Chatham County Property Records
What Is Chatham County Property Records
Chatham County property records are official documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property (land and buildings) within Chatham County, Georgia. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership and interests throughout the county. Property records fulfill several essential functions in maintaining orderly property ownership and transactions.
The primary purposes of Chatham County property records include:
- Establishing legal ownership through a documented chain of title
- Providing public notice of property interests and encumbrances
- Protecting property rights of owners and interested parties
- Facilitating real estate transactions and property transfers
- Supporting property tax assessment and collection
Pursuant to Georgia Code § 44-2-1, all deeds, mortgages, and other instruments affecting the title to lands must be recorded in the office of the clerk of the superior court of the county where the land is located. This statutory requirement ensures that property ownership and interests are properly documented and accessible to the public.
The Chatham County Superior Court Clerk maintains the official property records for the county, including deeds, mortgages, liens, and other documents affecting real property interests.
Chatham County Superior Court Clerk
133 Montgomery Street, Room 304
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 652-7175
Chatham County Superior Court Clerk
Are Property Records Public Information In Chatham County?
Property records in Chatham County are public information and accessible to all citizens under Georgia law. The Georgia Open Records Act, codified in Georgia Code § 50-18-70, establishes that public records, including property records, shall be open for personal inspection by any citizen of Georgia.
The public nature of property records is founded on several legal principles:
- Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
- Recording statutes require public access to ensure notice of property interests
- Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest
- Public access facilitates property transactions and prevents fraud
Any member of the public may access Chatham County property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for the request. This open access policy supports transparency in government and facilitates informed decision-making in real estate transactions.
The Chatham County Board of Assessors maintains property assessment records that are publicly accessible, while the Superior Court Clerk maintains the official recorded documents affecting property ownership and interests.
Chatham County Board of Assessors
222 West Oglethorpe Avenue
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 652-7271
Chatham County Board of Assessors
How To Search Property Records in Chatham County in 2026
Members of the public may search Chatham County property records through several methods currently available. The county maintains comprehensive digital systems that allow for efficient property record searches. To search property records in Chatham County, individuals may follow these steps:
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Online Search via Superior Court Clerk's Office
- Visit the Chatham County Superior Court Clerk's Real Estate Records website
- Select the appropriate search option (name search, property address, etc.)
- Enter the relevant search criteria
- Review the search results and select records of interest
- View, print, or download available documents
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In-Person Search at the Superior Court Clerk's Office
- Visit the Superior Court Clerk's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
- Request assistance from staff to access property records
- Provide specific information about the property or parties of interest
- Review records on-site and request copies as needed
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Property Assessment Records Search
- Access the Chatham County Board of Assessors website
- Use the property search function to locate assessment information
- Search by owner name, property address, or parcel identification number
- Review property characteristics, valuation, and tax information
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Geographic Information System (GIS) Search
- Visit the Savannah Area Geographic Information System (SAGIS) portal
- Use the interactive map to locate properties
- Access property information, including ownership, zoning, and assessment data
- View property boundaries and related geographic information
For complex searches or assistance with historical records, county staff are available to provide guidance during regular business hours.
How To Find Property Records in Chatham County Online?
Chatham County offers comprehensive online resources for accessing property records. The digital systems maintained by various county departments provide convenient access to property information without requiring an in-person visit. To find property records online, follow these specific methods:
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Superior Court Clerk's Real Estate Records Portal
- Navigate to the Chatham County Superior Court Clerk's Real Estate Records website
- Select from available search options:
- Grantor/Grantee Index (search by name)
- Property Address Search
- Instrument Number Search
- Book and Page Search
- Enter the relevant search criteria
- Review search results and select documents to view
- Documents may be viewed, printed, or downloaded according to system capabilities
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Property Tax and Assessment Records
- Visit the Chatham County Tax Commissioner website
- Select "Property Tax Search" or similar option
- Search by owner name, property address, or parcel ID
- Access tax payment history, current tax bills, and property valuation information
- Link to related assessment information from search results
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Board of Assessors Property Search
- Access the Chatham County Board of Assessors website
- Select the property search function
- Enter search criteria (owner name, address, parcel ID)
- View detailed property characteristics, including:
- Building information
- Land data
- Ownership history
- Assessment values
- Tax district information
-
Geographic Information System (GIS)
- Navigate to the SAGIS property search portal
- Use the map interface to locate properties visually
- Search by address or parcel ID
- Access property information layers showing ownership, zoning, flood zones, and other geographic data
- Generate custom maps and reports based on property information
These online resources are available 24 hours a day, providing convenient access to property records outside of normal business hours.
How To Look Up Chatham County Property Records for Free?
Chatham County provides several free options for accessing property records. These no-cost resources ensure that all members of the public can obtain property information regardless of financial resources. The following methods allow for free property record searches:
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Superior Court Clerk's Online Records
- The Chatham County Superior Court Clerk provides free basic search capabilities
- Basic document viewing is available without charge
- Search by name, property address, or document information
- While viewing basic information is free, fees may apply for document copies or certified records
-
Board of Assessors Property Information
- The Chatham County Board of Assessors website offers free property search
- Access comprehensive property characteristics and assessment information
- View ownership information, property details, and valuation history
- Download property record cards showing detailed assessment information
-
SAGIS Map Viewer
- The Savannah Area Geographic Information System provides free map-based property searches
- Access property boundaries, ownership information, and geographic data
- View zoning information, flood zones, and other property characteristics
- Generate basic property reports at no cost
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In-Person Research
- Visit the Superior Court Clerk's Office during regular business hours
- Use public terminals to search property records at no charge
- Staff assistance is available for basic search guidance
- Self-service research is available without fees (copying fees may apply)
Chatham County Superior Court Clerk
133 Montgomery Street, Room 304
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 652-7175
Chatham County Superior Court Clerk
While basic property record searches are free, certain services such as certified copies, extensive research assistance, or bulk data requests may incur fees as established by county ordinance and state law.
What's Included in a Chatham County Property Record?
Chatham 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, each responsible for different aspects of property documentation. The content of property records varies by document type but generally includes the following information:
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Deed Records
- Names of grantor (seller) and grantee (buyer)
- Legal description of the property
- Date of property transfer
- Sale price or consideration
- Deed type (warranty, quitclaim, etc.)
- Notarization and witness information
- Recording information (book/page or instrument number)
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Property Assessment Records
- Parcel identification number
- Property address and location information
- Owner name and mailing address
- Property classification (residential, commercial, etc.)
- Land characteristics (lot size, topography, etc.)
- Building characteristics (square footage, construction type, etc.)
- Assessed value for tax purposes
- Exemption information
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Mortgage and Security Instruments
- Lender and borrower information
- Loan amount and terms
- Property used as collateral
- Maturity date
- Assignment or satisfaction information
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Liens and Encumbrances
- Type of lien (tax, judgment, mechanic's, etc.)
- Lien holder information
- Amount of the lien
- Date filed and expiration date
- Property affected by the lien
-
Plats and Surveys
- Property boundaries and dimensions
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Subdivision information
- Surveyor certification
- Recording information
-
Tax Records
- Annual tax assessments
- Payment history
- Tax sale information (if applicable)
- Special assessments or tax districts
Pursuant to Georgia Code § 44-2-25, all property records must meet specific requirements for recording, including proper formatting, signatures, and notarization. These requirements ensure the legal validity and enforceability of recorded documents.
The distinction between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable assets) is important, as different recording requirements and procedures apply to each category.
How Long Does Chatham County Keep Property Records?
Chatham County maintains property records according to retention schedules established by Georgia law and the Georgia Archives' Records Management Division. Property records are generally considered permanent records due to their ongoing legal and historical significance. The retention periods for various property-related documents are as follows:
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Deed Records and Property Transfers
- Retention Period: Permanent
- These records establish ownership and are never destroyed
- Historical deed books are preserved and many have been digitized
- Original documents are returned to the presenting party after recording
-
Mortgage and Security Instruments
- Retention Period: Permanent
- Records remain accessible even after satisfaction or cancellation
- Satisfaction or release documents are recorded to show discharge of debt
- Both active and satisfied mortgages remain in the public record
-
Tax Records and Assessment Information
- Retention Period: Varies (7 years to permanent)
- Current and historical tax rolls are maintained permanently
- Tax payment records are typically retained for 7 years
- Property assessment records are maintained permanently as part of the property history
-
Plats and Surveys
- Retention Period: Permanent
- These documents establish property boundaries and subdivisions
- Historical plats are preserved for their continuing legal relevance
- Many historical plats have been digitized for better preservation and access
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Liens and Judgments
- Retention Period: Varies based on lien type
- Records remain accessible after lien expiration or satisfaction
- Tax liens: 7 years after satisfaction
- Judgment liens: 7 years after satisfaction or expiration
- Mechanic's liens: 7 years after satisfaction or expiration
The Georgia Records Act, O.C.G.A. § 50-18-90 et seq., establishes the legal framework for records retention in Georgia counties. The specific retention schedules are developed by the Georgia Archives and must be followed by all county offices.
While some records may be eligible for destruction after their retention period expires, Chatham County generally maintains property records permanently due to their historical value and ongoing legal significance.
How To Find Liens on Property In Chatham County?
Liens on property in Chatham County can be identified through several official channels. A lien search is an essential step in determining whether a property has any outstanding claims or encumbrances that could affect ownership rights or transfer. To find liens on Chatham County property, individuals may utilize the following methods:
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Superior Court Clerk's Office Records Search
- Visit the Chatham County Superior Court Clerk's Real Estate Records website
- Search by property owner name or property address
- Review results for recorded liens, including:
- Tax liens
- Judgment liens
- Mechanic's liens
- HOA liens
- Other recorded encumbrances
- Examine the status of any liens (active, satisfied, expired)
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Tax Commissioner's Office
- Access the Chatham County Tax Commissioner website
- Search for the property by address or parcel ID
- Review tax payment status and history
- Identify any delinquent taxes or tax liens on the property
- Verify if the property has been subject to tax sale proceedings
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In-Person Comprehensive Lien Search
- Visit the Superior Court Clerk's Office
- Request a lien search for the specific property
- Check General Execution Docket for judgments against property owners
- Review UCC filings that may affect fixtures on the property
- Examine probate court records for potential estate claims
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Professional Title Search
- Engage a title company or attorney to conduct a professional lien search
- Receive a comprehensive report of all recorded liens and encumbrances
- Obtain professional interpretation of lien priority and validity
- Consider title insurance to protect against undiscovered liens
Chatham County Tax Commissioner
222 West Oglethorpe Avenue
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 652-7100
Chatham County Tax Commissioner
For the most comprehensive lien information, a search should include both the Superior Court records and the Tax Commissioner's records, as different types of liens may be recorded in different offices.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Chatham County?
The Property Owner Rule in Chatham County refers to the legal principles governing property ownership, rights, and responsibilities within the jurisdiction. These rules are derived from Georgia state law and local ordinances that establish the framework for property ownership and transactions. Key aspects of the Property Owner Rule include:
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Recording Requirements
- Pursuant to Georgia Code § 44-2-1, all deeds, mortgages, and instruments affecting title to land must be recorded in the Superior Court Clerk's office
- Unrecorded deeds are binding between parties but may not protect against subsequent purchasers
- The first properly recorded deed generally takes priority over subsequently recorded deeds
- Documents must meet specific formatting requirements to be accepted for recording
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Notice and Priority Principles
- Georgia follows a "notice" recording statute system
- Properly recorded documents provide constructive notice to all parties
- Bona fide purchasers without notice of prior unrecorded interests may gain priority
- Recording establishes priority among competing interests in the same property
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Property Tax Obligations
- Property owners are responsible for paying annual property taxes
- Tax bills are issued by the Chatham County Tax Commissioner
- Failure to pay property taxes may result in tax liens and eventual tax sale
- Property tax appeals must be filed with the Board of Assessors within specific timeframes
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Property Transfer Requirements
- Valid property transfers require a written instrument (deed)
- Deeds must include proper legal description, grantor/grantee names, and consideration
- Proper execution requires signatures, witnesses, and notarization
- Real estate transfer tax must be paid based on property value
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Homestead Exemptions
- Property owners may apply for homestead exemptions on their primary residence
- Applications must be submitted to the Board of Assessors by April 1
- Various exemptions are available based on age, disability, and veteran status
- Exemptions reduce the taxable value of the property
The Property Owner Rule also encompasses regulations regarding property maintenance, zoning compliance, and other responsibilities established by local ordinances. Property owners should consult with legal professionals for specific guidance on property rights and obligations in Chatham County.
Lookup Property Records in Chatham County
Chatham County Board of Assessors
Chatham County Tax Commissioner