ACRIS: How to Search NYC Property Records Like a Pro
If you're buying or selling property in New York City, ACRIS (Automated City Register Information System) is an essential tool for researching ownership history, mortgages, and financial claims. Managed by the NYC Department of Finance, ACRIS provides access to public property records in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx (Staten Island has a separate system).
For home buyers, using ACRIS can prevent surprises like hidden liens or ownership disputes. For real estate agents, ACRIS ensures accurate property history, helping clients make informed decisions.
What Can You Find on ACRIS?
ACRIS gives access to important property-related documents, including:
- Deeds – Legal proof of property ownership
- Mortgages & Mortgage Satisfactions – Records of loans and payments
- Liens & Judgments – Financial claims against a property
- Real Estate Transfers – Sale records and ownership changes
- Tax Records & UCC Filings – Business and financial documents tied to a property
How to Use ACRIS for Property Research
Using ACRIS is free and available online. Follow these steps to research NYC properties:
1. Visit the ACRIS Website
Go to www.nyc.gov/acris or search “NYC ACRIS” online.
2. Click on ‘Search Property Records’
You’ll be given different search options:
By Property Address (most common)
By Owner Name
By Document Type (Deed, Mortgage, Lien, etc.)
By Borough and Block/Lot Number (BBL)
3. Review Property Documents
Click on a record to view details, such as:
Sale price and date
Loan and mortgage details
Outstanding liens or judgments
Why Home Buyers Should Use ACRIS
For buyers, ACRIS helps answer key questions:
- Who actually owns the property? – Confirm that the seller has legal ownership.
- Are there outstanding debts? – Check for liens or unpaid mortgages before making an offer.
- What’s the property’s transaction history? – Review past sales and price trends.
By checking ACRIS before buying, you avoid potential legal and financial surprises.
How Real Estate Agents Can Use ACRIS
For real estate professionals, ACRIS is an essential verification tool. Agents use it to:
- Confirm ownership details – Prevent fraudulent or misrepresented sales.
- Check mortgage and tax records – Understand financial history before listing a property.
- Prepare for closings – Ensure no outstanding claims that could delay a sale.
“As a real estate agent, I check NYC property sale records using ACRIS, which lets me search by address, owner name, or block and lot number. It’s the city’s most reliable way to confirm ownership history and sale prices before making an offer.”– Karen Fabian, Loftey
What you see when you enter the ACRIS system.
Common Mistakes to Avoid on ACRIS
🚨 Incorrect Spelling or Address Format – NYC street names can be tricky! Use exact formats.
🚨 Not Checking for Liens – Even if a property looks clear, past debts might still exist.
🚨 Ignoring Document Dates – Make sure you're looking at the latest records.
Why ACRIS Matters When Buying or Selling Property in NYC
When buying or selling property in NYC, ACRIS is one of the most important tools for verifying what is officially on record before a transaction moves forward. The system allows buyers, sellers, and their representatives to confirm ownership history, review recorded deeds, and identify mortgages, liens, or other filings tied to a specific property.
Because New York City property transactions often involve multiple parties and strict closing requirements, checking ACRIS helps reduce surprises late in the process. Buyers can confirm that the seller has clear, recorded ownership, while sellers can review existing filings to ensure there are no outstanding issues that could delay a closing. Although ACRIS does not show pending contracts or unrecorded agreements, it provides a reliable snapshot of what has been formally recorded with the city, making it a valuable reference point during the due diligence phase of an NYC real estate transaction.
What ACRIS Does — and Does Not — Show You
ACRIS provides access to officially recorded New York City property documents, but it is important to understand its limits. The system shows documents that have already been recorded, such as deeds, mortgages, and satisfactions, rather than transactions that are still in progress. This means recent sales, refinances, or ownership changes may not appear immediately if they have not yet been finalized and filed with the city.
ACRIS also does not include certain types of property arrangements that are common in NYC. Co-op proprietary leases, pending contracts, internal building agreements, and informal transfers are not visible in the database. For anyone buying or selling property in NYC, ACRIS should be viewed as a confirmation tool rather than a complete picture of a property’s current status. Reviewing ACRIS alongside information from attorneys, managing agents, or title companies helps ensure records are interpreted accurately and in context.
What If You Need Help Interpreting ACRIS Records?
While ACRIS is a powerful tool, some records contain complex legal language. If you're unsure about liens, deeds, or mortgage filings, consult:
- A real estate attorney – For legal interpretations and closing assistance.
- A title company – To verify clear ownership before purchasing.
- Your real estate agent – For insights on transaction history.
After Closing: Moving Into Your New Home?
Once your home purchase is complete, it’s time to plan your move. Cool Hand Movers works with home buyers, sellers, and real estate agents to provide stress-free moving services in all five boroughs.
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