When was my house built?

Key takeaways

• Homeowners can confirm a property’s build date using documents from the closing, real estate professionals, title companies, Homes.com searches, Google results and local public records. 
• Deed history, tax history and permit records can also provide documented details about when a home was constructed and how its structure has changed over time. 
• Additional clues about a home’s past can come from architectural features, date markings on materials, local historical groups, longtime neighbors and library archives. 

Uncovering an old home’s history can be interesting, but knowing when a house was built often serves a practical purpose.

Buyers may need the information before closing, while current homeowners may need it for renovations, insurance, a home warranty or deed transfers.

Here’s how to find out when a home was built — and how to trace major changes such as additions or renovations.

1. Review documents such as deeds, title policies and inspections. 
2. Ask a real estate agent. 
3. Contact the title company. 
4. Search the address on Homes.com. 
5. Run a Google search of the address. 
6. Check public records, including tax, permit and deed histories. 

Sometimes, a home’s build date appears directly in a listing. In other cases, buyers and homeowners need to dig deeper. Build dates are often required for financing, renovations, demolition permits and historic preservation reviews.

For current homeowners, paperwork from the purchase is often the fastest answer. Title policies, appraisals, deeds, inspection reports and homeowners insurance policies frequently list the year a house was built. Reviewing these documents can also help identify errors that may need correction.

Real estate agents regularly research property history using tax and public records.

“We typically use tax and property records to find the year or an estimate,” said Justin Sledd, a real estate agent with One South Commercial in Richmond, Virginia. “In the past, we’ve also worked with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources for older homes. They can provide insight into when a home was built and how it was constructed.”

Agents also have access to the Multiple Listing Service, or MLS, which often includes more detailed property data such as prior sales, ownership history and construction details.

The title company involved in a previous sale may still have records showing the property’s deed history and chain of ownership. While build dates are not always included, title companies can often direct homeowners to local government offices that maintain historical records.

Homes.com offers more than current listings. Searching a property address may reveal tax history, deed transfers and prior sale prices. This information can help narrow down when a home was first constructed or significantly changed.

A simple online search of a property address can sometimes lead to city or county databases, historic registries, census records or community archives. Older homes may also appear in local history websites or preservation documents.

Public records remain one of the most reliable ways to verify a home’s age and changes over time. These records are typically available through city or county offices.

• Deed history: Deeds track the chain of ownership. Each sale creates a new record, which can help establish timelines. Copies can usually be obtained through a county courthouse or records office. 
• Tax records: Property tax history often includes the year a home was built and changes in assessed value following renovations or additions. These records are available online in many jurisdictions or through Homes.com. 
• Permit records: Permits document original construction and later updates, such as additions or major remodels. For older homes, permits often provide the clearest picture of how the property has evolved. 

To request records, homeowners can visit their local tax assessor’s office or planning department in person or online. Hard copies provide a useful backup for insurance or legal purposes.

If public records don’t provide clear answers — or if you want a fuller picture of your home’s past — additional research can help.

• Study the architecture: Design details can indicate when a home was built. For example, brick rowhouses with wrought-iron details often date to the late 1800s or early 1900s. 
• Look for hidden dates: Construction dates sometimes appear on support beams, pipes or materials that were original to the home. 
• Talk to the community: Local historical societies, longtime neighbors and preservation groups often hold valuable information about older homes and neighborhoods. 
• Visit the library: Many libraries maintain historical maps, city directories and archived property records.

This story was updated April 8.