Landgate Phasing Out Duplicate Certificates of Title
Recently, Landgate made a significant announcement that will affect how we handle property transactions. From 7 August 2023, Duplicate Certificates of Title, also known as Duplicate Titles, will no longer be used or considered valid. It’s crucial to be aware that any existing Duplicate Titles after this date will have no legal effect.
What is a Duplicate Certificate of Title? A Duplicate Certificate of Title, commonly referred to as a Duplicate Title, is a physical document that serves as evidence of land ownership or property rights. It is an official copy of the original Certificate of Title issued by WA’s land registry authority, Landgate.
Duplicate Titles are typically created when the original Certificate of Title is lost, damaged, or destroyed. They are also used in cases where a property owner wants to keep the original Certificate of Title in a secure location, such as a bank or with a lawyer, while possessing a duplicate copy for their records.
So, what does this change mean for land or property owners?
- Firstly, without the need for Duplicate Titles, there will be a significant reduction in paperwork, saving you both time and resources. All relevant information will be securely stored in Landgate’s digital database, easily accessible whenever you need it.
- For most people, including those whose banks hold their Duplicate Titles, no action will be required. If you have a Duplicate Title kept in a safe location, you may keep it if you wish, but please note that it will no longer hold any legal status or be necessary for registering land transactions.
- If you have lent money to someone and their Duplicate Title serves as security for the loan, we recommend seeking advice from a qualified industry professional to ensure your interests are protected. It’s important to take action before 7 August 2023.
We’re here to help
We encourage all our clients to stay informed and make use of the resources provided by Landgate to navigate this transition smoothly. As always, our team is dedicated to providing you with the highest level of service and support throughout the conveyancing process.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this upcoming change, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. You can also find more information about the changes on the Landgate website.