If you have looked at land or rural homes on the Island, you have probably seen "PID" in a listing or heard me mention it. It is one of the most useful pieces of information about any property on PEI, and once you know how to use it, you can learn a lot before you ever walk the land. Here is a simple explainer.
PID stands for Property Identification number
On Prince Edward Island, parcels of land are identified by a Property Identification number, or PID. Think of it as the parcel's ID card. Street addresses can change and civic numbers are sometimes missing on vacant land, but the PID is how the Province keeps track of each parcel.
You will see PIDs used across all kinds of provincial processes. Building and development permit applications ask for property details, and the Province's online permit status tool asks you to enter the PID to check where an application stands.
Where to find a PID
- On a property tax statement. If you own the property, your PID is on your tax bill.
- In a listing. Many listings for land and rural homes include the PID. If one doesn't, just ask me and I will get it.
- By phone. The Province's Property and Taxation Records office can help if you are stuck.
Free and paid ways to look a property up
The Province offers a few different tools.
PEI Information Mapping. This free online map lets you search by property number and view basic details about a parcel. No registration needed. It is a handy way to see the shape of a lot, its neighbours and its general location.
Civic Address Locator. If the property has a civic address, this tool can find it, and it can also search by Property ID.
GeoLinc Plus. This is the Province's paid subscription service for more detailed tax and property information, such as assessment, tax and registry details and map reports. Lawyers, surveyors and real estate professionals use it regularly. Most buyers don't need their own subscription; your REALTOR® or lawyer can pull what you need.
What a PID lookup can tell you
With a PID, you or your professionals can usually learn:
- The shape and approximate size of the parcel on a map
- Where it sits relative to roads, water and neighbouring lots
- Assessment and tax information
- Registry details your lawyer will review
What a PID lookup can't tell you
Online maps are a great start, but they are not a survey. Lines on a mapping tool are approximate. If exact boundaries matter, and they often do on rural and waterfront land, you need a survey by a licensed land surveyor. A PID lookup also won't tell you about soil suitability for a septic system, water quality, or whether a lot is approved for building. Those take their own checks.
How I use PIDs with buyers
When a buyer is serious about a piece of land or a rural home, I pull the PID early. It lets us:
- Confirm the parcel matches what is described in the listing
- Spot oddities, like a driveway that crosses a neighbour's parcel
- Look at nearby parcels to understand the setting
- Prepare the right questions for the seller, lawyer and surveyor
For non-resident buyers looking at larger parcels or shore frontage, the parcel details also feed into questions under the Lands Protection Act. My Lands Protection Act explainer covers the basics.
A quick tip for browsing
When you are casually exploring, a map search of current listings is a great way to get a feel for an area. Once something catches your eye, the PID is how you dig deeper.
PIDs when you sell
If you are selling land or a rural home, having your PID ready makes the listing process smoother. It helps me confirm the parcel you are selling, check the lot shape and acreage, and answer buyer questions quickly. If you own more than one parcel side by side, such as a house lot and an adjoining field, each may have its own PID. Make sure everyone is clear on exactly which parcels are included in the sale.
Looking at land?
Whether you want a building lot near Kensington, acreage in Prince County or a spot near the shore, I can help you research it properly. Browse PEI land and lots, then contact Jodi Bernard, CENTURY 21 Northumberland Realty, and I will pull the details on any property you are considering.
Comments:
Post Your Comment: