Lancaster County, PA Property Records

    With a population exceeding 560,000 residents, Lancaster County ranks as the sixth most populous county in Pennsylvania, based on recent U.S. Census estimates. An average home in the county is valued at approximately $370,000. While this represents a 4.3% increase from last year, it remains well above the statewide average home value of $275,155.

    Lancaster County properties sell quickly after being listed. They typically receive acceptable offers within 14 days after listing, with about 45% closing above the original asking price. This indicates a highly competitive housing market driven by strong buyer demand. However, some residents still face affordability pressures despite relatively lower home values. According to the Federal Reserve Economic Data, over 27% of Lancaster County homeowners spend over 30% of their income on housing. This leaves many households with limited flexibility when unexpected expenses arise.

    The Lancaster County Property Assessment Office is responsible for valuing properties and keeping official parcel records across the county. Online search tools maintained by the Assessment Office allow you to verify property information, including value assessments and parcel identifiers. Meanwhile, the Lancaster County Treasurer handles all real estate tax matters in the county.

    Who Keeps the Official Land Records?

    The Recorder of Deeds documents and provides access to land records that affect ownership in Lancaster County. Landowners across the county submit property documents for recording at this central office. The Recorder of Deeds maintains historical land records dating back to 1729, shortly after Lancaster County was established. These records are preserved in both physical deed books and digitized electronic formats.

    You can access Lancaster County real estate records online or by submitting in-person requests using the details provided below:

    • Recorder of Deeds: 150 North Queen Street, Suite 315, Lancaster, PA 17603.

    • Phone: (717) 299-8238, Record Search.

    • Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

    • Coverage: Lancaster City and all boroughs in Lancaster County.

    What Lancaster County Property Records Include

    Lancaster County property records are legal documents that detail the ownership and encumbrances of real estate across the county. These include

    • Deeds

    • Mortgages

    • Liens

    • Judgments

    • Easements

    • Rights-of-way

    • Subdivision plans

    • Surveys

    These records show how ownership has changed over time and what legal claims or restrictions may affect a property. Lancaster County, as well as other Pennsylvania counties, operates a standard recorded land system. The county recorder indexes real estate filings by the owner's name, document type, book/page number, and recording date, making it possible for users to track property ownership. Official land records in Lancaster County date back to 1729 and are available in both physical and digital formats.

    How to Access Lancaster County Property Records

    You can access Lancaster County property records through any of the following methods:

    Online Access (Free):

    The Recorder of Deeds provides access to Lancaster County property records online through the SelfService Web Portal. You can search records on the portal by entering the buyer/seller name and document number in the relevant fields. To streamline your search, select the municipality and include other details like the parcel ID and document type. Run the search to view a list of matching records, then select a document to open and review the scanned image at no cost.

    In Person:

    For in-person assistance or obtaining copies of Lancaster County property documents, visit the record custodian using the contact details below:

    • Recorder of Deeds: 150 North Queen Street, Suite 315, Lancaster, PA 17603.

    • Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday

    When submitting a request, include key property details such as the owner's name, property address, or document number to help staff locate the correct record. The Recorder of Deeds generally charges $0.25 per page for standard copies and $10.00 per document for certified copies.

    By Phone or Email:

    You can request copies of land documents or make related inquiries by calling the county recorder at (717) 299-8238. Alternatively, send an email to ahess@lancastercountypa.gov or complete the online web form.

    By Mail/Overnight:

    You can send recording documents or copy requests by mail to the Lancaster County Recorder of Deeds. In the copy request, describe the document you are seeking and include any known identifying details. Furthermore, include the appropriate fee and a self-addressed stamped envelope to ensure the original documents are returned by mail.

    E-Recording (Professionals):

    Title companies and lenders can submit recording packages electronically without visiting the Recorder of Deeds office in person. The office accepts e-recorded documents from authorized providers, including Simplifile, CSC, and ePN. Electronic recording helps speed up processing while reducing paperwork and mailing delays. Information about approved vendors and submission requirements is available through the Recorder of Deeds' official website.

    What's Not at the Registry (But Matters for Property Research)?

    In Lancaster County, the Recorder of Deeds handles only documents involving land ownership, while real estate valuations are managed by the Property Assessment Office. can visit the Assessment Office to confirm land boundaries and estimate a property's taxable value. The office also provides lot size and other building features that will help understand what is built on the land.

    The Lancaster County Treasurer is responsible for real estate tax payment information. may contact the Treasurer to check whether property taxes are current, review past payments, or identify any unpaid balances that may affect the property. Meanwhile, the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue manages and publishes statewide assessment standards.

    Step-by-Step: How to Pull a Deed Online

    Follow the steps below to pull a Lancaster County deed online:

    • Open the Self Service Web Search system.

    • Click on ‘Document Search and Copies.'

    • In the appropriate spaces provided, enter relevant details such as grantor/grantee name, recording date range, book and page, and document number.

    • Select 'Deed' from the document type section.

    • You may narrow the search further by entering the parcel number or lot/block/unit details.

    • Submit your request and review all matching records.

    • Download the document.

    Cities & Towns in Lancaster County (and Their Registry Districts)

    Land records in Lancaster County are handled by one centralized registry district, which is the Recorder of Deeds Office. Lancaster City and other municipalities within the county file their property documents through one unified recording system.

    These municipalities include:

    • Adamstown, Akron, Bart, Brecknock, Caernarvon, Christiana, Clay, Colerain, Columbia, Conestoga, Conoy, Denver, Drumore, East Cocalico, East Donegal, East Drumore, Leacock, Lititz, Little Britain, Manheim, Manor, Marietta, Martic, Millersville, Mount Joy, Mount Joy, Mountville, New Holland, Paradise, Penn, Salisbury, Strasburg, Strasburg, Terre Hill, Upper Leacock, Warwick, West Cocalico, West Donegal, West Earl, West Hempfield, and West Lampet.

    City/Town Resources for Assessments & Taxes

    The Lancaster County Property Assessment Office handles parcel cards, assessed values, and ownership updates for all cities and towns within the county. Property-related information such asland use, building data, market values, and exemption information is accessible online through the LanCo View Map. You can look up this information by providing basic details like property address and real estate number where necessary.

    The Lancaster County Treasurer also provides the Property Tax Inquiry tool that allows you to view current and prior tax bills, check payment status, and review delinquency information. Statewide tax data and related information that may aid property research in Lancaster County are maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue.

    Lancaster County-Specific Nuances

    Lancaster County, PA, has several unique features that may affect how you conduct property research. Below are some of those features:

    • Lancaster County's centralized land recording system is handled by the Recorder of Deeds. This makes it easy for anyone to access property title records faster.

    • In Lancaster County, you can search property records from 1729 to date free of charge through the recorder's online search system.

    • The Recorder of Deeds also accepts copy requests by mail or in person.

    • Lancaster County allows tax professionals and real estate companies to submit recording instruments electronically through authorized vendors.

    • Property valuations are handled by the Property Assessment Office, while tax billing and collections are managed by the County Treasurer.

    • The Recorder of Deeds, Property Assessment Office, and Treasurer are all located at the County Government Center in Lancaster. This makes it convenient to handle recording, assessment, and tax matters in one place.

    Typical Contents of a Lancaster County Property Record

    A Lancaster County property record contains public filings that detail ownership, encumbrances, and the mapped boundaries of land in the county. Below are the details you would find in these documents:

    • Deeds (Proof of Ownership Transfer)

      • Property legal description

      • Grantor and grantee names

      • Consideration reported for the transfer

      • Mailing addresses

      • Prior book and page references

      • Homestead information when declared

      • Date of conveyance and execution

      • Notarial acknowledgment or certification

      • Habendum or warranty clauses

    • Deeds of Trust and Releases (Evidence of Debt)

      • Names of borrowers and lenders

      • Recording date

      • Loan amount and interest rate

      • Release or satisfaction entries when a lien is paid

      • assignment recorded when a note is transferred

      • Endorsements or riders

    • Visual Maps and Plans

      • Subdivision or survey references

      • Survey or plat number

      • Lot boundaries, dimensions, and layout

      • Engineer or surveyor certification

    • Encumbrances and restrictions within property records

      • Easements

      • Covenants or restrictions

      • Lis Pendens notices

      • Rights of way or shared access details

    • Other Documents

      • Affidavits

      • Sale/transfer history

      • Declarations of trust

      • Corrective or confirmatory deeds

      • Affidavits of identity

      • Power of attorney documents associated with the land.

    Recording Changes to Property Titles

    can record property ownership transactions, including changes to title, in Lancaster County with the Recorder of Deeds. The recorder manages the county's official records and ensures that each filing is reviewed, indexed, and added to the public land records in the order it is received. can submit documents for recording by mail, in person, or electronically through authorized e-recording providers. The Recorder of Deeds provides recording requirements, a fee schedule, and e-recording instructions on its official website.

    Practical Research Flow (Checklist)

    You may follow this checklist to conduct effective property research in Lancaster County, PA:

    • Confirm the property location: Open the LanCo View Map and enter an address or owner's name to verify if the land is located in the county.

    • Open the recorder's online tool: Visit the Self Service Web Portal and search using party names, property addresses, or recording dates.

    • Locate the current deed: Narrow your results by selecting a document deed or warranty deed. You can also review the recording date and open the document image to view the recorded deed.

    • Record reference numbers: Write down the official recording information, including the book and page number or the instrument number. These references help you locate related documents and verify the accuracy of future filings.

    • Follow the chain of title: Each deed includes a prior reference that points to the previous recorded transfer. Use this information to locate earlier deeds and continue tracing ownership back through earlier transactions. A complete chain ensures that ownership has passed without gaps.

    • Confirm tax history: Use the Lancaster County online resource to review the tax history. Check for unpaid taxes, special assessments, or other charges attached to the parcel.

    • Maintain a record of findings: Maintain copies of retrieved documents and parcel maps for future reference or legal review.

    Appendix A - Municipalities in Lancaster County

    Lancaster City is the only official city in Lancaster County. The county is also made up of several boroughs and townships listed below:

    • Boroughs and Townships: Adamstown, Akron, Bart, Brecknock, Caernarvon, Christiana, Clay, Colerain, Columbia, Conestoga, Conoy, Denver, Drumore, East Cocalico, East Donegal, East Drumore, East Earl, East Hempfield, East Lampeter, East Petersburg, Eden, Elizabeth, Elizabethtown, Ephrata, Ephrata, Earl, Fulton, Leacock, Lititz, Little Britain, Manheim, Manor, Marietta, Martic, Millersville, Mount Joy, Mount Joy, Mountville, New Holland, Paradise, Penn, Pequea, Providence, Quarryville, Rapho, Sadsbury, Salisbury, Strasburg, Strasburg, Terre Hill, Upper Leacock, Warwick, West Cocalico, West Donegal, West Earl, West Hempfield, West Lampet. (Wikipedia).

    Appendix B - Key Contacts & Portals