NYC Property Records: What You Need to Know About Ownership, Taxes, and Sales

When you look up NYC property records, official documents that track ownership, value, taxes, and sales history for every parcel of land in New York City. Also known as real estate records, these files are the backbone of every property transaction in the five boroughs. Whether you’re buying a brownstone in Brooklyn, renting an apartment in Manhattan, or just curious about your neighbor’s house, these records tell the real story—no hype, no fluff.

These records aren’t just for lawyers or city clerks. They’re used by homeowners checking their tax bills, investors spotting undervalued buildings, and even tenants disputing illegal rent hikes. The property ownership, the legal name tied to a building’s deed and title is public, and you can find it online through the NYC Department of Finance. Same goes for real estate taxes NYC, the annual amount paid by owners, based on assessed value and property class. You’ll see exactly how much was paid last year, what the current assessment is, and if there are any exemptions or abatements—like the J-51 or 421-a programs—that lower the bill.

And if you’re wondering when a building changed hands, property sales data, the official record of purchase price and date for every transaction since 1966 is available too. That’s how you know if a condo sold for $1.2 million last month—or if it’s been sitting empty for years. These records also show liens, mortgages, and legal disputes, which can warn you about trouble before you sign anything.

Don’t assume the city’s data is always perfect. Sometimes names are misspelled, addresses are outdated, or sales prices get misreported. That’s why smart buyers cross-check with title companies or visit the borough’s register of deeds in person. And if you’re not sure where to start, the NYC Department of Finance’s website lets you search by address, block, or lot number—it’s free, fast, and doesn’t need an account.

What you won’t find? Personal info like Social Security numbers or bank details. The city keeps that private. But everything tied to the property itself—the owner’s name, the square footage, the zoning, the tax history—is fair game. And that’s powerful. It turns guesswork into facts. Whether you’re negotiating a deal, fighting a tax assessment, or just trying to understand why your building’s rent went up, NYC property records give you the truth behind the walls.

Below, you’ll find real examples from people who used these records to save money, avoid scams, or make smarter moves. No theory. No fluff. Just what worked.