Burke County Public Records /Burke County Property Records

Burke County Property Records

What Is Burke County Property Records

Burke County property records are official documents that establish and track the legal ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within Burke County, North Carolina. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership history and current status. Property records in Burke County are maintained pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 47-18, which governs the recording of instruments affecting real property.

The primary purposes of Burke County property records include:

Establishing legal ownership and chain of title
Providing public notice of property interests
Protecting property rights of owners and lienholders
Facilitating real estate transactions
Supporting property tax assessment and collection
Enabling land use planning and zoning enforcement

The Burke County Register of Deeds serves as the official custodian of property records, maintaining a comprehensive system of documents that track ownership changes, liens, easements, and other encumbrances affecting real property throughout the county. These records form the foundation of real estate ownership in Burke County and provide essential information for property owners, potential buyers, real estate professionals, and government agencies.

Burke County Register of Deeds
201 South Green Street, Suite 112
Morganton, NC 28655
828-764-9340
Burke County Register of Deeds

Are Property Records Public Information In Burke County?

Property records in Burke County are public information and accessible to all citizens under North Carolina law. The public nature of these records is established by the North Carolina Public Records Act § 132-1, which declares that public records "shall be the property of the people." Additionally, North Carolina General Statutes § 47-18 specifically requires that instruments affecting real property be recorded to provide constructive notice to the public.

The legal basis for public access to property records includes:

Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
Recording statutes require public accessibility to provide legal notice
Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest
Public access facilitates real estate transactions and property development

Any member of the public may access Burke County property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for their request. This open access policy ensures transparency in property ownership and facilitates the functioning of the real estate market in Burke County.

The Burke County Register of Deeds maintains these public records and makes them available through both in-person visits to the county office and through online search systems that provide convenient access to property information.

How To Search Property Records in Burke County in 2026

Members of the public seeking to search Burke County property records may utilize several methods currently available through county offices. The following procedures outline the process for conducting property record searches:

Online Search Method:

Visit the Burke County Register of Deeds online records portal
Select the appropriate search type (property index, grantor/grantee index, etc.)
Enter search criteria such as property owner name, property address, or parcel identification number
Review search results and select specific documents to view
Download or print documents as needed (fees may apply for certain documents)

In-Person Search Method:

Visit the Burke County Register of Deeds office during regular business hours
Request assistance from staff to access property record indexes
Provide search criteria to locate relevant documents
Review documents on-site using available resources
Request copies of needed documents (fees apply for certified copies)

Search by Mail:

Submit a written request to the Burke County Register of Deeds
Include specific search criteria and document needs
Enclose appropriate payment for search and copy fees
Provide return address for document delivery
Allow sufficient processing time for mail requests

For property tax and assessment records, the Burke County Tax Administration office maintains separate records that can be searched through their property search system.

Burke County Tax Administration
110 North Green Street
Morganton, NC 28655
828-764-9430
Burke County Tax Administration

How To Find Property Records in Burke County Online?

Burke County offers comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms maintained by county departments. The following online resources are available to locate property records:

Register of Deeds Online Records:

Access the Burke County Register of Deeds online records portal
Create a user account if required for extended search capabilities
Select from available search options:
- Real Property Index
- Grantor/Grantee Index
- Document Type Search
- Book and Page Search
Enter relevant search criteria (name, date range, document type)
Review search results and select documents to view
Download or print documents as needed (fees may apply)

Tax Administration Property Search:

Navigate to the Burke County Property Search portal
Search by one of the following methods:
- Owner/Business Name
- Location Address
- Real Estate ID (REID)
- Parcel Identification Number (PIN)
Review property information including ownership, valuation, and tax status
Access property details, tax history, and assessment information

Geographic Information System (GIS):

Visit the Burke County GIS portal
Use the interactive map interface to locate properties
Search by address, owner name, or parcel number
View property boundaries, dimensions, and geographic features
Access linked property information including ownership and tax data

These online systems provide convenient 24/7 access to property records without requiring a visit to county offices. Users should note that while basic searches are typically free, fees may apply for document downloads, certified copies, or extended search capabilities.

How To Look Up Burke County Property Records for Free?

Burke County provides several options for citizens to access property records at no cost. The following methods allow for free lookup of basic property information:

Free Online Resources:

The Burke County GIS portal offers free access to:
- Property boundaries and dimensions
- Owner information
- Property addresses
- Parcel identification numbers
- Zoning information
- Basic property characteristics
The Burke County Property Information finder provides free access to:
- Basic ownership information
- Property location details
- Tax assessment values
- Property classification
The Burke County Tax Administration property search allows free lookup of:
- Current ownership information
- Property valuation
- Tax status
- Building characteristics
- Land information

Free In-Person Access:

Visit the Burke County Register of Deeds office during regular business hours:
- Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- Self-service computer terminals available for public use
- Staff assistance for basic search guidance
- Viewing of records on-site is free (copying fees apply)
Visit the Burke County Tax Administration office:
- Public terminals available for property tax record searches
- Staff assistance for basic property information
- Tax maps and assessment data available for viewing

While basic property record searches are free, users should be aware that fees apply for:

Certified copies of documents
Extensive research assistance
Document printing or reproduction
Recording of new documents

Burke County Public Library also offers free public computer access that can be used to search online property records:

Burke County Public Library
204 South King Street
Morganton, NC 28655
828-764-9260
Burke County Public Library

What's Included in a Burke County Property Record?

Burke 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, primarily the Register of Deeds and Tax Administration. The distinction between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable assets) is important, as different recording and taxation systems apply to each category.

Property records in Burke County typically include the following information:

Deed Records:

Names of grantors (sellers) and grantees (buyers)
Legal description of the property
Date of property transfer
Sale price or consideration amount
Deed type (warranty, quitclaim, special warranty)
Notarization and witness information
Recording information (book and page number)

Mortgage and Lien Records:

Lender and borrower identification
Loan amount and terms
Property description serving as collateral
Satisfaction or release documentation
Priority status of the lien

Plat Maps and Surveys:

Property boundaries and dimensions
Easements and rights-of-way
Subdivision information
Survey certifications
Geographic references and monuments

Tax Assessment Records:

Property valuation for tax purposes
Land and improvement values
Tax rates and amounts
Payment history
Exemption status
Property classification

Additional Documents:

Easements and covenants
Restrictive covenants
Homeowners association documents
Foreclosure notices
Judgments affecting title
Mechanics liens
Tax liens

These records are maintained pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 161-14, which establishes requirements for the Register of Deeds to maintain accurate and accessible property records. The comprehensive nature of these records ensures that all interests in real property are documented and available for public inspection.

How Long Does Burke County Keep Property Records?

Burke County maintains property records in perpetuity, with retention periods governed by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Records Retention Schedule. This state-mandated schedule establishes minimum retention periods for various types of property records.

The following retention periods apply to key property records in Burke County:

Permanent Retention (Never Destroyed):

Deed books and indexes
Plat maps and surveys
Grantor/grantee indexes
Real property transfer tax records
Subdivision plats
Annexation records
Zoning maps

Extended Retention Periods:

Tax scrolls and abstracts: Permanent for bound volumes; electronic records maintained indefinitely
Building permits: Life of structure plus 6 years
Property appraisal records: Revaluation plus 10 years
Tax foreclosure records: Permanent
Easements and right-of-way agreements: Permanent

Temporary Records:

Building inspections: 6 years after completion
Temporary construction permits: 6 years after expiration
Routine correspondence: 3 years

The Burke County Register of Deeds has maintained property records since the county's formation in 1777, with some historical records dating to this period. These historical records have been preserved through various conservation methods and many have been digitized for better preservation and access.

Modern property records are maintained in both physical and digital formats, with ongoing digitization efforts to convert older records to electronic format. This dual preservation approach ensures the long-term availability of property records for future generations while providing convenient access to current users.

How To Find Liens on Property In Burke County?

Locating liens on property in Burke County requires searching specific records maintained by various county offices. Liens represent legal claims against property that must be satisfied when the property is sold. The following methods can be used to identify liens on Burke County properties:

Register of Deeds Lien Search:

Access the Burke County Register of Deeds online records
Search by property owner name or property description
Select document types related to liens:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Mechanics liens
- Judgment liens
- Federal and state tax liens
- Homeowners association liens
Review search results for active liens
Verify satisfaction or release status of identified liens

Tax Administration Lien Search:

Visit the Burke County Tax Administration property search
Enter property information to locate the specific parcel
Review tax status for any delinquent taxes
Check for tax liens or pending foreclosure actions
Verify current year tax payment status

In-Person Comprehensive Lien Search:

For the most thorough lien search, visit the following offices in person:

Burke County Register of Deeds for recorded liens
Burke County Clerk of Superior Court for judgment liens
Burke County Tax Administration for property tax liens
City of Morganton (or relevant municipality) for municipal liens

Professional Title Search:

For real estate transactions, professional title searches are recommended to identify all liens and encumbrances. Licensed attorneys and title companies can provide comprehensive title searches that identify:

All recorded liens against the property
Potential unrecorded liens
Priority of competing liens
Satisfaction status of liens
Chain of title issues that may affect liens

Liens in Burke County are governed by various North Carolina statutes, including North Carolina General Statutes § 44A for mechanics liens and North Carolina General Statutes § 105-355 for tax liens.

What Is Property Owner Rule In Burke County?

The property owner rules in Burke County are governed by North Carolina state law and local ordinances that establish the rights, responsibilities, and limitations of property ownership. These regulations define how property may be used, transferred, and encumbered within the county.

Property Recording Requirements:

Under North Carolina General Statutes § 47-18, all instruments affecting title to real property must be recorded with the Register of Deeds to provide constructive notice to third parties. This "race recording" statute establishes that:

The first properly recorded instrument has priority over subsequent instruments
Unrecorded instruments are valid between parties but may not be enforceable against third parties
All documents must meet specific formatting requirements to be accepted for recording

Property Taxation Rules:

Burke County property owners are subject to property taxation under the following rules:

Properties are assessed at 100% of market value
Revaluation occurs every four years (most recently in 2023)
Tax bills are issued annually and become due September 1
Taxes become delinquent if not paid by January 5 of the following year
Delinquent taxes accrue interest and may result in foreclosure

Property Use Regulations:

Property use in Burke County is governed by:

County-wide zoning ordinances that establish permitted uses by zone
Building codes that regulate construction standards
Subdivision regulations for land division
Flood plain restrictions in designated areas
Watershed protection ordinances
Historic district regulations where applicable

Property Transfer Requirements:

When transferring property in Burke County, owners must comply with:

Deed preparation requirements under state law
Payment of real estate excise tax (currently $1 per $500 of value)
Disclosure of property condition for residential properties
Compliance with subdivision regulations for land division
Satisfaction of outstanding liens before clear title can be transferred

Adverse Possession Rules:

North Carolina law allows for acquisition of property through adverse possession under the following conditions:

Actual, open, notorious, exclusive, and continuous possession
Possession must be hostile to the true owner's rights
Possession must continue for 20 years (7 years under color of title)
Payment of property taxes strengthens adverse possession claims

These property owner rules are administered by various Burke County departments, including the Register of Deeds, Tax Administration, and Planning and Development. Property owners should consult with legal professionals for specific guidance on property rights and responsibilities.