How to Check a Property's Transfer History

How often a property has changed hands — and when — tells you something a listing never will. A home that has sold three times in five years raises a question worth asking before you offer. That history is recorded in the deeds registry every time a property transfers, and you can look it up for any property. Here is how on DeedsCheck.

What transfer history shows

A property's transfer history is the chain of past registrations: each time ownership passed, recorded with the date. Together with the current registered owner and the title deed, it lets you see how long the present owner has held the property and how frequently it has traded.

How to pull it

Search the property by address, owner name or erf number, then order a Property Search Report (R225). The report sets out, in one place:

• the current registered owner;
• the title deed details;
• any bond over the property; and
• the transfer history — the past transfers and their dates.

Why buyers check it

• Before making an offer — frequent turnover can be a flag worth understanding.
• Gauging the seller's position — how long they have owned it.
• Due diligence — confirming the chain of ownership on an investment or an estate property.

If you want to understand how a transfer actually happens — the attorneys, the steps, the timing — read the plain-English explainer on the property transfer process; for checking a specific property's past transfers, the report below is the quickest route.

Why check it on DeedsCheck

• Instant — delivered on payment, not in days;
• No login or registration — search, pay, download;
• Plain English — owner and transfer history laid out clearly;
• One price, all fees included — paid securely by card or EFT.

Check a property now

Search the property and order a Property Search Report to see its transfer history, owner and ownership details together.

Frequently asked questions

Can I see how many times a property has been sold?

Yes. The Property Search Report includes the transfer history — the past transfers and their dates — so you can see how often the property has changed hands.

Does the transfer history show past sale prices?

Where a price was recorded with a transfer it can appear; in all cases you get the transfer dates and the chain of ownership. The report also gives the current owner, title deed and bond position.

What does it cost?

Searching is free; the Property Search Report with owner, bond and transfer history is R225, all registry fees included.

Can I check the history of any property?

Yes. Deeds records are public, so you can pull the transfer history of any South African property, not only your own.