To verify property ownership of a house online, start by accessing your county assessor’s website, which typically hosts public property records. Search by address or parcel number to view ownership history, tax rolls, and deed information. Additional tools include online property search platforms like Zillow or Redfin, which may display ownership data, though accuracy varies. For official confirmation, consult the local land registry or contact a title company to review recorded deeds and transactions.

Counties in the U.S. maintain property ownership records to ensure tax compliance and legal transparency. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 90% of counties provide online access to property tax and deed data, enabling residents to verify ownership without in-person visits. The American Land Title Association (ALTA) reports that 99% of property transfers in the U.S. are recorded with county offices, making these systems reliable. However, limitations exist: some rural areas lack digital records, and privacy laws may restrict access to recent transactions. For example, a 2022 NAR study found that 85% of buyers use public records during home purchases, highlighting their importance in due diligence. While third-party platforms offer convenience, they often rely on county data, so cross-referencing with official sources is critical to avoid errors. Privacy concerns, such as the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) protecting financial data, occasionally complicate access, but ownership details like names and purchase dates remain publicly accessible in most cases. This framework balances efficiency with accuracy, ensuring buyers and researchers can validate property ownership confidently.