Search Philadelphia property records online using official City of Philadelphia tools for OPA property records, owner details, assessed value, sales history, real estate tax balance, deeds, recorded documents, Atlas maps, zoning, permits, violations, and property-history research.
Need Philadelphia Property Records Right Now?
Use Philadelphia Property Search when you need OPA/BRT property records, assessed value, building description, square footage, sales history, possible tax savings, and general property details.
Use the Department of Records and Philadox when you need deeds, mortgages, easements, recorded property documents, watermarked online copies, or paid document printing.
Where to Search Philadelphia Property Records
Philadelphia property records are handled by several official city systems. The Property Search site is best for OPA property details and assessment information. The Department of Records is best for deeds and recorded documents. The Philadelphia Tax Center is best for tax balance and payment. Atlas is best for map, zoning and property-history research.
This matters because one system will not answer every property question. A property value page can show assessment data, but a deed or mortgage search belongs in Department of Records/Philadox. A tax balance belongs in the Philadelphia Tax Center.
| What You Need | Official Source | Best Search Method |
|---|---|---|
| OPA property details, value and sales history | Philadelphia Property Search | Search by address, city block or OPA/BRT account number. |
| Property information guide | Find Property Information | Use for search directions and OPA property data explanation. |
| Deeds and recorded documents | Get a Copy of a Deed or Other Recorded Document | Use Philadox for deeds and property records from 1974 to present. |
| Property tax balance | Look Up Property Tax Balance | Search by address or 9-digit OPA property number. |
| Real Estate Tax payment | Philadelphia Tax Center | Search for a property, pay balances, print vouchers, or manage property tax services. |
| Maps, zoning, deeds, permits and property history | Philadelphia Atlas | Search by address, tax account, or deed registry/map registry number. |
Free Philadelphia Property Lookup Step-by-Step
The easiest free lookup starts with the official Philadelphia Property Search. It helps homeowners, buyers, title researchers, landlords, investors, appraisers and real estate agents review public property details quickly.
The official city service says users can search by address, city block, or OPA/BRT account number. You can also find assessed value, building description, square footage and sales history from the property information tools.
- Open the official Property Search website Go to property.phila.gov.
- Search by address first Enter the street address. If the full address does not work, try only the street number and street name.
- Use OPA/BRT account number if available If you have a bill, notice or prior record, search by the 9-digit OPA property number or OPA/BRT account number for cleaner results.
- Open the matching property Confirm the address, OPA number, owner display, assessment information, building details and sales history before using the data.
- Save the OPA number Use the OPA number for tax balance lookup, payment questions, property review, Atlas research and city support calls.
Search by Address, City Block, OPA Number or Deed Registry Number
Philadelphia records use several identifiers. Knowing which one you have can save a lot of time.
Address search
Address search is easiest for most users. Use the street number and street name first. For condos or multi-unit properties, search the base address first and then review unit-level matches.
OPA/BRT account number
The OPA property number is very useful for tax balance lookup and payment. Philadelphia’s tax balance service asks for the property address or 9-digit OPA property number.
City block search
City block search is useful when you are researching neighboring properties, vacant lots, or several properties in the same block.
Deed registry or map registry number
Atlas allows property research using address, tax account, or deed registry/map registry-style search terms. This is helpful when you have older records, map references or document-based property clues.
OPA Property Data, Assessed Value and Sales History
The Office of Property Assessment information in Philadelphia Property Search helps users review assessed value, building details, square footage and sales history. It can also help users check and compare possible tax savings for a property.
Use this source when you want to understand how the City currently describes and values a property.
| Property Field | What It Helps You Check | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| OPA number | Unique property account reference. | Best field for tax balance and city property questions. |
| Owner display | Owner shown in public property records. | Useful for buyer research and public lookup. |
| Assessed value | City’s valuation for tax assessment purposes. | Important for tax estimates and assessment review. |
| Building description and square footage | How the property is physically described. | Errors may affect value, tax savings or appeal research. |
| Sales history | Recent and past sale information. | Useful for buyer review and value comparisons. |
Deeds and Recorded Documents
Philadelphia’s Department of Records records real estate documents in Philadelphia and manages public access to many city records. For deeds and other property records, the city uses Philadox as an online document search system.
Philadox can search deeds and other property records from 1974 to present, view document information and watermarked copies online, and print documents or indexed information with a paid subscription.
- Open the official deed-copy service page Go to Get a Copy of a Deed or Other Recorded Document.
- Use Philadox for online records Use the Philadox link from the official page for deeds and other property records from 1974 to present.
- Search by the best document clues Use owner/party names, address, OPA number, deed registry number, date range, or document information when available.
- View watermarked copies online Philadox can show document information and watermarked copies online. Paid subscription is needed to print documents or indexed information.
- Use in-person access for older records For documents before 1974, the city says users may need to visit in person or use historical land records resources.
| Document Need | Official Route | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| Deeds from 1974 to present | Use Philadox from the official phila.gov deed-copy page. | Watermarked viewing is online; printing requires paid subscription. |
| Documents before 1974 | Use in-person/historical records access. | Older deed records may require Department of Records research room or historical land records. |
| Copy of deed in person | Visit Department of Records public/reference room. | The city’s FAQ lists deed copies at $2.00 per page. |
Real Estate Tax Balance and Payments
Philadelphia’s official property tax balance service lets users find the amount of Real Estate Tax due for a property and make payments on outstanding balances. The service asks users to enter the address or 9-digit OPA property number.
The Philadelphia Tax Center is the city’s official payment and account website. It lets property owners search for a property, pay balances, apply for programs, request refunds and manage payment-related services.
- Open the tax balance lookup page Go to Look Up Your Property Tax Balance.
- Enter address or 9-digit OPA number Use the OPA number if you have it because it reduces wrong-property mistakes.
- Review the tax balance chart Check the amount owed, tax year, outstanding balances and any available payment options.
- Choose payment or voucher option Use official options to pay, find out about payment agreements or print a payment voucher.
- Save your confirmation After paying through the Philadelphia Tax Center, save the confirmation number and receipt.
Atlas Maps, Zoning, Permits and Property History
Philadelphia Atlas is one of the most useful tools for property research because it combines multiple city data sources. The city describes Atlas as a tool for researching real estate information, including property values, zoning and document archives.
Atlas can also be used to search by address for licenses, permits, violations, zoning history and property assessments. It is very helpful for buyers, landlords, tenants and investors who need more than just tax value.
- Open Atlas Go to atlas.phila.gov.
- Search by address or account reference Enter the property address, tax account, deed registry number or map registry number when available.
- Review property sections Check property assessments, deeds, licenses and inspections, zoning, voting, city services and facilities.
- Open deeds and document archive clues Use Atlas document references as clues for deeper Department of Records/Philadox research.
- Check zoning and permit history If buying, renting or renovating, review zoning, permits, violations and L&I property history where available.
Tax Relief, Exemptions and Assistance Programs
Philadelphia offers Real Estate Tax relief programs for eligible households. Property Search and phila.gov property tax pages can help users find tax relief and payment assistance options.
These programs can include relief for owner-occupied households, senior installment options, payment agreements and other city programs depending on eligibility.
| Need | Official Source | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Tax relief | Property and Real Estate Taxes | Review relief and assistance programs for owner-occupied households. |
| Tax balance/payment agreement | Tax Balance Lookup | Look up balance and choose payment agreement or payment options when available. |
| Philadelphia Tax Center account | Philadelphia Tax Center | Search property, pay balances, apply for programs or manage property tax services. |
Deed or Mortgage Fraud Help
The Department of Records manages deeds, mortgages and other land title documents in Philadelphia. The city provides an official way to report suspected deed or mortgage fraud.
If you own a property and believe someone recorded a fraudulent deed or mortgage, use the official report process and contact a qualified attorney, title company, or housing legal aid group quickly.
- Check the deed record Use Philadox or Department of Records resources to identify the suspicious document.
- Gather property details Save the property address, OPA number, owner name, document details and any suspicious filing information.
- Use the official fraud report page Go to Report Suspected Deed or Mortgage Fraud.
- Get legal help quickly Fraud reporting does not automatically fix title. Speak with a lawyer or trusted housing/legal aid organization if ownership is at risk.
Official Offices, Phone Numbers and Map
Philadelphia City Hall / Department of Records
City Hall, Room 156
1400 John F. Kennedy Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Official Page: Department of Records
Deed Copy Service: Get a Copy of a Deed or Other Recorded Document
Department of Records Public Research / Reference Room
City Hall, Room 154
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Use this room for property research help, older deed access and in-person records research when online tools are not enough.
Department FAQ: Department of Records FAQ
Philadelphia Property Search / OPA
Official Search: property.phila.gov
Find Property Information: phila.gov property information service
Use this for OPA property details, assessed value, building description, square footage and sales history.
Philadelphia Tax Center
Official Website: tax-services.phila.gov
Tax Balance Lookup: Look Up Your Property Tax Balance
Use this for Real Estate Tax balance, payments, vouchers, programs and payment agreements.
Buyer, Seller and Homeowner Checklist
Use this checklist before buying, selling, refinancing, appealing, renting, renovating or researching a Philadelphia property.
Philadelphia Property Research Checklist
- Search the property on property.phila.gov using address or OPA/BRT number.
- Save the 9-digit OPA property number.
- Review assessed value, building description, square footage and sales history.
- Use Atlas to check zoning, permits, violations, deeds, city services and property history.
- Use Philadox for deeds and property records from 1974 to present.
- Use in-person or historical access for pre-1974 land records when needed.
- Check Real Estate Tax balance through the official tax balance lookup.
- Pay only through Philadelphia Tax Center or official phila.gov links.
- Check tax relief and payment agreement options if the property is owner-occupied.
- Review L&I property history before buying or renting out a property.
- Report suspected deed or mortgage fraud through the Department of Records if needed.
Local Tips Most Guides Miss
- Use OPA number for tax work: Address search is easy, but the 9-digit OPA number is cleaner for tax balance and payment questions.
- Use Atlas before buying: Atlas can show zoning, permits, violations and deed clues that basic property search may not show clearly.
- Philadox is not fully free for printing: You can view document information and watermarked copies, but printing requires a paid subscription.
- Pre-1974 deeds need extra work: Older deeds may require the Department of Records research room or historical land record access.
- Do not ignore tangled title: If the owner display does not match family expectations, get legal help before selling, refinancing or transferring.
- Check tax relief programs: Many homeowners only look at the balance and miss relief/payment program options.
- Use city block search for investors: City block search can help compare multiple nearby parcels quickly.
- Check permits and violations separately: Assessed value does not tell you whether the property has L&I history or zoning issues.
- Use official links only: Philadelphia property searches attract ads and third-party pages. Stay on phila.gov, property.phila.gov, atlas.phila.gov and tax-services.phila.gov.
- Fraud issues are urgent: If a deed or mortgage appears wrong, report it and seek legal help quickly.
FAQ: Philadelphia County Property Records Search
How do I search Philadelphia property records for free?
Use the official Philadelphia Property Search at property.phila.gov. You can search by address, city block, or OPA/BRT account number to review public property information.
Where can I find a Philadelphia property owner name?
Start with Philadelphia Property Search or Atlas. Search by address or OPA number and review the property details shown by the city.
What is an OPA property number?
An OPA property number is a 9-digit property account number used by Philadelphia for property records and Real Estate Tax lookup. It is useful for tax balance and payment searches.
Where do I search Philadelphia deeds?
Use the Department of Records deed-copy service page and Philadox. Philadox searches deeds and other property records from 1974 to present.
How do I get older Philadelphia deed records before 1974?
Older land records may require in-person research at the Department of Records public/reference room or historical land records access.
Where can I pay Philadelphia Real Estate Tax?
Use the Philadelphia Tax Center at tax-services.phila.gov or the official phila.gov Real Estate Tax balance lookup page.
How do I check my Philadelphia property tax balance?
Use the official “Look up your property tax balance” service. Enter the property address or 9-digit OPA property number, review the balance chart, then choose payment, agreement or voucher options.
Where can I view Philadelphia property maps and zoning?
Use Philadelphia Atlas at atlas.phila.gov. Atlas includes property assessments, deeds, licenses and inspections, zoning, voting, city services and facilities.
Can I report suspected deed or mortgage fraud in Philadelphia?
Yes. Use the Department of Records official report page for suspected deed or mortgage fraud. Also seek legal help quickly if ownership is at risk.
Is Philadelphia County different from the City of Philadelphia for property records?
For these property-record tools, Philadelphia County and the City of Philadelphia use the same city systems, including Property Search, Department of Records, Atlas and the Philadelphia Tax Center.