You need a Title Deed to be a recognised home-owner
Money or a home loan is not the only resource you need when buying a house – register for a Title Deed.
When you buy a house, you need a title deed in your name. This document proves that you are the legal owner of the property.
When the Registrar of Deeds signs the transfer, it becomes proof of ownership in terms of the Deeds Registries Act 47 of 1937.
Christo Mulder, a local attorney, said to own a house you need a lawyer specialising in property transfer known as conveyancer to help you transfer the title deed into your name. After it has been signed, a copy of the title deed is kept at the Deeds Office closest to you.
The Deeds Registry is responsible for the registration, management and maintenance of the property registry of South Africa. In order to obtain information, you must have full names, an identity number of the owner of property, or at least the property owner’s date of birth. You also need the correct erf number (found on the electricity/ water bill) and township or farm name and number, not the street address. A title deed contains the name of the legal owner of the property, interdicts and contracts in respect of the property, purchase price of the property, a copy of an ante-nuptial contract (if there is one), deeds of servitude and details of mortgage bonds.
To obtain a copy of a deed or document from a Deeds Registry, you have to:
• Go to any Deeds Office (Deeds Registries may not give out information acting on a letter or a telephone call)
• Request a search on the property
• Go to the information desk where an official will help you to complete a prescribed form and explain the procedure to you
• Pay the required fee at the cashier’s office. The receipt number will be allocated to your copy of the title.
You can access further information by visiting the Deeds Office website on www.dla.gov.za. You can also call the Deeds Registry on 0800 007 095 or email Makaziwe Mahlangu on makaziwe.mahlangu@drdlr.gov.za or call 011 843 8305/8300.
Yonela Ziqubu, a home owner in Krugersdorp, said she only realised the importance of having a title deed in her name when her family was almost kicked out of the house.
“It was a nightmare, but having a title deed defended me when a stranger claimed to be the owner of my house. Luckily the title deed also shows who the previous owner(s) of your house is, so it turned out that the person claiming to own my house was a chance-taker,” said Yonela.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at krugersdorpnews@caxton.co.za or phone us on 011 955 1130.
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