How to Search for Columbus Property Records

Columbus property records are public; anyone can access them and get copies when needed. Property records contain abundant information about the property and owners. You can find deeds, owner history, taxes, property values, mortgage details, liens, encumbrances, foreclosures, and more. Some ways to find and access Columbus property records include:

Franklin County Recorder

The Franklin County Recorder records, files, and maintains deeds and other property records. The county has a dedicated website where the public can search for records without registering for an account.

Franklin County Auditor

The Franklin County Auditor's Office also has an online search portal where you can find property records and owner information. Search by owner's name, property address, parcel ID, subdivision/condo, or map. They even have an advanced search with even more options.

Franklin County Treasurer

If you are searching for Columbus property tax records or assessments, the proper department to search is the Franklin County Treasurer's Office. They have a search tool where you can enter the owner's name, property address, or parcel ID.

Franklin County Municipal Court

Some property records are filed with and stored with the courts. You can use the Franklin County Municipal Court to search for cases involving property like bankruptcies, liens (judgment/mechanic's), divorces, property disputes, and others. The county has a powerful search tool with a variety of search criteria to narrow your search.

Columbus property taxes date back to 1825. They are the oldest tax in the city and are called "ad valorem", meaning they are based on the real property's value. Two-thirds of all Ohio property taxes go to local schools. The rest pays for county expenses like road maintenance, police, fire, and other city-provided services. Property taxes in Columbus are higher than the national average of 0.99% but lower than those in some other Midwest states.

Assessments

The Franklin County Auditor performs property tax assessments. The Franklin County Treasurer collects tax money and distributes it to the proper city departments. You can pay your taxes online through their website. These annual assessments determine the value of each property, and from there, the county sets the tax rate. Homeowners must file an appeal to oppose their assessment within 30 days after receiving notice of the change. You can file your appeal with the Ohio Board of Tax Appeal ( BTA)

Appraisals

Appraisals are another method of valuing real property. They use one of several different methods, the most common of which is comparing a property against other recent sales in the same region. When an assessor cannot determine the value of a property within its jurisdiction (e.g., new construction or an odd structure), it can enlist the help of a certified appraiser. Others, like the courts, estate planners, and lenders, use appraisals to value property.

Tax Rates

Columbus has an average effective property tax rate of 1.14% of the home's assessed value. Increases in sales, excise, and business taxes have also driven up property taxes for 99% of Ohio households. Tax rates vary based on where you live. See the chart below comparing Columbus property tax rates and others within the state of Ohio.

Columbus Rates Compared to Other Cities in Ohio

• Columbus 1.14%
• Bexley 1.54%
• Whitehall 1.04%
• Clinton 1.54%
• Hamilton 1.04%
• Jackson 1.20%

Exemptions

With taxes rising all over the country, homeowners need to find ways to save money. Columbus, Ohio, offers qualified property owners some discounts and exemptions to alleviate the property tax expense. Some of the available exemptions provided by the Franklin County Auditor include:

• Homestead Deduction
• Disabled Veterans Exemptions
• Surviving Spouse of Public Service Officer Killed in the Line of Duty
• Child Care Center Tax Reduction
• Owner-Occupied Real Property Reduction
• Damage Real Property Deduction
• Real Property Tax Exemption
• Senior Citizen Homestead Deduction
• Disabled Person Homestead Deduction

If qualified, you can apply for any of these exemptions/deductions by visiting the Franklin County Auditor's website.

The Columbus Building & Zoning Services department is the city office responsible for issuing building permits. In Columbus, if you want to build a new structure, demolish an old one, or renovate a building, you must first get a building permit. The Building and Zoning Services Department has a great website with lots of information about zoning, permits, and everything related to property development. Use the Franklin County Online Permit Center to apply online for permits, check on the status, and schedule an inspection. When applying, be prepared to submit floor plans, site plans, and other building plans as requested. Some of the available types of building permits include:

• Fences: Permits for fences over 6 feet tall
• Parking lots: Permits for construction of parking lots
• Tents: Permits for tents larger than 400 square feet
• Roof, siding, doors, and windows: Permits for replacing roofs, siding, exterior doors, or windows
• Masonry walls: Permits for masonry walls
• Electrical permits: Permits for electrical work
• Plumbing permits: Permits for plumbing work
• Mechanical permits: Permits for mechanical work
• Demolition permits: Permits for demolition of a structure
• Fire suppression permits: Permits for fire suppression work
• Secure permits: Permits for damaged, abandoned, or insecure buildings

Ohio's state capital, Columbus, has a population of 913,175 people. The city has a total of 415,456 housing units, with the Metro area the most densely populated area, with more than 26,000 new residents each year. The housing deficit is growing with that many new people moving into the city each year. Columbus is home to many different types of housing units like single-family homes, multi-family buildings (apartments), duplexes, townhomes, university housing, affordable housing, and low-income housing offered by the Housing Now for Families Program (HNHF). The median listing price in Columbus is $309,900, with the selling price averaging $263,400. Prices vary by location, for example:

• South Side (43206) $299,900
• North Linden (43211) $205,000
• Downtown Columbus (43215) $334,900
• German Village (43206) $717,000
• Highland West (43204) $179,900
• Olde Town East (43205) $457,500
• South Linden (43211) $164,900
• Franklinton (43222) $230,000

Columbus homes increase in price by an average of 6.9% annually and stay on the market for an average of 46 days.