How to Read a Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT)
Why it matters
The title is the document surveyors work from, so knowing what is on it helps you ask the right questions.
The main parts
- Title number: the TCT number and the Registry of Deeds that issued it.
- Registered owner: the name of the person or entity on record. This should match the seller or applicant.
- Technical description: the lot number, plan number, area in square meters, and the bearings and distances that define the boundary.
- Memorandum of encumbrances: annotations at the back such as mortgages, adverse claims, or notices. Read these carefully.
Things to double-check
- Does the area on the title match what you think you are buying?
- Is the title a certified true copy from the Registry of Deeds, not just a photocopy?
- Are there annotations that limit what you can do with the lot?
- Does the tax declaration agree with the title? A tax declaration alone is not proof of ownership.
Next step
If something looks off, a verification survey can confirm whether the title and the lot on the ground agree. This guide is general information, not legal advice. For questions about ownership, talk to a lawyer.