The New South Wales government have announced that from 11 October 2021 printed, hardcopy title deeds will be abolished, and all property dealings will be conducted online.
In some ways this is sad news. Paper title deeds have existed for over 150 years, and it does mean that home owners will no longer get the thrill of paying out their mortgage and receiving a ‘piece of paper’ to prove that they own their property outright (not that many of us get to experience that thrill!).
The move to electronic title deeds is not sudden. Since mid 2019, at Mason Lawyers (and law firms around the state) the vast majority of conveyancing transactions have been completed online via PEXA since its introduction in New South Wales. The final printing and issuing of a title deed has been mostly a formality.
These changes will mean:-
- any paper certificate of title will no longer be valid;
- any paper certificate of title held as security for a debt will no longer be valid; and
- if you need to record any plan, dealing or instrument against your title, you will need to engage a solicitor or a conveyancer to assist you.
What do I do with my old paper certificate of title?
You are under no obligation to shred or destroy your paper certificate of title, nor do you have to hand it in to NSW Land & Property. You can keep your title deed for historical and sentimental reasons, however you will no longer be able to use your paper certificate of title for any legal purpose.
At Mason Lawyers, we hold 1,000s of title deeds in our safe custody facility. If we hold your title deed – please feel free to contact us with any questions.
