How to Search for a Property by Erf Number
An erf number is all you need to look up a property's official records. If you have it from a rates account, a listing or a title deed but do not have the owner's details, a quick search returns the registered owner, the title deed and the transfer history. Here is how to do it on DeedsCheck.
What you need before you search
Two things:
- The erf number; and
- The township or suburb it falls in.
The suburb matters because erf numbers repeat — every township has its own Erf 1 — so the number on its own is ambiguous. If you are unsure what an erf number is or where to find one, see understanding erf numbers.
How the search works
Enter the erf number and suburb in the search box. DeedsCheck matches it against the deeds registry and returns the property. From there you can order a full Property Search Report (R225), which gives you:
- the registered owner;
- the title deed details;
- any bond registered over the property; and
- the transfer history — past sales and dates.
Why search by erf number?
It is the most reliable way to identify a property when you do not have a clean address — an erf from a municipal bill, a sectional scheme document, or a development's general plan. Because the erf number is the property's fixed legal identity, an erf search lands on exactly the right record rather than guessing between similar street addresses.
Why people use DeedsCheck for it
The official registry can return the same data, but it means an account, a conveyancer-oriented portal and a wait. DeedsCheck is built for a quick answer:
- Instant — results on screen, report delivered on payment;
- No login or registration — search, pay, download;
- Plain English — owner, bond and history laid out, not raw registry codes;
- One price, all fees included — paid securely by card or EFT.
Search now
Have the erf number and suburb ready? Search the property now, or check who owns a property and its transfer history while you are there.
Frequently asked questions
Can I find a property owner with just an erf number?
Yes — together with the suburb or township. Enter both and order a Property Search Report to see the registered owner and the property's deeds records.
Why do I need the suburb as well as the erf number?
Erf numbers are only unique within a township, and every township has its own Erf 1. The suburb tells the search which township's erf you mean.
What does an erf-number search cost?
Searching is free; you pay only when you order a report. The Property Search Report — owner, bond and transfer history — is R225, with all registry fees included.
What if I have the address but not the erf number?
You can search by address instead and the result includes the erf number, so either route gets you to the same record.