Closure of Pretoria deeds office leaves property industry in 'state of disarray'

The indefinite closure of the deeds office in Pretoria from Friday has left many property buyers and sellers uncertain about the status of their transactions.  

In a notice issued by registrar of deeds Audrey Gwangwa on Thursday announcing the closure until further notice, no explanation has been given why the office has been closed. 

A question has been sent to the department of agriculture, land reform and rural development, under which the deeds office falls, on why the office has been closed. It is understood the closure was due to a labour dispute regarding the relocation to a new office.

Employee representatives allege the employer, the department of agriculture, land reform and rural development, went ahead with the move while discussions  on the matter were still underway at the departmental bargaining chamber.

The parties were on Friday afternoon meeting to discuss the issue.

The deeds office is responsible for the registration, management and maintenance of the property registry and also keeps copies of ante-nuptial contracts.

Bernard Cowley, an estate estate agent at Fitzanne Estates, said the closure of the Pretoria office meant property transfers could not be registered, which meant transfer of ownership could not take place.

He said if one had already sold a property and not yet received the proceeds of the sale the seller might be unable to access these funds until the property transfer was registered.  

If the buyer had already paid a deposit on the property, the buyer might be unable to take possession until the transfer was registered.  

While the duration of the closure of the office was indefinite, efforts were being made by industry stakeholders, such as the Pretoria Attorneys Association, to address the issue. 

Cowley said another option for buyers and sellers was to complete the transaction using a different deeds office, or by using an alternative registration process.  

"Consult your legal team and estate agent to explore available options and determine the best course of action."  

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