Frequently Asked Questions

Find quick answers to common questions about our services, pricing, and how to get your property documents fast and securely.

You will need to apply for a VA Replacement Copy (also called a certified copy or vault copy) through the Deeds Office under Section 68 of the Deeds Registries Act 47 of 1937.

Important: Only a conveyancing attorney can apply for and obtain a Section 68 VA Replacement Copy on your behalf. This is not something you can do yourself.

The Section 68 VA Replacement Process:

  1. Appoint a Conveyancing Attorney – Contact a conveyancing attorney who will handle the entire VA application process for you.
  2. Complete an Affidavit – You'll need to provide an affidavit explaining how the original title deed was lost, destroyed, or damaged.
  3. Newspaper Advertisement – The attorney must publish a notice in a local newspaper stating the intention to apply for a replacement copy. This allows the public to object if there are any concerns.
  4. Two-Week Waiting Period – The notice must be displayed at the Deeds Office for public inspection for two weeks to allow for any objections.
  5. Deeds Office Issues VA Copy – If no objections are received, the Deeds Office will issue the certified VA replacement copy, which has the same legal standing as the original.

Timeline: The entire Section 68 VA replacement process typically takes 4-6 weeks, depending on the Deeds Office and whether any complications arise.

Costs: Expect to pay attorney fees (typically R3,500 - R4,500) plus newspaper advertising costs and Deeds Office fees.

Need a Copy for Information Purposes in the Meantime?

While waiting for your VA replacement, you can obtain copies from eDeeds.co.za for various purposes:

  • Standard Copy (For Information Only) – Perfect for building plan applications, checking property restrictions, or general reference purposes. This copy cannot be used for property transfers but is useful while waiting for your VA copy.
  • Certified Copy (Section 66) – A certified copy for winding up estates, divorce proceedings, and other legal matters. Note: This is different from a VA replacement and cannot be used for property sales where the original has been lost.

Bottom Line: To sell your property with a lost original title deed, you must work with a conveyancing attorney to obtain a Section 68 VA Replacement Copy through the formal legal process. Once issued, this VA copy becomes your new original title deed and can be used for the property sale.

Yes, absolutely! Our eDeeds service is completely legal and legitimate. We obtain property deeds and documents through official channels from the Deeds Office and other authorized government sources.

We are a registered service provider that acts on your behalf to retrieve publicly available property information and official documents that you are entitled to access. All property deeds and title deed information are public records in South Africa, and anyone has the right to request copies of these documents from the Deeds Office.

We take data protection very seriously and are fully compliant with South Africa's Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). Your privacy and the security of your personal information are our top priorities.

How we protect your information:

  • Data Masking: We automatically mask ID numbers and other personally identifiable information (PII) on documents where appropriate, ensuring sensitive data is protected
  • Secure Systems: All data is transmitted and stored using industry-standard encryption and secure protocols
  • Purpose Limitation: We only collect and process the minimum information necessary to fulfill your document request
  • Limited Access: Your personal information is only accessible to authorized personnel who need it to process your order
  • No Unauthorized Sharing: We never sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes
  • Secure Deletion: Data is securely deleted in accordance with legal retention requirements once it's no longer needed

Yes! We offer a convenient automated tracking service for property transfers that keeps you informed every step of the way.

How Our Tracking Service Works:

  • Automated Monitoring: Once you submit your tracking request, our system automatically monitors the progress of your property transfer at the Deeds Office
  • Daily Email Updates: You'll receive daily email notifications with the latest status of your transfer for up to 14 days
  • Real-Time Information: Our tracking system checks the Deeds Office registry daily to provide you with the most current information available
  • No Manual Checking Required: Forget about repeatedly calling the Deeds Office or your attorney—we do the checking for you

What You'll Receive:

Each daily email includes:

  • Current status of your property transfer
  • Which stage of the registration process it's at

14-Day Tracking Period:

Our automated tracking service runs for 14 days from activation, which covers the typical property transfer registration period. If your transfer takes longer, you can easily request an extension or submit a new tracking request.

This service gives you peace of mind and keeps you informed without the hassle of manual follow-ups, ensuring you know exactly when your property transfer is complete and registered at the Deeds Office.

Yes, we can quickly provide you with a copy of your title deed for your building plan submission.

Good News About Building Plans:

For building plan submissions to your local municipality, you typically do not need a certified copy of your title deed—a standard copy is perfectly acceptable. This means:

  • Faster turnaround time: We can get you the document quickly
  • Lower cost: Standard copies are more affordable than certified copies
  • Same information: You get all the property details, boundaries, and diagrams you need

What Your Title Deed Provides:

Your title deed contains essential information required for building plans, including:

  • Property description and erf number
  • Restrictions, and conditions
  • Owner information

Quick and Easy Process:

Simply provide us with:

  • Your property address or erf number
  • Your contact details

We'll retrieve your title deed from the Deeds Office and deliver it to you electronically within 24-48 hours (archive copies takes longer), so you can submit your building plans without delay.

Note: Always confirm with your architect or municipality whether they require a certified copy, but in most cases, a standard copy is sufficient for building plan applications.

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