What is a certificate of title?

A certificate of title is an original document that is issued to the owner of a real property that confirms their ownership of the property. You will need to have in your possession this document for any proposed dealings with the title to the property, such as to mortgage or transfer your title. If you still have a mortgage over your property, it is likely that you do not have possession to your certificate of title and will need to invite your mortgagee to the settlement to provide this document. It is held by mortgagees as security over their loan to you.

If you have paid off your loan already and still do not have possession of the original certificate of title, then you should contact your previous lender to obtain this document prior to settlement. You will need to provide the original certificate of title to your conveyancing lawyer as a part of settlement preparation or they will not be able to finalise your settlement.