How To Search for Chattanooga Property Records

You should always review property records before buying or investing in real estate. They contain a goldmine of information that you can use for due diligence, such as ownership history, property values, liens, taxes, zoning classifications, foreclosures, amenities, and more. Property records are considered public in Chattanooga, which means anyone can view or request copies. The key is knowing where to look. We have provided useful resources below to help you find different types of Chattanooga property records for various purposes.

Hamilton County Register of Deeds

The Hamilton County Register of Deeds keeps official records of all documents related to property ownership in Chattanooga. These include deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, easements, and more. The register's office provides access to its records through its classic online record search tool, but you will need to install the Microsoft Silverlight app (on your computer) for this. The office also offers a second, BETA online record search tool, which requires pre-approval for access and a monthly subscription fee; you can request access online or using a printable form. You can also search and get copies of records in person at the Register of Deeds office located at Room 400, 625 Georgia Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37402. Note that copy fees may apply. Call the office at (423) 209-6560 for inquiries.

Hamilton County Assessor of Property

The Hamilton County Assessor of Property is responsible for establishing the value of all real property in Chattanooga for tax purposes. This office is a great resource for information on a property's past and current ownership details, characteristics, appraised and assessed values, sales data, and more. The assessor provides a property search tool that you can use to search for this information online by name, address, and parcel ID. You can also visit the office at 6135 Heritage Park Drive, Bonny Oaks, Chattanooga, TN 37416, to access these records in person, or call them at (423) 209-7300 for general questions and assistance.

Hamilton County Trustee

The Hamilton County Trustee oversees the collection of county property taxes for Chattanooga (and the rest of the county). You can obtain tax-related records, including current tax bills, payment histories, outstanding balances, tax sales information, and more, from this office. This information may be accessed online through the Trustee's property tax inquiry tool, which allows for searches by name, address, bill number, or parcel/map. If you prefer in-person services, you can visit the trustee's office at Room 210, 625 Georgia Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37402. You can also call (423) 209-7270 for general questions and assistance.

Chattanooga City Treasurer

The Chattanooga City Treasurer's Office is responsible for collecting all revenue owed to the city, including city-level property taxes (separate from county taxes). This office serves as a key resource for information on various city-imposed fees, including stormwater fees, special property assessments, current balances due to the city, delinquent city taxes, and other municipal tax responsibilities. You can use the city's property tax site to search for this information online; you can search by parcel ID, name, location address, or mailing address. You can also visit the treasurer's office at 101 E 11th St., Chattanooga, TN 37402, to access records in person, or call (423) 643-7262 for general inquiries.

Hamilton County Courts

You can find Chattanooga property records tied to legal cases, such as foreclosures, title disputes, landlord-tenant cases, and other similar matters, through the Hamilton County Court System. The court system is divided into various courts, each handling different kinds of cases. There is no centralized platform for looking up cases online, but you can search and request copies of records in person at the Hamilton County Courthouse, located at 625 Georgia Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37402. Note that copy fees may apply. You can call any of these numbers for more information

• Chancery Court Clerk and Master: (423) 209-6600.
• Circuit Court Clerk: (423) 209-6700.
• Sessions Court Civil Clerk: (423) 209-7630.

Chattanooga property taxes fund various essential local government services, including schools, police and fire departments, emergency services, parks, road maintenance, libraries, and community programs. The Hamilton County Assessor of Property is responsible for listing and determining the value of all property in the city for tax purposes, while tax collection duties are split between the County Trustee and the City Treasurer. Residential properties are valued based on the sale prices of comparable homes; for commercial and industrial properties, a combination of the cost, market, and income approaches is used. Once the property's market value is determined, it is multiplied by an assessment ratio to get its assessed value: 25% for residential and farm property and 40% for commercial and industrial property. This assessed value is the basis for tax calculation, and properties are reassessed every four years.

Tax bills are typically mailed out towards the end of September each year and are due by the last day of February of the following year. Both the County Trustee and City Treasurer accept partial payments. Unpaid taxes are considered delinquent from March 1st and begin accruing interest of 1.5% per month. If the taxes remain delinquent for more than one year, additional penalties may be applied, including a tax sale to recover the debt. There are several methods available for paying property taxes in Chattanooga, including online (via e-check or credit/debit card with a fee), mail-in, and in person at the respective collecting office or select banks. You can call the County Trustee at (423) 209-7270 and the City Treasurer at (423) 643-7262 for assistance.

Assessments

The Hamilton County Assessor of Property conducts assessments to determine the taxable value of property in Chattanooga. A property's assessed value is determined by multiplying its market value by the state-mandated assessment ratio (25% for residential and farm property and 40% for commercial and industrial property). This assessed value is what is used for calculating taxes. Properties are reassessed every four years through a countywide reappraisal process to ensure that values reflect current market conditions and are used fairly for tax purposes. Assessed values typically remain unchanged between reappraisal cycles unless there are significant improvements or changes to the property, such as new construction or demolition.

Valuation notices are typically sent out during the countywide reappraisal year, often around late April, to inform property owners of their updated property values. The notice includes the new appraised value and provides instructions for appealing the valuation. If you believe your property's value is inaccurate, you may first request an informal review with the Assessor's office. If the matter cannot be resolved at this level, then you can file a formal appeal with the Hamilton County Board of Equalization. Informal reviews typically have to be requested within 30 days of receiving your valuation notice, while the deadline for appeal to the County Board is usually in June. You can call the Assessor's office at (423) 209-7300 for more information or help filing an appeal.

Appraisals

Chattanooga assessments work similarly to appraisals. They both determine the fair market value of property by comparing it with similar properties that have sold recently in the local area. In cases of odd structures or new construction, the county may call upon an appraiser to help determine the value. Estate planners, courts, and lenders also use appraisals to value real property.

Tax Rates

Chattanooga, Tennessee, has a median effective tax rate of 0.56%, lower than both the national median of 1.02% and Tennessee's state median of 0.64%. The city's average annual tax bill is $1,083, also much lower than the national average of $2,400.

Here's a look at how Chattanooga's tax rate compares to other counties in Tennessee:

• Cumberland County 0.28%
• Davidson County 0.95%
• Decatur County 0.65%
• Greene County 0.41%
• Knox County 0.39%
• Loudon County 0.38%
• Marshall County 0.45%
• Obion County 0.47%
• Pickett County 0.60%
• Rutherford County 0.60%
• Shelby County 1.52%
• Sumner County 0.76%
• Trousdale County 0.49%

Exemptions

Even though Chattanooga property taxes are relatively low, some residents may still find it difficult to keep up with payments. Thankfully, there are property tax programs available to qualifying homeowners in the city that can help ease the burden. These include:

• Property Tax Relief: This is available to low-income elderly or disabled homeowners, as well as disabled veterans and their surviving spouses, and reimburses them for part or all of their property taxes.
• Property Tax Freeze: This is available to elderly homeowners (65+) who meet a specific maximum combined annual income limit and freeze their property taxes at a base tax amount.

You can contact the Hamilton County Trustee at (423) 209-7270 or the Chattanooga City Treasurer at (423) 643-7262 to learn more about available property tax programs and for assistance with applying.

You need a permit to construct new buildings, alter or renovate existing buildings, or demolish structures. However, cosmetic alterations to existing buildings, such as painting, wallpapering, and carpeting, are usually exempt. The Chattanooga Land Development Office oversees the city's construction process and is responsible for issuing necessary permits. You can apply for one using the city's Permits Online portal. You can also visit the office at the Development Resource Center, Suite 1000, 1250 Market Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402, for in-person services.

Common types of permits issued in Chattanooga include:

• Residential Building Permits: For constructing or modifying existing single-unit (detached or attached) buildings and ADUs.
• Commercial Building Permits: For constructing or modifying structures not covered by a residential building permit.
• Demolition Permits: For tearing a building down or for gutting the inside of a building during a renovation.
• Electrical Permits: For performing electrical work (installing, repairing, upgrading, or replacing electrical systems).
• Low Voltage Permits: For wiring low voltage systems (operating at 50 volts or less), such as security systems, data cabling, and audio/video installations.
• Gas Permits: For installing, modifying, or repairing gas lines and gas-powered appliances.
• Mechanical Permits: For installing or modifying HVAC systems and other mechanical equipment.
• Plumbing Permits: For work on water lines, sewer connections, fixtures, and drainage systems.

When applying for any of these permits, you must submit the proper documentation (building plans, blueprints, contractor licenses, materials lists, etc.). You must also pay the appropriate fee.

Building inspections are part of the permit process, and they ensure that the work complies with local building and safety codes. You can schedule an inspection through the online portal or in person at the office during regular business hours.

Located along the Tennessee River, Chattanooga is the state's fourth-largest city and one of the two principal cities of East Tennessee, alongside Knoxville. The city inspired the 1940s hit song "Chattanooga Choo Choo" (the first song ever to receive a gold record) and is nationally recognized for its stunning natural geography, earning it the nickname "The Scenic City". Chattanooga also boasts several major attractions, such as the Tennessee Aquarium, Lookout Mountain, the Bessie Smith Cultural Center, and the Tennessee Riverwalk.

Chattanooga, Tennessee, has a population of 181,099 residents. The city has 89,451 housing units, of which 90% are occupied and 52% are owner-occupied. The city has a broad range of housing options, including single-family homes, townhouses, apartments, condos, multi-family homes (duplexes and triplexes), and affordable housing. Common housing styles include Craftsman, Ranch, Tudor Revival, Victorian, and Contemporary. The average price of a home in Chattanooga, TN, is $321,238, representing a 0.5% decrease from previous years. Note that actual home prices can vary considerably depending on the neighborhood in Chattanooga. Here are some examples:

• Riverfront $687,671
• Northshore $438,329
• Baker Hilltop $499,205
• Hill City $379,499
• Lower North Shore $475,016
• North Chattanooga $598,078

The Chattanooga, Tennessee, real estate market is somewhat competitive, with moderate buyer activity and steady price growth. Homes typically go under contract in about 31 days of listing, with nearly 20% of listed homes selling above the asking price.