CALIFORNIA.STATERECORDS.ORG IS A PRIVATELY OWNED WEBSITE THAT IS NOT OWNED OR OPERATED BY ANY STATE GOVERNMENT AGENCY.
close banner

Santa Clara County Property Records

state records colored logo
LOGIN
CONTACT
Instant Accessto State, County and Municipal Public Records
search includes Arrest Records
Arrest Records
search includes Vital Records
Vital Records
search includes Criminal Records
Criminal Records
search includes Contact Details
Contact Details
search includes Jail & Inmate Records
Jail & Inmate Records
search includes Property Records
Property Records
search includes Traffic Violations
Traffic Violations
search includes Business Ownership
Business Ownership
search includes Bankruptcies
Bankruptcies
search includes Unclaimed Assets
Unclaimed Assets
search includes Liens & Judgments
Liens & Judgments
search includes Registered Licenses
Registered Licenses
search includes Arrest Records
Arrest Records
search includes Bankruptcies
Bankruptcies
search includes Property Records
Property Records
search includes Criminal Records
Criminal Records
search includes Liens & Judgments
Liens & Judgments
search includes Business Ownership
Business Ownership
search includes Jail & Inmate Records
Jail & Inmate Records
search includes Vital Records
Vital Records
search includes Unclaimed Assets
Unclaimed Assets
search includes Traffic Violations
Traffic Violations
search includes Contact Details
Contact Details
search includes Registered Licenses
Registered Licenses
California.StateRecords.org is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (“FCRA”). You understand and acknowledge that these reports are NOT “consumer reports” as defined by the FCRA. Your access and use of a report is subject to our Terms of Service and you expressly acknowledge that you are prohibited from using this service and this report to determine an individual’s eligibility for credit, insurance, employment or any other purpose regulated by the FCRA.

Santa Clara County Property Search

Santa Clara County is known for its thriving tech industry and high property values. Property records provide information regarding these properties, including ownership details, assessment data, sales history, zoning information, and property maps.

In Santa Clara County, California, both the Assessor’s Office and the Clerk-Recorder Office maintain property record information. These offices process requests for property records, including related Santa Clara County Public Records.

The information obtained from a Santa Clara County property search is critical for buyers, sellers, and homeowners to make informed decisions about property-related matters. It can also be useful for real estate agents, appraisers, and other professionals seeking to make an informed decision concerning a purchase. In addition, property searches can promote transparency and help ensure that property transactions are fair and accurate.

Are Santa Clara County Property Records Public?

Yes. The California Public Records Act (CPRA) establishes the right of the public to access government records, including property records held by county officials, unless an exemption applies.

Similarly, the California Revenue and Taxation Code requires county assessors to maintain records on the ownership and value of all taxable property within the county. The statute also provides that these records are open to public inspection during regular business hours. Likewise, the California Civil Code also contains provisions related to the public availability of information on property ownership, transfers, and liens.

While these statutes provide the framework for publicizing Santa Clara property records, public access to certain records is exempted under CPRA. Such records contain the following:

  • Files related to personnel, medical, or similar records for FTB employees
  • Questions and answers for employment exams, including scoring keys
  • Preliminary drafts of documents that are not retained by the agency
  • Documents that pertain to ongoing litigation.

What Do Santa Clara County Property Records Contain?

Santa Clara County offers various property records to the public, including deeds, plats, mortgages, liens, and tax records. These documents typically contain the following details:

  • Ownership Information: This includes the name of the current owner, as well as any previous owners of the property.
  • Property Description: This includes a description of the property, such as its size, location, and boundaries. It may also include information about the type of property, such as whether it is a residential, commercial, or industrial property.
  • Tax Information: This includes info about the property's assessed value, taxes owed, and any tax liens or other encumbrances on the property.
  • Sales History: This includes details about the sales history of the property, including the date of sale, sale price, and name of the buyer and seller.
  • Zoning Information: This includes particulars about the zoning of the property, as well as any building codes or restrictions that may apply.
  • Building and Improvement Information: Details about any structures or improvements on the property, such as the size and type of buildings, and any permits or inspections related to those structures.
  • Easements and Rights of Way: Reports about any easements or rights of way that may affect the property, such as utility or access easements.
  • Survey and Map Information: Info about any surveys or maps of the property, including boundary surveys, topographical surveys, and subdivision maps.
  • Environmental Information: Data about any environmental issues or hazards that may affect the property, such as contamination or endangered species habitats.
  • Miscellaneous Information: Materials related to the property that may be relevant, such as any liens or encumbrances on the property and any special assessments or charges.

Where to Perform a Santa Clara County Property Lookup

When looking to check out a Santa Clara County property, these various database setups provide information that might come in handy for persons of interest:

  • County Assessor's Office: The Santa Clara Assessor's Office maintains property records for the county and provides online access to property information, including ownership, assessed value, and sales history. Search for properties by address, APN (Assessor's Parcel Number), or owner name.
  • County Clerk-Recorder's Office: The Santa Clara Clerk-Recorder's Office maintains records related to property transactions, including deeds, mortgages, and liens. Search for recorded documents online using the grantor/grantee index or by APN.
  • County Planning and Development Office: The Santa Clara Planning Office maintains zoning and land use information for the county and provides access to maps, permits, and other planning documents. Look for properties by address, APN, or zoning designation.
  • Third-party aggregate sites: There are several online property search websites that allow for property lookup in the county. These websites typically provide information about property listings, sales history, and estimated property values.
  • Santa Clara County GIS mapping system: The county also provides a Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping system called SSCMap. Interested individuals can view property information, including zoning, land use, and environmental data on an interactive map. This can be done by simply searching for properties by address or APN or by navigating the map to view properties in a specific area.

How to Perform a Property Owner Lookup in Santa Clara County

Santa Clara County has different channels provided for obtaining property records. Where an individual obtains a record is largely determined by the nature of the property record. Obtaining property ownership information in the county can be done in the following ways:

  • County Assessor's Office: The Santa Clara County Assessor's Office maintains property records for all parcels of land within the county. Search for property ownership information using their online property search tool or by visiting the office in person during work hours (Monday through Friday, 8 A.M. - 5 P.M.)
  • County Recorder's Office: The Santa Clara County Recorder's Office maintains records of all real estate transactions within the county, including property ownership transfers. While the Official Records Index is not available online, the office offers a number of free and useful options to help members of the public gain access to the type of information you may be seeking from the office. These services are free of charge, although available records can only be purchased either in person or by mail.
  • Online Public Records Search: There are several online public records search websites that allow individuals to search for property ownership information in Santa Clara County.
  • Title Companies: Title companies can provide property ownership information for a fee. They search public records and provide information on the current owner of a property, as well as any liens or encumbrances on the property.
  • Real Estate Agents: Real estate agents also provide property ownership information as part of their services. They have access to multiple listing services (MLS) that contain information on properties for sale, including ownership details.

How to Find Santa Clara County Property Records Online

Inquirers can easily use the online search tool of the assessor's office to lookup property information online. Alternatively, property records could also be researched through third-party aggregate sites. To use a third-party aggregate database in finding Santa Clara County property records online, interested individuals can follow these general steps:

  • Look for a database that provides Santa Clara County property records. Do this by performing a search engine query or by checking online directories.
  • Once a database is identified, navigate to its website and enter the relevant search criteria. This could include the property address, the owner's name, the parcel number, or any other data points.
  • Review the search results and select the record of interest. The database may provide additional details such as property value, tax history, and sale history. It is important to note that some databases may require interested parties to create an account or pay a fee to access certain records.

However, it’s important to note that third-party aggregate databases may not always provide complete or up-to-date information. For this reason, it's a good idea to cross-reference findings with official sources such as the County Assessor's Office or the Recorder's Office.

How to Find Property Owner by Address Free

There are a few ways to find a Santa Clara property owner by address for free.

  • Santa Clara County Assessor's Office: Visit the Santa Clara County Assessor's Office website and search for property by address. The website will supply the property's owner name and other details for free.
  • Property Tax Records: Property tax records are public records and can be accessed online for free. Simply search for the property by its address, hence finding the owner's name and other details.
  • County Recorder's Office: Visit the Santa Clara County Recorder's Office and search for the property's title. The office maintains a database of property records, and individuals can find the owner's name and other details.
  • Online Property Search Websites: There are many websites that offer property search services for free. Enter the property's address to find the owner's name and other details.

Santa Clara County Property Tax Lookup

To obtain property tax information in Santa Clara County, interested individuals can do so by visiting the tax payment website of the county. On the website, inquirers can input property addresses for either a Secured Property (Homes, Buildings, Lands) or for an Unsecured Property (Businesses, Boats, Airplanes). For both property types, the search results will include information about the property, including its assessed value and taxable value, including current and previous tax bills.

A tax lookup may be necessary for estate planning purposes, such as determining the tax basis of inherited property or calculating potential tax liabilities associated with a property sale. Additionally, a tax lookup may be necessary in order to obtain property tax information. For example, if an individual is considering purchasing a property, it will be crucial to know the current and past property tax payment history in order to determine the financial feasibility of the purchase. Similarly, in disputes about the assessed value of a property, there’ll be a need to perform a tax lookup in order to obtain evidence to support claims.

Overall, accessing property tax information in Santa Clara County is a straightforward process that can be accomplished online. It’s highly imperative that interested parties understand the property tax history of a given property before making financial decisions.

How to Find Santa Clara County Property Appraiser

The contact information of the Santa Clara County Assessor's Office is listed below. Interested persons may call the Office or visit in person during business hours.

Santa Clara County Assessor’s Office
County Government Center
East Wing, 5th Floor
70 West Hedding Street
San Jose, CA 95110

Alternatively, individuals can also search for property appraisers on the California Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers website. The website provides a list of licensed appraisers in the area.

Property appraisers in Santa Clara County offer a range of services, including property valuations for tax purposes, property sales analysis, and property inspection reports. They use various methods, such as market analysis and property inspections, to determine the fair market value of a property. Appraisers also maintain records of all property transactions in the county, including sales prices and property characteristics.

In addition to property valuation, property appraisers in Santa Clara County provide a range of other services, such as assistance with property tax exemptions and appeals. They can also provide information on property sales history, property maps, and property assessment information.

Some property appraisers may specialize in specific types of properties, such as residential or commercial real estate, while others may provide general appraisals for all types of properties. It is important to choose a licensed and reputable property appraiser to ensure accurate and reliable valuations.

Santa Clara County Property Assessor

The Property Assessor is responsible for determining the value of all taxable property in the county for the purpose of calculating property taxes. They offer a variety of services related to property valuation, tax assessment, and property information.

The Property Assessor uses various methods, including market analysis and property inspections, to determine the fair market value of a property. They also maintain records of all property transactions in the county, including sales prices and property characteristics.

In addition to property valuation, the Property Assessor provides assistance with property tax exemptions and appeals. They can also provide information on property sales history, property maps, and property assessment information.

Santa Clara County Assessor's Office
East Wing, 5th Floor
70 West Hedding Street
San Jose, CA 95110
Phone: (408) 299-5500