What Is A Title Deed: Title Deeds Explained

14 Jun What Is A Title Deed: Title Deeds Explained

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What Is A Title Deed?

A title deed is legal proof of property ownership, or the official record of who owns the property. It is a legal document that is registered and proves you own immovable property.

If you purchase a new property, the title deed of the subject property has to be transferred into your name as proof that you own it. You need a conveyancing attorney to attend to the passing of transfer.

Legally, the property will only belong to you once the deed of transfer has been passed and duly executed at the Registrar of Deeds. Once signed, a copy of the Title Deed will be kept at the Deeds Office within your jurisdiction. Occupation of a property is normally taken and given on the date of registration of transfer unless otherwise agreed in the Offer to Purchase.

What Information Is On A Title Deed?

The title deed contains the defining property details such as

  • Particulars of the seller
  • Particulars of the purchaser
  • Property description
  • Title deed conditions pertaining to the subject property 
  • Purchase price
  • Date of sale
  • Date of transfer 

Can A Title Deed be held by more than one owner?

Yes, it is possible for a property to be owned by more than one person. This is called joint ownership and the portions owned by each co-owner, will also be included on the title deed.

What Are Property Restrictions?

A Title Deed may consist of various restrictive conditions as envisaged in the subject property’s title conditions, for example

  • Conditions in favor of the local authority
  • Personal servitude
  • Conditions in favor of a home owners association (HOA)
  • etc

What is Deeds Registration?

A Deeds Registration office is an entity of the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development. You can register title deeds and access documents and information about registered and archived records at the Deeds Registries of the respective judicial areas. We would advise these enquiries to be done in person.

Furthermore, any member of the public can access the Deeds Registry to find out the most current information pertaining to, inter alia:

  • Who the registered owner of a property is
  • A certain property’s purchase price
  • Title deeds pertaining to a certain property  
  • The conditions for the establishment of a township in which a subject property is situated
  • The rules of a Sectional Title Scheme
  • Copies of Sectional Title Plans
  • A Deed or sectional title deed

How To Obtain A Copy Of Your Title Deed

Preferably make use of a conveyancing firm to assist you with obtaining either a copy or certified copy of a title deed, which will be done at a prescribed fee set down by the Legal Practice Council.

Frequently Asked Questions about Title Deeds

  • What is a Deed of Sale?

A Deed of Sale is a legal document containing the terms of a contract related to the sale of immovable property. A Deed of Sale must be signed by the purchaser and the seller, or the duly authorised representatives on their behalf.

  • What is a Transfer Duty? 

Transfer Duty is a tax payable to SARS. It is calculated on the value of the property that is acquired through a sale, exchange, or donation. Should you not be registered for VAT, or if the property is not sold as a VAT supply, the purchaser will pay transfer duty. The transfer duty is collected by the transferring attorneys and paid to SARS. SARS will issue a transfer duty receipt, which receipt will be lodged together with the new Title Deed to be registered.

  • Why Is There A Fee For Accessing Deeds Information?

It is a legal requirement that anyone who wishes to access Deeds Registry information must pay the prescribed fee.

  • Why Do I Need A Conveyancer To Transfer Ownership Of My Property?

A conveyancer is an admitted and practicing attorney who has been admitted to practice as a conveyancer. It is a legal requirement that any documents related to the registration of transfer or mortgaging of a property must be prepared by a conveyancer.

  • How Long Does The Deeds Office Take To Deliver A Title Deed To A Conveyancer After Registration?

The Deeds Office takes approximately 10 days to deliver a title deed to a conveyancer after it has been registered. This period is necessary so that administrative functions (like quality of assurance, numbering, and allocation of an authentic seal of office) can be completed. This may vary, depending on the backlog. 

  • A Property Was Registered In My Name But I Don’t Have The Title Deed. What Should I Do?

The best advice we can offer is to contact the conveyancer who attended to the registration of the property transfer to locate your Title Deed.

Please be cognisant of the following:

  • After the Deeds Registry has completed registration, the Title Deeds and documents are captured on a national database, and these are handed to the conveyancer.
  • If the transfer of the property was simultaneous to the registration of a mortgage bond, then the Deed of Transfer (and mortgage bond) is handed to the bondholder (the financial institution or Bank)
  • The Deeds Registry does not keep originals but copies can be acquired on application.

 

  • I Have Inherited Property / My Parents Have Passed Away.

What Must I Do To Have The Property Transferred Into My Name?

There are certain legal steps you must follow to wind up a deceased estate or to transfer a property from a deceased person to his/her heirs. 

  1. First, you must report the death to the Master of the High Court in the jurisdiction of where the property is situated
  2. The Master of the High Court will appoint a representative, if the property is valued under R 250 000, or an executor if the property is valued over R 250 000
  3. The Representative or Executor will first have to wind up the estate in accordance with prescribed law whereafter a property so inherited will be transferred in accordance with an approved liquidation and distribution account that is free of objections.

 

  • Why Should You Check A Title Deeds Before Signing An Offer To Purchase?

When you read a Title Deed as a prospective purchaser, you will find out if there are conditions related to specific title conditions pertaining to the subject property 

Why does this matter? These aspects have a bearing on the property’s value as well as any future plans you may have in purchasing.

 

Get professional property advice before signing your Offer to Purchase. For assistance with title deeds, registration, or transfer of property, please contact AWD Law.

 

References

https://www.westerncape.gov.za/service/title-deeds-proof-property-ownership

https://www.dhs.gov.za/sites/default/files/u16/A5%20WHAT%20IS%20A%20TITLE%20DEED.pdf 

https://www.deeds.gov.za/faqs.php

Kindly be advised that AWD Law does not enter into litigation on behalf of clients. Our conveyancers specialise exclusively in the development of vacant land, property transfers, bond registrations, administration of deceased estates and notarial practice. Should you require assistance with a litigation, kindly contact The Legal Practice Council.

Contact AWD Law For Professional Property Advice before signing your Offer to Purchase.

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CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

  • Dear Andre, I hereby want to thank you, Laetitia Dekker and all involved at your Firm, for your excellent services rendered to us with the purchase of our house in Bethlehem. Since we made the decision to purchase a house in another Province, we were bombarded by scammers. You, Laetitia and your Firm renewed our experience that trust and being professional, is at the forefront of your business and the continued communication throughout the process is superb. All the documentation and our personal information that you handled and sent to for example ABSA involved, was handled with care and respect. We moved from Centurion to Bethlehem on Saturday, 14 December 2024 and when we got here, I was so grateful for your assistance in the process and that our home registered in our names on 12 December 2024 without any delays or misrepresentation. We will definitely be in contact with your Firm if in the future we decide to buy a property in Pretoria for rental purposes. Thank you once again for your excellent assistance and services rendered.

  • Hi Bronwen, Dankie, ons bewys van betaling volg. Ons sluit eers die 20ste, nog so baie om af te handel vir die jaar! Dis ‘n plesier en dankie vir julle spoedige en vriendelike diens, altyd ‘n plesier om saam met julle te werk. Mag julle ‘n geseende feesseisoen geniet en lekker uitrus vir die nuwe jaar! Groete,

  • Hallo Bronwen, Baie dankie bankbesonderhede. Ons sal beslis nog vir julle stuur. Baie dankie vir jul goeie diens en hulp met die transaksie. Groete,

  • Dear Laetitia, Thank you for a wonderful service you provided. Yourself, Andre and Annelize. We appreciate the support and we are now proud owners. God bless you all. Regards.

  • Dear Annalize, I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for your confirmation of the registration of the property at 939 Thermesco Street. Navigating this transaction was not without its challenges, and your expertise and perseverance were invaluable in overcoming them. I truly appreciate your dedication and professionalism throughout the process. Thank you for your hard work and support. I look forward to the opportunity to work together again in the future. If there's anything further needed on my end, please feel free to reach out. Kind regards,

  • Dear Annalize, I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for your confirmation of the registration of the property. Navigating this transaction was not without its challenges, and your expertise and perseverance were invaluable in overcoming them. I truly appreciate your dedication and professionalism throughout the process. Thank you for your hard work and support. I look forward to the opportunity to work together again in the future. If there's anything further needed on my end, please feel free to reach out. Kind regards,

  • Baie dankie vir u e-pos hierin. Ons kry alreeds uitstekende diens van Bronwen. Ons het al vantevore van u firma gebruik gemaak om Investec verbande vir ons in te dien en het ons toe verwysing gekry by ander prokureur wat gebruik gemaak het van julle en was hul baie tevrede. Baie dankie vir u diens. Groete

  • Annalize Baie baie dankie vir puik diens. Ek klink dalk maar moeilik maar dan moet jy weet ek is raadop ek is naby handoek ingooi en alles loop net verkeerd. Maar met julle diens is ek baie tevrede en julle is baie na aan my hart. Groete

  • "Hi Bronwen Hiermee bewys van betaling, vir jou vriendelike aandag. Weereens baie dankie vir die uitstekende diens hierin. Lekker dag verder"

    Eleanor

  • Thank you so much for such an amazing service and the great effort. Greatly appreciated. Thank you all again.

    Claire

  • Hi Bronwen Hoop jy het ‘n goeie dag gehad. Dankie vir jou goeie diens en vriendelikheid 😊 Jy is awesome.

  • Thank u so much guys..u are the best guys...ur service is superb

    NL

  • Hi Annalize Baie, baie dankie vir al jul moeite en puik diens. Ek maak definitief weer gebruik van julle. Lekker dag

    SDP

  • Dankie. Eks baie dankbaar ons paaie het gekruis. Dis lekker om op n vriendskap basis maar tog profesioneel besigheid te bedryf. My vorige prok ( vriende al vir 35jaar) het n groot chip op sy skouer en as gevolg van sy arogansie al my besighied verloor. Dankie vir die mens wat jy is Andre Groete

    MN

  • Goeie môre Graag wil ek hierdie "wonderlike" nuus met julle deel. Bogemelde transaksie is vandag GEREGISTREER!!! Sonder jul hulp sou dit nie nou gebeur het nie. Baie baie dankie vir jul altyd vriendelike hulp en ondersteuning, ek waardeer dit verskriklik baie. Een nagmerrie agter die rug. Vriendelike groete

    SJN

  • Hallo Bronwen, Baie dankie vir jou puik bestand met die registratie. Ek heg hierby aan bewys van betaling van julle kostes. Lekker naweek vir jou.

    Petra Pretorius

  • Beste Andre en personeel. Dankie vir julle uitstekende diens met die verkoop van die geboue Klein Drakenstein en Cape Coral Die opvolg van e pos instruksies, versoeke en vrae was in elke geval dieselfde dag hanteer of minstens opgevolg. Dit was asof julle 24/7 beskikbaar was en gereageer het. Julle het selfs in meer as een geval die gemoedere tot bedaring gebring en `n modder gooiery voorkom. Dankie vir deeglikheid en die afhandeling van die hele proses in rekord tyd. Julle is 5ster! Dit sal vir my `n voorreg wees om julle aan te beveel by enige iemand anders.

    JB

  • Beste Bronwen, aangeheg bewys van betaling. Baie dankie vir jul altyd vriendelike diens.

    PB

  • Thank you so much for your excellent service. Looking forward to working with you in the future 😊

    TV

  • Awesome great thank you guys really appreciate the amount of effort that everyone put into this deal , please tell Andre I really appreciate the effort.

    CR

  • Good Day Bronwen Thank you, that is brilliant news!!! We appreciate your offices assistance and excellent service herein 😉 Have a great day.

    GD

  • Baie dankie vir die goeie nuus en die puik diens wat ons deurlopend by julle ontvang het tydens die duur van die transaksie. Ons waardeer opreg. Mooi dag vir julle."

  • Vind asb aangeheg ons registrasieskrywe en bewys van betaling van die kommissie hierin. Ons vertrou dit is in orde en bedank jou vir die vriendelike instruksie en samewerking hierin. Ons hoop ons kan gou weer saamwerk.

    Groete

  • "Beste Annalize, Baie dankie vir jul goeie werk. Andre dankie vir jou ook! Vriendelike groete"

  • Nog ‘n goeie verwysing hier!

    Laetitia Dekker

  • Net 'n opregte dankie vir jul puik, professionele en vriendelike diens. Ek kan julle regtig aanbeveel! Vriendelike groete

  • Graag dankie se vir jul flinke diens. Hartlike Groete

    Fred Geyer

  • vreeslik baie dankie en vir julle uitmundende en professionene werk!!!

  • Good day Pertunia I really cannot thank you enough for your promptness and constant feedback you always provide, much appreciated.

    Masego Motshel

  • Dear Pertunia, I trust that you are well. Thank you for your email, content duly noted. Once again thank you for your kind and professional assistance throughout the process. We highly appreciate everything you did. Yours faithfully

    Anami Martinson

  • Dear Andre, I want to bring to your attention how appreciative I am of the service I received from Patricia Erasmus throughout my dealings with her. She has been professional, courteous and often went over and beyond one can expect, to keep me updated and informed, on the status of my sales transaction. She was prompt, throughout my dealings with her and she would often contact me with feedback before I could ask about it first. It is not often that one experiences this dedicated work ethic and please note that her service is a positive contribution to your business.

    Helene Barnard

  • Vir Aandag - Mnr Andre Germishuizen Baie dankie vir proffesionele en uitstekende hantering van ons eiendomstransaksies - wees verseker ons waardeer dit opreg en ons beveel jou en jou span aan kliente wie met vertroue jou kan ondersteun. Seenwense

    Martin/Marie Beylefeld

  • Good day Andre Thank you for your patience in this matter. We have received feedback yesterday afternoon.

    Sampson, Ronel R

  • Thank you for your wonderful service. It’s refreshing to receive such service honestly. Thank your boss for us as well, we really appreciate the professional service we received. Because of you I was able to take the transferring attorneys to task. Be blessed

    Serrah Vilane

  • Wow !! Dit was baie vinnig ! Lekker aand Groete

    Jan van Deventer

  • Wow...Thank you so much, I'm so impressed by the swift service I'm receiving. Blessed regards

    Pauline Kgopa

  • THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP WITH THIS TRANSACTION. IT HAS BEEN A JOURNEY SECOND TO NONE. WELL DONE AWD LAW

    Pierre Mouton

  • Fantasties, baie baie dankie Magda en Andre!! Lekker dag vir julle!

    Julle

  • Goeie dag Andre Ek hoop dit gaan nog goed. Weereens dankie dat jy ons so vroeg kon sien Woensdagoggend. Dit is so lekker dat ons die kontrak voor werk kon doen en nie ‘n halwe dag verlof te moes insit nie. Aangeheg die bewys van betaling vir die rekening soos aan ons gegee is Woensdag. Hou ons asb op hoogte van wat alles gebeur en laat weet asb indien daar nog enige iets is wat jy van ons benodig. Groete

    Jean du Toit

  • Good afternoon Pertunia. I would first off like to thank you for your very efficient and professional service and making the process of buying our first home as seamless and stress free as possible.

    Franco Combrinck