Property Transfer

All property deeds, like Warranty Deeds, Quit Claim Deeds and Land Contracts, are recorded with the Wayne County Register of Deeds office located in the International Center Building, 400 Monroe Street, 7th Floor, Detroit, MI 48226-2925  Phone:(313) 224-5850.  If you are trying to obtain or change your deed, please contact the Wayne County Register of Deeds office as deeds are not recorded or kept at the local Assessor's office.

Process

Whenever a real estate property transfers ownership, or any name changes on the deed, a deed is recorded with the Wayne County Register of Deeds Office. A Property Transfer Affidavit Form must be filed within 45 days of the transfer in the Assessor’s office under the authority of P.A. 415 of 1994. If it is not filed in a timely manner, the property owner is subject to a penalty. For residential property, a penalty of $5/day (maximum $200) will apply.

The Assessor will review this form to ensure the property is assessed properly and given the correct taxable value for the year following the transfer.

The property transfer affidavit does change the name and mailing address on the tax bill itself.  Be sure it has the correct mailing address when filing the forms with the City Assessor.

The Assessing Department wants all new or potential home buyers to fully understand the uncapping process of Proposal A. The year following your purchase of a new home, the taxable value from which the seller has been paying their taxes will "uncap" and become the same as the new Assessed Value, becoming your new base from which your taxes will be calculated. 

For an estimate of your potential new tax liability, please contact the Assessor's office at 1-734-675-6810 

Related Forms and Guides:

Transfer Affidavit Form

Transfer of Ownership Guidelines

Change of Address Form

Principal Residence Exemption Affidavit