The NSW government has confirmed that Certificates of Title in paper form will be abolished as of 11 October 2021. This move is in line with the government’s goal to transition to 100% eConveyancing, which is considered a more efficient and ecofriendly way of dealing with property transactions.
After 11 October 2021, Certificates of Title will no longer have to be produced to enable the registration of a dealing. Accordingly, if you have left your paper Certificate of Title in your solicitors’ care, it is recommended you liaise with them in order to ascertain whether it should be returned, stored or otherwise destroyed.
If you are the owner of unencumbered land and currently possess the Certificate of Title in relation to your property, you are not obligated to take any action to return the same to the NSW Land Registry Services.
If you wish to buy or sell property, your conveyancer will have to ensure that these new eConveyancing processes and procedures are followed. Legal practitioners and conveyancers should review their conveyancing processes to minimise the impact of these changes.
If you or your solicitors retain your Certificate of Title and you would like to discuss any issues or questions, please do not hesitate to contact our offices on 8917 8700.