If you haven’t bought or sold property in recent years, you may not realise that a paper Certificate of Title is no longer issued in Victoria. While some property owners still hold existing paper titles, all new property transactions now result in an electronic Certificate of Title (eCT), securely recorded in the Victorian land registry. 

This transition reduces paperwork, enhances security, and simplifies property transactions, but many property owners still have questions: 

• What happens if I still have a paper title? 
• Who controls my electronic title? 
• What do I need to do if I am selling or refinancing? 
• What if my electronic title is still with my previous legal representative? 
• What if I can’t remember who controls my electronic certificate of title? 
• How do I keep my electronic property title safe from fraud? 
• How do I prove I own my property without a paper title? 

At Whyte Just & Moore Lawyers, we help property owners navigate these changes, ensuring your eCT is secure, accessible, and professionally managed. 

Paper Property Titles 

Before we discuss electronic Certificate of Titles we wanted to touch on a few questions we get about paper property titles.  

How do I prove I own my property without a Paper Title? 

If you need to prove ownership of your property, the following documents serve as official evidence: 

• Current Title Search – A record from Land Use Victoria confirming ownership details. This is the primary evidence of property ownership and can be ordered by any legal representative (fees apply). 
• Notice of Acquisition (NOA) – Lodged via PEXA at the time of settlement, this document confirms the transfer of ownership and is issued to local authorities. 

A supporting letter from your legal representative can also be provided to explain ownership details, though it does not serve as formal evidence on its own. 

What if I still have a Paper Property Title? 

If you currently hold a paper Certificate of Title, it remains legally valid but will be converted into an eCT at your next property transaction. Once converted, it remains electronic indefinitely and cannot be reverted to paper. 

If you still hold a paper property title, it’s important to store it securely. You may also choose to have your legal representative hold and manage it for you until it is required for conversion. 

Electronic Certificate of Titles 

Who owns my electronic Certificate of Title (eCT)? 

While you remain the legal owner of your property, control of your electronic Certificate of Title (eCT) is assigned to an authorised party to ensure it is managed securely and in compliance with legal requirements. 

Can I hold my own electronic Property Title? 

No, property owners cannot directly hold title control. This system prevents fraud and unauthorised title changes, ensuring only authorised professionals can manage transactions involving your property. 

Who can hold an electronic property title? 

• Your legal representative – If you own your property outright, your solicitor or conveyancer may hold control. 
• Your lender – If you have a mortgage, your bank or lender holds control until the loan is fully repaid. Once repaid, you will notify them of which legal representative will receive control.  
• The Registrar of Titles – In some cases, Land Use Victoria temporarily holds the electronic title, such as when there is no assigned controller or a transaction is pending. 

What if my electronic title is owned by my previous property lawyer? 

If your electronic title is still controlled by a previous representative, your current legal representative will need to arrange a transfer. 

You will need to: 

• Sign an authority form to approve the transfer. 
• Provide certified identification for verification. 

Your legal representative will handle the transfer in PEXA, ensuring control is updated securely. 

We recommend keeping your eCT with the same firm that holds your will and estate planning documents for secure and centralised management. 

What if I can’t remember who has my eCT? 

If you’re unsure who currently holds control of your electronic title, you can: 

• Check with your legal representative – If you’ve worked with a legal professional for past transactions, they may still hold control. 
• Contact your lender – If you have a mortgage, your bank or lender is likely the controller. 
• Request a Title Search – A Title Search from Land Use Victoria can confirm control details. This can be ordered by any legal representative, and fees will apply. 

How do I keep my eCT safe from fraud? 

Some property owners feel safer with a physical title, but the truth is eCTs provide far greater security. Unlike paper titles, eCTs are digitally stored in the Victorian land registry, eliminating risks of loss, theft, or forgery. 

Why eCTs are safer than paper titles: 

• No risk of loss or theft – Your eCT can’t be misplaced or stolen. 
• Strict verification – Transactions require formal ID checks and legal approval. 
• Controlled access – Only authorised representatives with your authority can manage your title. 
• No unauthorised changes – Ownership cannot be altered without legal approval. 

What do I need to do if I am selling or refinancing my property? 

If you are selling your property or refinancing your mortgage, your electronic Certificate of Title must be correctly managed to ensure a smooth transaction. 

As early as possible, inform your legal representative who currently holds control of your eCT. If a transfer is needed, they will arrange this to avoid delays. 

Selling your property – Your legal representative will nominate your title in PEXA, allowing settlement to proceed. They will also ensure the land registry is updated, officially transferring ownership to the buyer. 

Refinancing your home loan – If you are refinancing, your lender will request control of the eCT from your current lender. Once the new loan is finalised, control will be transferred accordingly. 

Most of this process is handled between lenders and legal representatives, but confirming who holds control of your electronic title in advance will help avoid settlement delays. 

Entrust your property title to Whyte Just & Moore Lawyers 

Keeping your electronic Certificate of Title and legal affairs with one trusted firm ensures your property remains secure, accessible, and managed with precision.  

At Whyte Just & Moore Lawyers, we follow strict processes to protect your title and ensure smooth transactions. 

• All your affairs in one place – Having your eCT stored with the same firm managing your estate planning, wills, and legal matters provides continuity, security, and peace of mind. 
• Dedicated title & deeds management – Our specialised deeds department is committed to accurate record-keeping and document security, ensuring your title is managed correctly. 
• Secure onsite storage for paper titles – If your title is still in paper format, we offer secure strong room storage, protecting your documents until they are required. 
• Fraud prevention & compliance – Our firm follows strict verification processes to ensure your title cannot be accessed or altered without your authorisation. 

By entrusting your property title management to Whyte Just & Moore Lawyers, you ensure your eCT or paper title is protected by professionals who prioritise accuracy, security, and efficiency. 

Take control of your property title today 

Whether you’re buying, selling, refinancing, or simply ensuring your legal affairs are securely managed, having your electronic property title in trusted hands is essential.  

At Whyte Just & Moore Lawyers, we make property title management simple, secure, and stress-free. 

Don’t leave your property title to chance—contact Whyte Just & Moore Lawyers today to ensure your title is secure, accessible, and managed by experts.