Horry County Property Records
What Is Horry County Property Records
Property records in Horry County are official documents that establish and track the legal ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within county boundaries. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property rights and interests throughout Horry County, South Carolina. The Register of Deeds office maintains these vital records as the official custodian of land records for the county.
Property records fulfill several essential functions in Horry County:
- Establish legal ownership by documenting the chain of title from one owner to the next
- Provide public notice of property interests, including easements and restrictions
- Protect property rights by creating an official record of ownership claims
- Facilitate real estate transactions by providing reliable ownership information
- Support property taxation and land use planning by government agencies
Pursuant to South Carolina Code § 30-5-10, the recording of deeds, mortgages, and other instruments affecting real property is required to provide constructive notice to third parties. This statute establishes the legal framework for maintaining property records and ensuring their accessibility to the public.
The comprehensive property records system in Horry County includes documents such as deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, easements, and other instruments that affect real property interests. These records are maintained according to state law and county regulations to ensure accuracy, completeness, and public accessibility.
Are Property Records Public Information In Horry County?
Property records in Horry County are public information and accessible to all citizens under South Carolina law. The South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (S.C. Code § 30-4-10 et seq.) establishes the public's right to access government records, including property records maintained by county offices.
The public nature of property records is founded on several important principles:
- Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record to establish clear title
- Recording statutes require public access to provide constructive notice of property interests
- Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest by preventing fraud and facilitating commerce
- Any member of the public may access property records without demonstrating a specific interest or reason
South Carolina Code § 30-5-30 specifically mandates that the Register of Deeds "shall keep a file for the recording of all papers required by law to be recorded." These records must be maintained in a manner that allows for public inspection during regular business hours.
The Horry County Register of Deeds serves as the primary custodian of property records and provides public access to these documents both in person and through online services. Additionally, the Horry County Assessor's Office maintains public records related to property valuation and taxation.
Horry County Register of Deeds
1301 Second Avenue, Suite 1600
Conway, SC 29526
(843) 915-5430
Register of Deeds
How To Search Property Records in Horry County in 2026
Members of the public seeking to search property records in Horry County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county currently provides multiple avenues for property record searches to accommodate various needs and preferences.
To search property records in Horry County:
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Online Search Portal: Access the Horry County Land Records system, which provides a comprehensive database of property records. Users may search by owner name, property address, parcel number, or document type.
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In-Person Research: Visit the Register of Deeds office during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM) to conduct research with assistance from county staff.
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GIS Mapping System: Utilize the Horry County GIS Application to view property boundaries, zoning information, and basic ownership details through an interactive map interface.
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Property Records Request: Submit a formal request for specific property records using the appropriate form available through the county's Online Services portal.
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Professional Title Search: Engage the services of a licensed title company or attorney who specializes in property records research for comprehensive title examinations.
When searching property records, it is advisable to have specific information ready, such as the property owner's name, property address, or parcel identification number (PIN) to facilitate an efficient search. The county's property records system is regularly updated to reflect new transactions and changes in ownership.
Horry County Assessor's Office
1301 Second Avenue, Suite 1C01
Conway, SC 29526
(843) 915-5040
Assessor's Office
How To Find Property Records in Horry County Online?
Horry County provides comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms. These online resources allow citizens to conduct property research remotely at their convenience.
To find property records online in Horry County, follow these steps:
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Land Records Database: Navigate to the Horry County Land Records portal, which serves as the primary online repository for property documents.
- Select the appropriate search criteria (name, address, parcel number)
- Enter the relevant information in the search fields
- Review the search results and select the desired record
- View, download, or print the document as needed
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GIS Mapping System: Access the Horry County GIS Application for spatial property information.
- Use the map navigation tools to locate the property of interest
- Click on the property to view basic information
- Access links to related property records and documents
- Utilize the various map layers to view additional property characteristics
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Tax Records Search: Visit the Real Property Tax section of the county website.
- Search by owner name, property address, or tax map number
- View current and historical tax assessment information
- Access property valuation data and tax payment history
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Register of Deeds Index: Use the online index maintained by the Register of Deeds to locate specific recorded documents.
- Search by grantor/grantee name, document type, or recording date
- Identify the book and page number for the desired document
- Request copies of specific documents as needed
These online resources are maintained pursuant to South Carolina Code § 30-6-50, which authorizes counties to maintain electronic records systems for public documents. The county's digital platforms are regularly updated to ensure accuracy and completeness of the available information.
How To Look Up Horry County Property Records for Free?
Horry County provides several free options for accessing property records, ensuring that essential property information is available to all citizens regardless of financial resources. These free services support transparency in government and facilitate public access to important property information.
Free property record lookup options in Horry County include:
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Public Access Terminals: Visit the Register of Deeds office or the County Assessor's office to use the public computer terminals available for free property record searches.
- No appointment necessary during regular business hours
- Staff assistance available for basic search guidance
- Self-service printing available for a nominal fee per page
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Basic Online Search: Access the Horry County Online Services portal for free basic property information.
- Property ownership details
- Basic property characteristics
- Current assessed value
- Tax status information
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GIS Mapping Resources: Utilize the free Horry County GIS Application to view property boundaries and basic ownership information.
- Interactive map interface
- Property boundary visualization
- Basic property details
- Zoning information
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Public Library Resources: Visit any Horry County public library location to access free internet services for online property record searches.
- Available during library operating hours
- No library card required for on-site computer use
- Staff assistance may be available for basic guidance
While basic property record searches are available at no cost, certain specialized services may incur fees, such as certified copies of documents, extensive research assistance, or bulk data requests. These fee structures are established pursuant to South Carolina Code § 30-4-30, which allows government agencies to charge reasonable fees for record reproduction and specialized services.
Horry County Planning and Zoning Department
1301 Second Avenue, Suite 1D09
Conway, SC 29526
(843) 915-5340
Planning and Zoning
What's Included in a Horry County Property Record?
Property records in Horry County encompass a comprehensive collection of documents and information related to real property within county boundaries. These records are maintained by multiple county offices, each responsible for specific aspects of property documentation.
A complete Horry County property record typically includes:
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Ownership Documents:
- Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, special warranty)
- Certificates of title
- Transfer documents
- Inheritance records
- Court orders affecting title
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Financial Encumbrances:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Tax liens (federal, state, local)
- Judgment liens
- Mechanics' liens
- Homeowners association liens
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Property Characteristics:
- Legal description of the property
- Lot size and dimensions
- Building specifications (square footage, construction type)
- Year built and major improvements
- Property use classification
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Assessment and Taxation Information:
- Assessed value
- Tax classification
- Exemption status
- Tax payment history
- Special assessments
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Land Use Documents:
- Plats and surveys
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants
- Zoning designations
- Variance approvals
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Additional Records:
- Property address history
- Subdivision information
- Flood zone designation
- Environmental restrictions
- Historical designations
These records distinguish between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable assets), with different county offices maintaining specific record types. The Horry County Assessor maintains valuation and tax records, while the Register of Deeds maintains ownership and encumbrance records.
Pursuant to South Carolina Code § 30-5-40, all property records must include specific information to be legally valid, including proper identification of parties, legal description of the property, and appropriate notarization.
How Long Does Horry County Keep Property Records?
Horry County maintains property records according to retention schedules established by state law and county policy. These retention periods ensure the preservation of important historical and legal documents while allowing for the appropriate disposition of obsolete records.
Property record retention periods in Horry County include:
- Deeds and Ownership Documents: Permanent retention
- Mortgages and Liens: Retained permanently, with satisfied liens marked accordingly
- Tax Records: Minimum 10-year retention after settlement or payment
- Plats and Surveys: Permanent retention
- Building Permits: Retained for the life of the structure plus 3 years
- Zoning Records: Permanent retention for decisions, 5 years for routine correspondence
- Property Assessment Records: Permanent retention for final assessment rolls, 5 years for working files
The South Carolina Public Records Act (S.C. Code § 30-1-10 et seq.) establishes the legal framework for records retention throughout the state. This statute mandates that "no record shall be destroyed or otherwise disposed of by any agency unless it is determined that the record has no further administrative, legal, fiscal, research or historical value."
The Horry County Register of Deeds maintains the county's permanent property records archive, which includes documents dating back to the county's formation. Historical property records provide valuable information for title research, genealogical studies, and historical preservation efforts.
Modern property records are maintained in both physical and digital formats to ensure long-term preservation and accessibility. The county's electronic records system provides redundancy and protection against physical damage or deterioration of original documents.
How To Find Liens on Property In Horry County?
Liens on property in Horry County are public records that indicate claims against a property due to unpaid debts or obligations. Identifying existing liens is a crucial step in property transactions and financial planning.
To find liens on property in Horry County, follow these procedures:
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Register of Deeds Search:
- Visit the Register of Deeds office in person or access their online records system
- Search by property owner name or property address
- Review the index of recorded documents for liens, including:
- Mortgage liens
- Judgment liens
- Mechanics' liens
- HOA liens
- Other recorded encumbrances
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Tax Records Examination:
- Check the Real Property Tax records maintained by the county
- Search by property address or parcel number
- Review for outstanding tax liens or delinquencies
- Note any special assessments that may constitute liens
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Court Records Search:
- Access the Horry County Clerk of Court records
- Search for judgments against the property owner
- Review civil case records for potential judgment liens
- Check for bankruptcy filings that may affect property interests
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Professional Lien Search:
- Consider engaging a title company or attorney to conduct a comprehensive lien search
- Professional searches typically include:
- Multiple jurisdiction searches
- Federal and state tax lien verification
- Utility liens and special assessments
- Child support liens
- Other potential encumbrances
Liens in Horry County are governed by various statutes, including South Carolina Code § 29-5-10 et seq. for mechanics' liens and § 12-54-120 for tax liens. These statutes establish the requirements for creating valid liens and the procedures for their enforcement.
When conducting lien searches, it is important to note that some liens may be filed against the property owner rather than the specific property, requiring searches under both the property address and the owner's name.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Horry County?
The Property Owner Rule in Horry County refers to the set of regulations and legal principles that govern property ownership rights and responsibilities within the county. These rules establish the framework for property acquisition, use, and transfer in accordance with South Carolina law and county ordinances.
Key components of the Property Owner Rule in Horry County include:
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Recording Requirements:
- All property transfers must be properly recorded with the Register of Deeds
- Documents must meet specific formatting and content requirements
- Recording establishes constructive notice to third parties
- First-to-record principle generally determines priority of competing claims
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Property Tax Obligations:
- Property owners are responsible for paying annual property taxes
- Tax rates are determined based on property assessment and applicable millage rates
- Failure to pay property taxes may result in tax liens and eventual tax sale
- Certain exemptions are available for qualifying property owners
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Land Use Regulations:
- Property use is subject to zoning regulations and land development codes
- Building permits are required for new construction and significant renovations
- Variance and special exception processes are available for qualifying situations
- Non-conforming uses may be grandfathered under specific conditions
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Riparian Rights:
- Properties adjacent to waterways have specific rights and restrictions
- Access to navigable waters is subject to state and federal regulations
- Shoreline modifications require appropriate permits
- Flood zone designations affect property use and insurance requirements
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Restrictive Covenants:
- Private restrictions may be imposed through recorded covenants
- Homeowners associations may enforce additional rules and regulations
- Covenants run with the land and bind subsequent owners
- Modification typically requires specified majority approval
These property ownership rules are established pursuant to various statutes, including South Carolina Code § 27-7-10 et seq. regarding real property and § 6-29-710 et seq. concerning zoning authority. The Horry County Planning and Zoning Department administers many of these regulations through its permitting and enforcement activities.
Property owners seeking to understand their specific rights and responsibilities may consult the Applications & Forms section of the county website for relevant guidance documents and application procedures.
Lookup Property Records in Horry County
Register of Deeds Official Records
Property Assessment Information