Massachusetts Property Records Search Guide:

BEGIN PROPERTY RECORDS SEARCH HERE

Here’s how to search for Massachusetts property records such as liens, deeds, and title information:

Registry of Deeds Method

1. Visit the Massachusetts Registry of Deeds website: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/rod/
2. Locate your county’s Registry of Deeds office from the list
3. Each county maintains its own searchable database
4. You can search by:
   • Property address
   • Owner name
   • Document type (deed, lien, etc.)
   • Book and page number (if known)

MassLandRecords

1. Go to https://www.masslandrecords.com/
2. Select your county/registry district
3. Use their search functions for property documents
4. Most registries allow you to:
   • View documents online
   • Print copies (usually for a fee)
   • Order certified copies

In-Person Options

• Visit your county’s Registry of Deeds office directly
• Staff can assist with searches
• You can obtain official certified copies immediately (fees apply)

For Title Searches

• Complete title searches typically involve examining the chain of title
• Professional title searches are often conducted by:
  • Title companies
  • Real estate attorneys
  • Abstract companies

 

Complete Guide to Massachusetts Real Estate Records

Massachusetts maintains one of the oldest and most comprehensive property record systems in the United States, with some records dating back to the 1600s. This guide covers the essential types of real estate records you’ll encounter when researching property in the Commonwealth.

1. Deeds and Property Transfer Records

Deeds are the foundational documents in Massachusetts real estate, establishing ownership rights and providing a history of property transfers.

Types of deeds in Massachusetts include:

• Warranty Deeds – Offer the highest level of buyer protection
• Quitclaim Deeds – Most common in Massachusetts, transfer whatever interest the grantor has
• Foreclosure Deeds – Document properties sold through foreclosure
• Executor’s Deeds – Transfer property from estates
• Tax Deeds – Record properties sold for tax delinquency

![Illustration of a Massachusetts Quitclaim Deed showing key components including grantor/grantee sections, property description, and registry stamps]

2. Registry of Deeds System

Massachusetts organizes real estate records through 21 Registry of Deeds offices covering different counties and districts.

Key features:

• Records indexed by grantor (seller) and grantee (buyer)
• Most registries offer online searchable databases
• Documents receive book and page numbers for reference
• Records are permanent and publicly accessible

![Map of Massachusetts showing the 21 Registry of Deeds districts with their respective coverage areas]

3. Registered Land (Land Court) Records

Massachusetts maintains a dual recording system. While most properties use the traditional recording system, about 15-20% of properties are “registered land.”

Registered land features:

• Titles certified by the Massachusetts Land Court
• Records maintained separately from recorded land
• Certificate of Title issued showing current ownership
• Higher level of title security
• Special registration procedures

![Diagram comparing Recorded Land vs. Registered Land systems in Massachusetts showing the different processes and documents]

4. Mortgage and Lien Records

These documents record financial claims against properties.

Common types include:

• Mortgage deeds – Security instruments for property loans
• Mortgage discharges – Terminate mortgage claims
• Tax liens – Government claims for unpaid taxes
• Mechanic’s liens – Claims by contractors for unpaid work
• Attachment liens – Claims pending litigation
• Municipal lien certificates – Show outstanding municipal charges

![Example of a Massachusetts mortgage document highlighting key sections including lender information, loan amount, and property identification]

5. Property Tax Assessment Records

Maintained by municipal assessors in each of Massachusetts’ 351 cities and towns.

These records typically include:

• Property value assessments
• Tax rates and annual tax amounts
• Property classification (residential, commercial, etc.)
• Physical property characteristics
• Ownership information
• History of assessments

![Sample Massachusetts property tax card showing assessment values, property details, and tax classification]

6. Building and Zoning Records

Maintained by municipal building departments and planning boards.

Common documents include:

• Building permits
• Certificates of occupancy
• Zoning variance approvals
• Special permit decisions
• Code violation notices
• Inspection reports

![Example of a Massachusetts building permit with annotations pointing out key information fields]

7. Homestead Declarations

Massachusetts offers homeowners protection through the Declaration of Homestead, which shields up to $500,000 of a primary residence’s value from certain creditors.

Key aspects:

• Must be recorded at Registry of Deeds
• Automatic $125,000 protection exists without filing
• Enhanced protection for seniors and disabled homeowners
• Special rules for multi-family properties

![Sample Massachusetts Declaration of Homestead form with key sections highlighted]

8. Easements and Restrictions

These records document limitations or rights affecting property use.

Common types include:

• Conservation restrictions – Limit development to protect natural resources
• Historic preservation restrictions – Protect historic properties
• Utility easements – Grant access rights to utility companies
• Access easements – Allow crossing of property for access
• Wetlands restrictions – Limit development near wetlands
• Affordable housing restrictions – Maintain affordability

![Diagram showing various types of easements and how they affect property boundaries and use rights]

9. Subdivision Plans and Surveys

Official maps and plans showing property boundaries.

These records include:

• Property boundary surveys
• Subdivision plans
• Condominium plans
• ANR (Approval Not Required) plans
• Plot plans
• ALTA/NSPS survey maps

![Example of a Massachusetts land survey plan showing property boundaries, measurements, and reference markers]

10. Historical Property Records

Massachusetts houses some of America’s oldest property records, many with historical significance.

Where to find historical records:

• Registry of Deeds archives
• Massachusetts State Archives
• Massachusetts Historical Society
• Local historical societies
• Municipal archives
• University special collections

![Image of a historical Massachusetts deed from the colonial era with period handwriting and official seals]

Accessing Massachusetts Real Estate Records

Most Massachusetts real estate records can be accessed through:

1. Online portals – Many registries offer free online searching
2. In-person visits – All records are available at physical registry locations
3. Municipal offices – For tax, building, and zoning records
4. Paid title services – Professional search companies
5. Massachusetts Land Records website – Centralized access to multiple registries

![Screenshot of the Massachusetts Land Records online search interface with annotations showing search features]

Massachusetts-Specific Record Features

Several unique aspects of Massachusetts real estate records include:

• The continued use of physical record books in some registries
• The Registered Land system not found in many states
• Peculiarities of Massachusetts estate tax liens
• Special coastal property restrictions
• Chapter land tax programs (61, 61A, 61B)
• Community Preservation Act restrictions
• Massachusetts Lead Paint documentation requirements

![Timeline showing the evolution of Massachusetts property record systems from colonial times to the digital era]

Most Massachusetts counties provide online access to records dating back several decades, though older records might only be available in person.

 

 

Massachusetts Counties serviced by this site:

Barnstable County – Barnstale Berkshire County – Pittsfield Bristol County – Taunton Dukes County – Edgartown Essex County – Salem Franklin County – Greenfield Hampden County – Springfield

Hampshire County – Northampton Middlesex County – Cambridge Nantucket County – Nantucket Norfolk County – Dedham Plymouth County – Plymouth Suffolk County – Boston Worcester County – Worcester

https://www.UsTitleRecords.com

 

MASSACHUSETTS PROPERTY RECORDS – LIEN AND TITLE SEARCH