Property Records

Lancaster County, Pennsylvania maintains a comprehensive system of property records that serves homeowners, real estate professionals, and investors alike. At the center of this system is the deed, a legal document that establishes and transfers ownership of real property. Deeds, along with other real estate documents, are recorded for safekeeping and to create an accurate official record of ownership. Property owners and interested parties can look up recorded deeds through the Lancaster County Recorder of Deeds online search tool, which provides centralized, public access to documents filed with the office. A training video is also available on the site to help first-time users navigate the search system.

Deed Recording Fees in Lancaster County

Recording a deed in Lancaster County carries a defined cost. According to the Recorder of Deeds fee schedule, the base recording fee is $71.25 for documents up to four pages, with an additional $2.00 charged for each page beyond that. Under Act 45 of 2025, the Judicial Computer Project (JCP) fee associated with recordings increased to $41.25. These fees apply broadly to deeds and mortgage-related filings and should be factored into the closing costs of any real estate transaction.

Liens, Appraisals, and Property Assessments

Beyond deeds, property ownership records intersect closely with liens, appraisals, and tax assessments. Liens—including mortgages, mortgage assignments, and satisfaction documents—are recorded instruments that affect a property’s title and must be cleared or satisfied before ownership can transfer free and clear. Property appraisers play a related but distinct role, determining property value for the purposes of tax assessment rather than ownership transfer. Lancaster County residents can review assessment and valuation details through the Lancaster County Property Assessment Office, while broader property information—spanning Recorder of Deeds and Property Assessment data—is accessible through LanCo View, the county’s interactive mapping tool. Note that LanCo View excludes certain property owner name information to comply with Right to Know law protections for law enforcement officers’ home addresses.

Property Tax Inquiries and Where to Start Your Research

For tax-specific inquiries, Lancaster County directs residents to the Property Tax Inquiry system, which offers detailed, parcel-level tax information. Together, these resources—deed records, appraisal data, lien filings, and tax inquiry tools—give buyers, sellers, and professionals the documentation they need to make informed decisions. Anyone researching a Lancaster County property should start with the Recorder of Deeds for ownership history, then cross-reference the Property Assessment Office and Property Tax Inquiry system for a complete financial and legal picture.