what is conveyancing ?

Most simply defined, coveyancing is a process whereby immovable property is transferred from one person to another. This process involves the drafting of a new title deed in the name of the purchaser together with other documents which have to be lodged and registered in a Deeds Office.

These documents, however, cannot be drawn by any person or any attorney but by a conveyancer. A conveyancer is an attorney who has passed a special examination called the conveyancing examination which tests the attorney on the procedure of conveyancing, his/her knowledge of the Deeds Registries Act, the Sectional Titles Act and other issues pertaining to conveyancing.

what is a deeds office ?

A Deeds Office is a government office where, amongst others, new title deeds, antenuptial contracts, servitudes and bonds are registered and sometimes cancelled. There are 8 Deeds Offices throughout the country and a title deed is registered in a Deeds Office in the area in which the property being sold is situated. So, for example, if the property being sold is situated in Rivonia, the Deeds Office will be in Johannesburg. Your conveyancer will assist you in this regard.