Lost Your Property Title Deed? Here’s What You Need to Do
Lost Your Property Title Deed? Here’s What You Need to Do
A Title Deed, also known as a land title or grant title, is a legal document that serves as proof of ownership to a piece of land or property.
The title deed is issued by the relevant land authority or Land Office which contains all the essential information regarding the house/property and its ownership status.
Losing the original title deed to your house/property can be concerning, but the process to address this situation is generally well-defined. Here’s what typically happens and what you should do:
- Assessment of the Situation: Losing the original title deed can create complications when you need to prove ownership of your property.
- Search for the Title Deed: As with any lost document, start by thoroughly searching for the title deed in all possible locations. Check secure storage areas, safety deposit boxes, filing cabinets, or any other place where important documents are kept. Take note that if the house/property is subject to a bank loan, the original title deed will definitely be kept by the bank as a security.
- Legal Assistance: If it is confirmed that the original title deed to your house/property has been misplaced, you will have to take immediate action and to seek for legal assistance from a real estate/conveyancing lawyer in respect to application for the title deed replacement.
- Application for Title Deed Replacement: Typically, your appointed lawyer will have to apply for a title deed replacement on your behalf. The process and the procedures will vary slightly depending on the respective Land Office. Generally, an application form along with supporting documents, such as a police report, a statutory declaration duly affirmed and a proof of identity will have to be submitted.
- Verification and Processing: The Land Office will then verify your identity and ownership of the house/property before processing your application for a title deed replacement. This may take about 3 to 6 months because it will involve conducting checks and inquiries to ensure that you are the rightful owner of the property.
- Issuance of A Title Deed Replacement: Once your application is approved and processed, the Land Office will issue a new title deed replacement.
It’s very important to act promptly and follow the appropriate procedures when dealing with a lost title deed to avoid any potential complications or disputes regarding property ownership. Hence, it is advisable to seek for legal assistance in such circumstances.
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