Kings County, NY Property Records

    Kings County, commonly known as Brooklyn, has a population of about 2.7 million residents, making it the most populous county in New York. With a land area of 69.39 square miles, it is the second most densely populated county in the U.S. Typical homes in Brooklyn are valued at about $915,205, up 4.7% from the previous year and 82% higher than the state average of $502,060. Kings County homes cost roughly 154% more than the national average.

    Home listings in Kings County typically sell in about 65 days, with about 63.5% selling below the listed price and 22.8% selling above it. According to Federal Reserve Economic Data, Brooklyn's median household income is $76,353, and about 46.7% of households spend 30% or more of their income on housing. This level of cost burden indicates financial strain and hardship for residents. It also implies prevailing housing instability and homelessness, as almost half of the county's residents struggle with housing costs.

    Brooklyn is one of the five boroughs that make up New York City (NYC). Hence, property assessments and parcel details are maintained by the New York City Department of Finance (DOF). The DOF determines the market value and assessed value of properties in the county. It sends the Annual Notice of Property Value (ANOPV) to property owners each January.

    Who Keeps the Official Land Records?

    The New York City Office of the City Register, under the New York City Department of Finance, is responsible for recording and maintaining official property-related documents for the county. It maintains official records of deeds, mortgages, leases, liens, discharges, and other real estate records in Brooklyn. The contact details and direct link to the record search tool are provided below:

    What Kings County Property Records Include

    The New York City Office of the City Register maintains official land records and personal property data for Brooklyn. Kings County's property records include lis pendens, mortgages, deeds, homestead declarations, easements, discharges, liens, agreements, foreclosure notices, plans, plats, and surveys.

    New York City (NYC) manages property records, assessments, and taxes for four of the city's five boroughs (counties), including Brooklyn. It operates a single recorded-land (title) system. All documents related to the county's property title, such as deeds and mortgages, are filed with the NYC Office of the City Register and entered into the city's official records.

    Individuals can access property documents from 1966 to the present electronically through the ACRIS. Older records may only be accessed in person at the City Register's office.

    How to Access Kings County Property Records

    You can access Kings County property records remotely through their online portals, in-person visits, and by mail.

    Online Access

    Users can access Kings County property records online through the Automated City Register Information System (ACRIS). The service is free, and records can be searched by owner's name, book/lot number, or address. You can view, download, and print the relevant documents. The ACRIS only has digitized property records from 1966 to date.

    In Person

    You can obtain copies of the county's property records by visiting the New York City Office of the City Register in person by appointment. The county's property record microfilms can be accessed at the Brooklyn Office situated at 210 Joralemon Street, 2nd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201. However, to access the county's property record books, visit the Queens City Register Office at 144-06 94th Street, Jamaica, NY 11435.

    Anyone interested must provide details to obtain these copies, including the owner's name, book/lot number, date range, or property address. The Office of the City Register enforces a one-hour limit per visit for in-person access to property records. It costs $1 per page to print ordinary copies and $4 for certified copies.

    By Phone

    For inquiries about Kings County property documents, you can contact the Office of the City Register by phone at (718) 916-4558. It's also possible to call the NYC non-emergency service line for inquiry at 311.

    By Mail/Overnight

    You can submit a mail request for Kings County property records to the NYC Office of the City Register. The request must include information about the property, such as the owner's name, book/lot number, or property address, to help staff locate the record. You must also include the stipulated fees and a self-addressed stamped envelope so the documents can be returned to you promptly.

    E-Recording (Professionals)

    Users may electronically record their property documents in Kings County. The Office of the City Register accepts e-recording of documents through the Automated City Register Information System. They will need to have an NYC ID to create an account on the ACRIS platform. The documents must be submitted in PDF format and must adhere to the city's formatting standards.

    You can review the E-Recording Document Submission Guide for detailed instructions on electronically submitting your document in Brooklyn.

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

    While the NYC Office of the City Register is solely responsible for maintaining official property records, other related property documents that matter to property research are handled by the NYC Department of Finance as a whole.

    The New York City Department of Finance is responsible for property assessments, tax rates, billing, tax collection, and payment histories. To confirm an assessed value, exemptions, or review tax history, you can use the Property Information Portal. You can search by block/lot number or address. For official property tax rate information, visit the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance's website to view certified billing rates for municipalities in the state.

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

    You can pull up Kings County deeds online by taking the following steps:

    • Visit the New York City Automated City Register Information System platform.

    • Under the “Search for Documents” tab, search for the deed using the property address or book/lot number as search criteria.

    • Review the search results and identify the deed you want.

    • You can open the documents to view the deed. Ensure that the information matches the property you intended to view.

    • You can download or print the deed for free. However, you can order certified copies of the deeds for $4 per page.

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

    Kings County is one of the boroughs that make up New York City. The New York City Office of the City Register is the sole land recorder for the county. It verifies and records all property documents within the county and acts as the central repository for all deeds, mortgages, and land-related filings recorded in the county. There are no smaller cities or towns within Kings County.

    City/Town Resources for Assessments & Taxes

    The New York City Department of Finance is the sole department responsible for assessing and collecting property taxes in Brooklyn, NY. It determines the tax rate, calculates the due tax, and sends out the Annual Notice of Property Value to property owners every January. You can appeal your property's assessed value with the New York City Tax Commission.

    Kings County-Specific Nuances

    Kings County, New York, has some distinctive features that may influence property research:

    • Kings County is popularly known as Brooklyn, and you will get faster results by searching online for properties in Brooklyn than in Kings County.

    • Kings County is one of the boroughs that make up New York City. The New York City government manages all aspects of Kings County property records and taxation.

    • In Brooklyn, all deeds, mortgages, liens, and maps are recorded centrally through the New York City Office of the City Register under the NYC Department of Finance.

    • Kings County maintains historical land records dating back to the 17th century.

    • Brooklyn property records from 1966 to the present have been digitized and can be accessed on the NYC Automated City Register Information System. ACRIS allows you to search parcels, tax maps, assessment data, and linked ownership information in one place.

    • Older records may be accessed in person at the NYC Office of the City Register or the NYC Office of General Services.

    • The New York City Department of Finance manages property assessments, exemptions, abatements, and taxes for Brooklyn.

    Typical Contents of a Kings County Property Record

    A Kings County property record refers to a set of official documents showing land borders and real estate ownership in the county. Typically, you will find the following information when examining these records:

    • Deeds (proof of ownership transfer):

      • Legal description of the property

      • Grantor and grantee names

      • Mailing address

      • Prior book/lot references

      • Sale consideration (the purchase price or transfer value)

      • Date of conveyance and execution

      • Taxable value (after all exemptions)

      • Notary acknowledgement and recording stamp

      • Homestead declaration (if applicable)

    • Mortgages and Discharges (evidence of debt):

      • Lender's name

      • Borrower's name

      • Recording date

      • Loan amount, interest rates, and repayment period

      • Discharge or release details

    • Plans (visual maps):

      • Subdivision references

      • Survey or plan number

      • Surveyor's note

      • Lot dimensions and layout

      • Endorsement references

    • Encumbrances (claims and restrictions)

      • Restrictions or covenants

      • Easements

      • Lis pendens notices

      • Rights of way or shared access agreements

    You may also view other information, such as sales and transfer history, GIS mapping, declarations of trust, confirmatory or corrective deeds, power of attorney filings, and affidavits of death or identity.

    Recording Changes to Property Titles

    In Kings County, all changes to property ownership, including deeds, mortgages, liens, and other related filings, must be recorded with the NYC Office of the City Register, which serves as the county's central registry. The office has provisions for amending portions of a recorded document, such as property titles. Users can record changes through ACRIS or in person at the NYC Office of the City Register's Brooklyn office.

    All documents must be prepared in conformity with the county's prescribed format and duly signed before a notary public. New York City provides a fee schedule for recording documents in the county. People can call the Brooklyn office of the NYC Office of the City Register for more details about amending a property title at (718) 916-4558 or fill out their Contact Us form.

    Practical Research Flow (Checklist)

    This practical checklist can help you perform effective property research in Kings County:

    • Verify ownership and legal status: Use the NYC Automated City Register Information System platform to confirm details about the property, such as the current owner, deeds, and book/lot number.

    • Note key reference numbers: Record important identifiers such as names of grantors and grantees, book and lot numbers, instrument numbers, and recording dates.

    • Conduct a title search. Confirm that the seller has a clear title and verify the property for any outstanding liens or encumbrances. Obtain copies of title insurance.

    • Trace the chain of title: Review prior references listed on deeds to follow ownership history. Check earlier documents to confirm that transfers were complete and properly recorded. Look out for any gaps or inconsistencies in the chain.

    • Review property taxes. Contact the NYC Department of Finance to verify the current property taxes and check for any delinquencies. View up to 10 years of tax history.

    • Review encumbrances and plans: Examine mortgages, plats, easements, liens, covenants, and any recorded restrictions to understand what may affect the property in the future. These clarify property boundaries and legal limitations.

    • Review zoning and land use. Contact the New York City Department of City Planning to confirm zoning and potential restrictions. Check for development activities that may impact the property's future value. Confirm that the intended use for the property is permitted.

    • Identify environmental concerns. Assess the property's topography, slope, elevation, and drainage. Check the property's location relative to hazard land, flood zones, wetlands, and potential risks. If unclear, arrange for specialized inspections, such as structural and environmental assessments. Ensure easy access to essential utilities, including water, gas, sewer, and electricity.

    • Record your findings: Keep copies of all documents, tax records, parcel maps, and correspondence for future reference or legal review. Note down findings, such as instrument numbers, book/lot numbers, recording dates, parties involved, and any encumbrances or unresolved issues. Summarize your findings and store them in a safe location.

    Appendix A - Municipalities in Kings County

    Kings County is coextensive with the Borough of Brooklyn and is one of the five boroughs that constitute New York City. There are no towns or cities within its borders, but there are distinct neighborhoods with unique characters, such as Williamsburg, Brooklyn Heights, Park Slope, Flatbush, Coney Island, and Bay Ridge.

    Appendix B - Key Contacts & Portals