Bucks County Property Records
What Is Bucks County Property Records
Bucks County property records are official documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property (land and buildings) within Bucks County, Pennsylvania. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership and interests throughout the county's history, dating back to 1684.
The primary purpose of maintaining property records is to:
- 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 taxation and assessment
Pursuant to Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 21 § 351, all deeds, mortgages, and other instruments affecting real property interests must be recorded in the county where the property is located. This statutory requirement ensures that property ownership and encumbrances are properly documented and accessible to the public.
The Bucks County Recorder of Deeds office is the primary custodian of property records in the county, maintaining an extensive collection of documents related to real estate transactions.
Bucks County Recorder of Deeds
55 East Court Street
Doylestown, PA 18901
215-348-6209
Recorder of Deeds
Are Property Records Public Information In Bucks County?
Property records in Bucks County are public information and accessible to all citizens. This public access is mandated by both Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law (65 P.S. § 67.101) and specific property recording statutes. The legal basis for this public access includes:
- Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
- Recording statutes require public accessibility to provide constructive notice
- Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest
- Public access facilitates real estate transactions and property research
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 principle that property ownership information should be transparent and available to all citizens.
The Pennsylvania Recorder of Deeds Fee Law (21 P.S. § 8) authorizes counties to charge reasonable fees for accessing and copying property records, though basic search capabilities are typically available without charge. These fees help offset the costs of maintaining and preserving these important public records.
How To Search Property Records in Bucks County in 2026
Members of the public may search Bucks County property records through several methods. The county currently maintains multiple systems for accessing property information:
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Online Search Systems
- Access the LANDEX system for comprehensive property records searches
- Use the Bucks County Parcel Viewer for property maps and basic information
- Search municipal zoning records for property use restrictions
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In-Person Research
- Visit the Recorder of Deeds office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)
- Use public terminals at the courthouse for free access to digital records
- Request assistance from staff for complex searches or historical records
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Mail or Phone Requests
- Submit a written request with specific property information
- Include appropriate search fees ($10 per name search, $2 per page for copies)
- Provide a self-addressed stamped envelope for return documents
For comprehensive property research, searchers should prepare the following information:
- Property owner's full name (current or previous)
- Property address with municipality
- Tax parcel identification number (if known)
- Approximate date of property transfer (if searching historical records)
The county's records are indexed by both grantor (seller) and grantee (buyer) names, as well as by property location, facilitating multiple search approaches depending on the information available.
How To Find Property Records in Bucks County Online?
Bucks County offers several online platforms for accessing property records digitally. These systems provide convenient access to property information without requiring a visit to county offices:
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LANDEX Online System
- Visit the Property Records portal
- Create a user account (free registration required)
- Purchase search credits for document retrieval (fees apply)
- Search by name, property address, or document type
- Access records dating from 1684 to present
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Bucks County GIS Mapping Portal
- Navigate to the Bucks County Parcel Viewer
- Search by address, owner name, or parcel number
- View property boundaries, dimensions, and zoning information
- Access assessment data and basic ownership information
- Download property maps and data reports
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E-Filing and Records Search Portal
- Access the E-Filing & Online Records Searches system
- Search for recorded documents by name, date, or document type
- View document images (subscription or per-document fee applies)
- Download and print certified copies (additional fees apply)
When using these online systems, users should note that:
- Some features require payment of fees
- Older records may have limited indexing information
- Complex property histories may require assistance from county staff
- Document images are available for most records from 1980 forward
- Earlier records may be available only as index entries
The county continuously updates its online systems to improve accessibility and functionality, with the goal of making all property records available digitally.
How To Look Up Bucks County Property Records for Free?
Bucks County provides several options for accessing property records at no cost, though some limitations apply to free searches:
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Free Online Resources
- The Bucks County Parcel Viewer offers free access to basic property information
- Property assessment data is available without charge through the county's GIS portal
- The Planning Commission website provides free access to zoning maps and land use information
- Basic property ownership information can be viewed without fees
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In-Person Free Access
- Public computer terminals at the Recorder of Deeds office provide free search capabilities
- The County Assessment office offers free public access to property tax and assessment records
- The Law Library in the courthouse provides free access to property records for legal research
- Staff assistance is available at no charge for basic search guidance
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Free Information by Phone
- Basic property ownership verification is available by calling the Recorder's office
- Tax status information is available from the Tax Claim Bureau
- Zoning information can be obtained by contacting municipal offices
While basic searches are free, users should be aware that:
- Document copies and certified records require payment of statutory fees
- Comprehensive title searches typically require use of fee-based services
- Historical records searches may require staff assistance and applicable fees
- Complex property research may necessitate professional title services
The county strives to balance public access with the costs of maintaining these extensive records systems, offering free basic information while charging reasonable fees for more comprehensive services.
What's Included in a Bucks County Property Record?
Bucks County property records encompass a wide range of documents and information related to real property within the county. These records are maintained by multiple county offices, each responsible for different aspects of property documentation:
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Deed Records (Recorder of Deeds)
- Property legal description and boundaries
- Names of current and previous owners
- Purchase price and transfer date
- Deed restrictions and covenants
- Easements and rights-of-way
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Mortgage and Lien Records (Recorder of Deeds)
- Mortgage documents and satisfaction records
- Tax liens and releases
- Judgment liens affecting property
- Mechanic's liens and satisfactions
- Municipal claims and assessments
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Assessment Records (Board of Assessment)
- Property valuation for tax purposes
- Building characteristics and improvements
- Land classification and acreage
- Homestead exclusion status
- Property tax history
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Subdivision and Land Development Records (Planning Commission)
- Approved subdivision plans
- Land development approvals
- Condominium declarations
- Planned community documents
- Development restrictions
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Tax Records (Tax Claim Bureau)
- Current tax status
- Delinquent tax information
- Tax sale notices and results
- Redemption certificates
- Repository property listings
Pennsylvania law (21 P.S. § 357) requires that property records include specific information to be legally valid, including proper acknowledgment, accurate property descriptions, and complete identification of all parties to the transaction.
How Long Does Bucks County Keep Property Records?
Bucks County maintains property records permanently, with retention periods governed by Pennsylvania's County Records Manual and state archival requirements. The county's record retention practices include:
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Permanent Records (Never Destroyed)
- Deed books and records
- Mortgage books and satisfaction pieces
- Subdivision plans and surveys
- Tax assessment rolls
- Property maps and plats
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Long-Term Records (75+ Years)
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
- Zoning variance records
- Land use approvals
- Environmental assessments
- Historical designation documents
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Medium-Term Records (7-20 Years)
- Tax payment records
- Temporary easements
- Building inspection reports
- Zoning compliance certificates
- Property maintenance violation records
The Pennsylvania Local Government Records Committee establishes retention schedules for county records under the authority of the Pennsylvania History Code (37 Pa.C.S. § 305). These schedules mandate minimum retention periods, though Bucks County often exceeds these requirements, particularly for property ownership records.
The county has undertaken extensive digitization efforts to preserve historical property records, with documents dating back to 1684 now available in digital format. This preservation work ensures that even the oldest property records remain accessible to researchers and the public.
How To Find Liens on Property In Bucks County?
Locating liens and encumbrances on Bucks County properties requires searching several different record systems, as liens may be filed with different county offices depending on their type:
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Recorder of Deeds Office
- Search for mortgages and mortgage satisfactions
- Check for federal tax liens filed against property owners
- Review for municipal liens and claims
- Search for mechanics' liens filed by contractors
- Check for easements and restrictive covenants
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Prothonotary's Office (Clerk of Courts)
- Search for judgment liens against property owners
- Check for pending civil litigation affecting property
- Review for divorce proceedings with property claims
- Search for sheriff's writs and executions
- Check for bankruptcy notices affecting property
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Tax Claim Bureau
- Search for delinquent property tax liens
- Check for pending tax sales or upset sales
- Review for tax claim certificates
- Search for municipal utility liens
- Check for school district tax claims
To conduct a comprehensive lien search:
- Obtain the property owner's full legal name and property description
- Visit the Recorder of Deeds online portal or office
- Search both the grantor and grantee indices for the property owner's name
- Check the Tax Claim Bureau records for tax delinquencies
- Search the Prothonotary's records for judgments against the owner
- Review municipal records for local liens and claims
Professional title companies typically perform these searches as part of real estate transactions, as they have expertise in identifying all potential encumbrances that could affect property rights.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Bucks County?
Bucks County follows Pennsylvania's property ownership laws, which establish specific rules governing property rights, transfers, and restrictions. Key aspects of property ownership rules in the county include:
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Recording Requirements
- All property transfers must be recorded with the Recorder of Deeds
- Unrecorded deeds are valid between parties but may not protect against third-party claims
- Pennsylvania follows a "race-notice" recording statute under 21 P.S. § 351
- Documents must be properly acknowledged before a notary public
- Deed restrictions must be explicitly stated to be enforceable
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Property Tax Responsibilities
- Property owners are responsible for all property taxes
- Tax bills are sent to the owner of record as of January 1
- New owners must ensure tax address changes are recorded
- Homestead exclusions must be applied for by the property owner
- Tax appeals must follow specific county procedures and deadlines
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Zoning and Land Use Compliance
- Property owners must comply with municipal zoning regulations
- Building permits are required for most structural changes
- Historic district properties may have additional restrictions
- Subdivision requires approval from the Planning Commission
- Deed restrictions may impose additional limitations beyond zoning
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Property Rights and Limitations
- Pennsylvania recognizes various forms of ownership (fee simple, life estate, etc.)
- Property owners may check deed restrictions through the Recorder's office
- Easements and rights-of-way must be respected by property owners
- Adverse possession requires 21 years of continuous, hostile possession
- Eminent domain powers are limited by state and federal constitutions
Property owners should consult with legal professionals regarding specific questions about property rights and restrictions, as property law can be complex and situation-specific.
Lookup Property Records in Bucks County
Property Records search portal
Bucks County Parcel & Floodplain Viewer
E-Filing & Online Records Searches
Bucks County Parcels interactive map
Recorder of Deeds official website