Need to find out who owns a property in South Africa? Whether you're interested in buying a property, investigating a boundary dispute, or simply curious about who owns the vacant land next door, this information is available through the Deeds Office.
In this guide, we explain the different ways to find property ownership information and what details you can expect to receive.
In South Africa, all property ownership records are maintained by the Deeds Office, which falls under the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development. There are 11 Deeds Offices across the country, each responsible for properties in their region:
When a property is sold and transferred, the new owner's details are registered at the relevant Deeds Office. This creates a public record that can be searched.
A property ownership search typically returns:
1. Visit the Deeds Office
You can visit the Deeds Office responsible for the area where the property is located. You'll need to complete a request form and pay the prescribed fee. Note that Deeds Offices don't provide information over the phone or by letter – you must visit in person or use an authorised service.
2. Use an Online Property Search Service
The easiest way to find out who owns a property is to use an online service. You simply provide the property details or address, pay the search fee, and receive the ownership information via email.
The Deeds Office records properties by their official description (erf number and township), not by street address. However, most online services can convert a street address to the correct property description for you.
If you're searching by address, an interactive map search allows you to pinpoint the exact property and ensures you get information for the correct erf or sectional title unit.
Yes, property ownership information in South Africa is public record. Anyone can search for who owns a property, provided they pay the required fee. This transparency helps prevent fraud and allows for proper due diligence when buying property.
However, certain personal information (like full ID numbers) is masked to comply with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
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