Whether you've lost your original title deed, need a copy for a building plan application, or your bank is holding the original because of an existing bond, getting a copy of your title deed in South Africa is easier than you might think.
In this guide, we explain what a title deed is, why you might need a copy, and the different ways to obtain one.
A title deed (also called a Deed of Transfer) is a legal document registered at the Deeds Office that proves ownership of a property. It contains important information including:
There are several common reasons why property owners need a copy of their title deed:
There are two types of title deed copies you can obtain from the Deeds Office:
1. Copy for Information Purposes
This is an electronic copy of your title deed marked "FOR INFORMATION ONLY". It's suitable for most purposes including building plan applications, personal records, and general reference. This is the faster and more affordable option.
2. Certified Copy (Section 66)
A certified copy is stamped and certified under Section 66 of the Deeds Registration Act. This is required for legal proceedings such as divorce cases, winding up deceased estates, or other court matters. Certified copies take longer to obtain as they must be processed manually at the Deeds Office.
You have three options for obtaining a copy of your title deed:
Option 1: Visit the Deeds Office in Person
You can visit any of the 11 Deeds Offices in South Africa. You'll need to complete a request form, pay the prescribed fee, and wait for the document to be retrieved. This can be time-consuming, especially if the document needs to be retrieved from the archives.
Option 2: Register with DeedsWeb
DeedsWeb is the official online portal of the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development. However, registration requires documentation and a registration fee, making it more suitable for professionals who need regular access.
Option 3: Use an Online Service
Services like ours allow you to request a copy of your title deed online without registration fees. Simply provide the property details, pay the search fee, and receive your copy via email. This is the most convenient option for occasional users.
To request a copy of your title deed, you'll need to provide:
If you don't know your property's erf number, you can usually find it on your municipal rates account or we can help you locate it using your street address.
Turnaround times vary depending on the type of copy and whether the document is available electronically:
Request Title Deed (Deed of Transfer) - For Information (Sect 66)
Has your company been deregistered by CIPC for failing to file annual returns? Don't panic – you can apply to have your company reinstated. O...
If you're buying or selling property in South Africa, one of the most common questions is: how long does it take for the property to be registered...
Getting married in South Africa? One of the most important decisions you'll make is how your assets will be handled during your marriage and in the...
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 c...
Whether you've lost your original title deed, need a copy for a building plan application, or your bank is holding the original because of an exist...
Understanding South African Deeds Office Document Codes: A Complete Guide Have you ever come across document numbers like T3776/19...
Paying with a Card is quick and easy. We use Yoco as our payment provider. They are a reputable payment gateway and are linked to all the major banks in South Africa.
Use this option if you prefer to use EFT as a payment method. We will email you our banking details with a unique reference number. Once the funds have cleared our account or we have received Proof of Payment we will process your request.
