Goodbye Paper Land Titles: The End of an Era

On August 3, 2024, Land Use Victoria officially stopped producing pCT's (paper Certificates of Title). Gone are the days of grand parchment titles with their official seals and timeless charm (although admittedly, parchment-style titles have not been produced in Victoria for some time). 

From now, all new Victorian Certificates of Title are completely digital, and a lot less impressive—think fewer scrolls and more very plain A4 Register Search Statements (Title Searches). For many of us, this transition to digital has left us feeling somewhat uneasy. 

Here’s what the change means for property owners, and how you can navigate this new world of electronic titles.

What Happened to Paper Titles?

The transition from paper to digital titles has been underway for many years in Victoria. However, before the August 3rd deadline, property owners had a opportunity to convert their digital titles back to paper, if they desired. But now, that option has vanished. Land Use Victoria will no longer issue paper titles, even upon request. 

If your title has not yet been converted to digital, your existing paper title is still good—for now. It remains legally valid until it’s needed for a future transaction, like a sale or entering into a new mortgage contract.

So, if you’re one of the lucky ones who still has their paper title, there is nothing you need to do except keep it safe. But remember, once that title undergoes any kind of conveyancing transaction, it will join the digital realm permanently, never to be printed again.

Why the Shift to Digital?

According to Land Use Victoria, the push to electronic Certificates of Title is in support of a faster, simpler, and more secure conveyancing process. And the move to digital titles isn’t exactly new, over 65% of Victoria’s titles are already electronic. 

If you’ve purchased a property recently, you’ve likely received a 'Register Search Statement' (Title Search) after settlement. It’s a simple A4 printout of the electronic title information — definitely lacking the grandeur of old parchment. 

The conveyancing transaction process is usually handled online through platforms like PEXA (Property Exchange Australia). PEXA is only accessible by entities with a formal role to play in the transaction, such as legal practitioners and licensed conveyancers. If your property is mortgaged, your eCT (electronic Certificate of Title) will be controlled by your bank.

However, the fact property owners are not in control of their electronic titles and are forced to hand over control to someone else has left many feeling disempowered and somewhat uneasy.

Concerned About Not Having a Paper Title?

If you missed the deadline to convert your eCT back to a pCT and are feeling uncertain, you’re not alone. Many property owners have voiced concerns about the shift to fully digital titles and the impact it has had on their sense of security and ownership. 

While the era of new paper titles is over, there are still ways to protect your interests, and I’d be happy to discuss strategies to help you feel more secure in your holdings.

If you’re lucky enough to hold a still-valid paper Certificate of Title, you may feel anxious about a potential future conversion to digital after a conveyancing transaction. I can guide you through steps to retain your paper title as a historical document—particularly appealing for those with older parchment titles that feel like pieces of history.

In this new era, paper titles may be gone for all new conveyancing transactions, but your ownership is as valid as ever. So, if you still hold a paper title, enjoy it while you can, and when it’s time to transition, I’m here to help you safeguard your interests as your property’s legacy enters the digital domain. 

It's time to stop focusing on problems, and start focusing on solutions. Feel free to contact me at info@landtitlehelp.com, or call or text me on 0421 617 232 for a free consultation.

Please note: The information in this article is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice.