Last Call for Paper Certificates of Title

As we continue to move to electronic settlements in Queensland, amendments have been made to the Land Titles Act 1994 (Qld) (“the Act”) which have the effect of cancelling the legal effect of paper certificates of title from 1 October 2019.

From this date, paper certificates of title will only have historical and sentimental value. They will no longer need to be deposited with the Titles Office when a transaction is lodged over title.

There is currently no requirement for depositing existing paper certificates after 1 October 2019 in that they will not need to be destroyed or cancelled.

Although only a small number of titles in Queensland still have a paper certificate of title in existence, paper certificates of title have historically been held as a form of security.

If you hold a paper certificate of title as security, please contact our office as soon as possible so that suitable alternative security can be arranged and registered to protect your interest. From 1 October 2019, the holding of a paper certificate of title alone will not be effective security.

Alternatively, should you wish to hold a paper certificate of title for sentimental value and if your property is not the subject of a mortgage, it will be possible to obtain one prior to 1 October 2019. Please contact our office should you require assistance in this regard.  You will however have to ensure that prior to 1 October 2019 you keep any such paper certificates of title in a secure location as until this date, if a transfer, mortgage and some other dealings with the property is required to be registered, the paper certificate of title will be required. From 1 October 2019, there will be no longer an option to lodge an application for a paper certificate of title.

Please contact Aman Bargri of our office should you require further advice in relation to the above, particularly, should you hold a paper certificate of title as a form of security.