Inheritance, sale... What should you do if you've lost your title deed?

The deed of ownership is an essential official document that proves you are the owner of a property. If you have lost this document, don’t panic. Here are the steps to follow to obtain a new authentic copy.

The certificate of ownership, also known as a “real estate certificate,” is a provisional document issued by the notary when the authentic deed of sale is signed. It marks the final sale of the property and the transfer of ownership. Once the sale has been registered with the land registry, a deed of ownership or “title deed” is issued. The notary will provide you with a certified copy of this deed, either in person or by mail, usually within about 6 months.
 

What to Do If You Lose Your Title Deed?
If you have lost your title deed, here are the steps to follow to obtain a new copy:
1. Contact the notary
The original title deed, known as the “minute,” is kept by the notary at their office for 100 years. You can contact the notary’s office that drafted the deed to request a certified copy. You will be charged for this copy at a rate that varies by notary’s office.
2. Contact the Land Registry and Registration Office
 

You can also obtain a copy of your title deed by contacting the local office of the Land Registry and Registration Service in the area where the property is located. You will need to fill out a specific form to request this copy, and there is a fee for it.
 

The form you need to fill out and send to the Land Registry and Registration Office differs depending on whether the property was acquired before or after 1956.

Losing your title deed can be stressful, but there are ways to obtain a new certified copy. By contacting your notary or the Land Registry and Registration Office, you can retrieve this essential document. Be sure to keep this copy in a safe place to avoid any future inconvenience.