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The document explains what a title deed is and its role in property ownership

Listed as “A5 WHAT IS A TITLE DEED”

Thubelisha Homes

Official source

Source domain: dhs.gov.za

Collected on 28 June 2026

Always confirm details on the official source before acting.

What this means

The document explains what a title deed is and its role in property ownership. It describes the process and stages of property registration, including application, bond approval, appointment of a conveyancing attorney, signing of documents, and eventual transfer to the new owner. It notes that occupancy occurs after transfer is recorded at the Title Deeds office and mentions the role and certification requirement for estate agents.

What this document offers

Read out of this document by Govermate's AI, in its own words. Each one quotes the line it came from — confirm on the official source before acting.

information serviceOngoing

Property ownership search

A person can obtain current registry information about a property or its owner by conducting a search at the Title Deeds office for a fee of R11.00.

Who it is for
any individual or entity seeking property ownership details
How to act on it
Visit the Title Deeds office and request a property search, paying R11.00
Show the line this came from
Presently, a simple search for ownership details costs R11.00 and it gets periodically reviewed.
professional certificationOngoing

Fidelity Fund Certificate for estate agents

An estate agent can obtain a Fidelity Fund Certificate by either passing a Professional Designation Examination (PDE) or being attached to a seasoned estate agency for one year.

Who it is for
individuals seeking to become licensed estate agents
How to act on it
Register with the Estate Agency Affairs Board and complete either the PDE or one-year attachment to a qualified agency
Show the line this came from
An Estate Agent is suppose to obtain a Fidelity Fund Certificate before he/she can practice. This is obtained either through writing a Professional Designation Examination (PDE) or being attached to a seasoned Estate Agency for a period of one year.
property registration serviceOngoing

Legal transfer of property ownership

A prospective buyer can have their property legally transferred into their name after completing the bond approval process, signing documents with a conveyancing attorney, and having the transfer recorded at the Title Deeds office.

Who it is for
prospective property buyers who have secured a bond
How to act on it
Work with the bank's appointed conveyancing attorney to sign documents and submit them for recording at the Title Deeds office
Show the line this came from
It is only on the date the legal Transfer has been noted at the Title Deeds office that the new owner can now take occupation of the house / flats / serviced stand.

Facts

Amounts

R 11

Key Takeaways

  • topic: title deed
  • process stages: application for purchase, bond approval, appointment of conveyancing attorney, signing of documents, transfer to new owner, registration at Title Deeds office
  • occupancy rule: occupancy after transfer is noted at Title Deeds office
  • cost reference: property search for ownership details costs R11.00
  • roles: estate agent requires Fidelity Fund Certificate (PDE or attachment for one year)
  • institution: Title Deeds office
  • subject: conveyancing and registration of mortgage bond
  • note: appointment of bank's conveyancing attorney
  • document type: informational guidance on property registration