Getting full information about a property is crucial during a transaction in South Africa – and knowing how to check title deeds online is a convenient way to do it.
While you can get this information by visiting your nearest deeds office, an online search can save you the time and resources you would have spent on a physical visit. This article therefore outlines the online process.
How to check title deeds online
South Africans can check title deeds online via the Deeds Office’s DeedsWEB portal. If you do not have an account on the portal, simply click “Create Account,” read the terms and conditions, and click “I Agree.”
Next, fill in your details on the online form, including name, ID/registration number, address, cellphone number, and email address. Once you have provided all the details, click “Submit Application” to create your account. You will then receive an email with further instructions on how to activate your account.
Once your DeedsWEB account is active, log in with your credentials (username and password). You will then be able to see a link to check title deeds information and other links for services offered on the portal. Simply click the applicable link and follow the prompts.
Before starting your search or enquiry, you need to have the full names and/or ID number of the property’s owner. You can also use his/her date of birth. In case the owner is a juristic person (for example, a company), you need its name and registration number, if available.
Secondly, you need the property’s erf number as well as the township or farm name and number. In case the property is part of a sectional title scheme, you need to provide the section and scheme name.
If you’re simply checking the title deed or property information, these are the details you can get from DeedsWEB:
- The property’s registered owner.
- The conditions affecting the property.
- The property’s interdicts and contracts.
- The property’s purchase price.
- Rules of a sectional title scheme.
Fees
Unfortunately, checking title deeds is not free. At the time of publishing this article, the fee for an enquiry relating to a person, property or title deed on DeedsWEB was R16. If you wish to receive a copy of the deed, it would cost you R92. The fees are updated annually, so visit the DeedsWEB fees schedule for the most recent amounts.
My Deeds Search
Besides DeedsWEB, you can also search property information via My Deeds Search. Simply select the type of search you wish to conduct and click “Request Search.” Enter the required details and click “Submit Search.”
However, the cost is much higher compared to DeedsWEB. Prices start at R200 per property search and go up to R740 for tracking progress of property transfer.
Remember, you can always visit a deeds office in case you’re unable to access the internet. An official will assist you to complete the search form and will issue a receipt once you make the payment.
For further information, visit the DeedsWEB contact us page for contact details, including for regional offices across all provinces.