What happens if I lost my title deed?

Author
Kruger Attorneys & Conveyancers Inc
Kruger Attorneys & Conveyancers Inc is a specialised conveyancing practice, providing incomparable property law services through practical wisdom and trusted advice.

An application can be made to the Deeds Office for a duplicate original if a title deed is destroyed or lost. Before an application can be made, the intention to apply for a certified copy must be advertised in a newspaper and lie for inspection at the Deeds Office for 2 weeks. Should there be no objections, the application is made to the Deeds Office in the form of an Affidavit stating that the deed is actually lost or destroyed and that a diligent search has been made for the deed.

Once the Registrar is satisfied he will then issue a certified copy of the title deed which will, for all purposes, be treated as if it were the original. The application for a lost or destroyed deed can be made simultaneously in the Deeds Office with the lodgement of the transfer documents.

Property questions?
Get quick answers about buying, selling, renting, and more from our AI powered real estate bot
Legal Property News
Understanding the ins and outs of a property sales agreement
Legal
Understanding the ins and outs of a property sales agreement
19 Feb 2024
In the world of property transactions, one crucial document serves as the cornerstone of the entire process—the property sales agreement. While it may seem intimidating at first, understanding its significance is essential for both buyers and sellers. 
read more
Capital Gains Tax: A step-by-step guide for home sellers
Legal
Capital Gains Tax: A step-by-step guide for home sellers
31 Jan 2024
Selling your home is a significant financial transaction, and understanding the implications of Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is crucial to ensure you remain tax-compliant. 
read more
What Happens If Your Landlord Sells the Property: A Tenant's Guide
Legal
What Happens If Your Landlord Sells the Property: A Tenant's Guide
26 Jan 2024
It's not uncommon for landlords or property owners to decide to sell their rental properties. When faced with such a situation, tenants often find themselves wondering about their rights and the impact on their living situation.
read more
What’s the deal with title deeds? Everything homeowners need to know
Legal
What’s the deal with title deeds? Everything homeowners need to know
11 Dec 2023
If you’ve ever bought a property, you’ll also have received a title deed (which your bank or home loan provider will hold onto until the home is fully paid off). And even if you haven’t had that experience, you’ll probably have seen good news inserts about the residents of low-cost housing projects receiving the title deeds to their homes. The document states and proves a person's legal right to own a piece of land or a building. In other words, it’s important.
read more
Real Estate Tools
Get pre-qualified
Make offers with confidence knowing what you can afford. Then shop for the best home loan
Bond Calculator
Calculate the estimated repayments on a home loan and savings with extra payments