that may be accessed through their office, particularly those related to estates and inheritance.
What's Included in a Northampton County Property Record?
Northampton County property records contain comprehensive information about real property within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained across multiple county departments, with each responsible for specific aspects of property documentation.
Property records in Northampton County typically include:
Ownership Information:
- Current and previous property owners
- Dates of ownership transfers
- Purchase prices and transaction details
- Deed book and page references
- Legal names of all parties to transactions
Property Characteristics:
- Legal property description
- Lot size and dimensions
- Building specifications (if improved)
- Construction details and year built
- Number of rooms, bathrooms, and other features
- Utility connections and easements
Financial Information:
- Current assessed value
- Market value estimates
- Property tax information
- Mortgage recordings and amounts
- Tax liens and other encumbrances
- Special assessment districts
Legal Status Information:
- Zoning classification
- Land use restrictions
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Subdivision information
- Condominium declarations
- Homeowners association details
As specified in Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 21 § 356, property records must include specific elements to be legally valid and recordable in the county records system. The Northampton County Tax Assessment Office maintains detailed property characteristic information that supplements the ownership records maintained by the Recorder of Deeds.
How Long Does Northampton County Keep Property Records?
Northampton County maintains property records in perpetuity for most document types, ensuring a complete historical record of property ownership throughout the county. The retention of these records is governed by Pennsylvania's County Records Act and specific retention schedules established by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.
Record retention periods for various document types include:
- Deed Books and Indices: Permanent retention
- Mortgage Books and Indices: Permanent retention
- Plat Maps and Subdivision Plans: Permanent retention
- Tax Assessment Records: Minimum 7 years, with permanent retention of master files
- Building Permits and Inspections: Minimum 3 years after structure demolition
- Zoning Variances and Special Exceptions: Permanent retention
- Property Tax Payment Records: 7 years after payment
- Lien Records: Until satisfaction plus 7 years
The county has undertaken extensive digitization efforts to preserve historical property records and improve public access. Many records dating back to the county's formation in 1752 have been digitized and are accessible through the county's archival systems.
For historical property research extending beyond standard online access periods, the Pennsylvania State Archives maintains land records that may supplement county-level documentation, particularly for properties with origins in early Pennsylvania land grants.
How To Find Liens on Property In Northampton County?
Liens on property in Northampton County are recorded as public documents and can be searched through several official channels. These encumbrances affect property ownership rights and are important considerations in real estate transactions.
To search for liens on Northampton County properties:
Online Lien Search:
- Access the Northampton County Prothonotary's Office online records system
- Select "Lien Search" from the available options
- Enter the property owner's name or property address
- Review search results for active liens
- Note the lien type, filing date, and amount
- Access lien documents if available digitally
In-Person Lien Search:
- Visit the Northampton County Courthouse
- Proceed to the Prothonotary's Office (for judgment liens) or Tax Claim Bureau (for tax liens)
- Request a lien search using the property owner's name or address
- Complete any required search request forms
- Pay applicable search fees
- Review provided lien documentation
Common types of liens recorded in Northampton County include:
- Tax Liens: Filed by the Northampton County Tax Claim Bureau for unpaid property taxes
- Judgment Liens: Resulting from court judgments against the property owner
- Mechanic's Liens: Filed by contractors for unpaid construction work
- Municipal Liens: For unpaid water, sewer, or other municipal services
- Mortgage Liens: Securing property as collateral for loans
- Federal Tax Liens: Filed by the IRS for unpaid federal taxes
- Child Support Liens: Resulting from unpaid child support obligations
Lien searches are particularly important during property transactions, as liens generally remain attached to the property regardless of ownership changes unless properly satisfied and released.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Northampton County?
The Property Owner Rule in Northampton County refers to the set of regulations and legal principles that govern property ownership rights and responsibilities within the county. These rules are derived from Pennsylvania state law, county ordinances, and established legal precedents.
Key elements of the Property Owner Rule include:
Recording Requirements:
- All property transfers must be properly recorded with the Northampton County Recorder of Deeds
- Unrecorded deeds may be valid between parties but lack protection against third-party claims
- Pennsylvania follows a "race-notice" recording statute under 21 P.S. § 351
- First to record a valid deed generally has priority over subsequent purchasers
Ownership Rights:
- Fee simple ownership conveys complete property rights subject only to government powers
- Property owners have rights to use, exclude others, and transfer their interests
- Ownership includes subsurface rights unless specifically reserved in prior deeds
- Air rights extend to "reasonable heights" subject to federal aviation regulations
Ownership Responsibilities:
- Property maintenance in accordance with county codes and ordinances
- Timely payment of property taxes to avoid liens and potential foreclosure
- Compliance with zoning regulations and land use restrictions
- Disclosure of known defects when selling property
- Adherence to homeowners association rules where applicable
Boundary Determination:
- Property boundaries are legally established through recorded surveys and legal descriptions
- Boundary disputes are resolved through civil court proceedings
- Adverse possession claims require 21 years of continuous, hostile, and open possession
- Boundary line agreements must be properly recorded to be binding on future owners
The Property Owner Rule also encompasses regulations regarding easements, rights-of-way, riparian rights for waterfront properties, and special provisions for agricultural land preservation within Northampton County.
Lookup Property Records in Northampton County
Northampton County Recorder of Deeds
Northampton County Official Website
Northampton County Register of Wills
Northampton County Payment Portal
Northampton County Tax Information
Northampton County Assessment Office