For thousands of Cape Town residents, the dream of legally owning the home they have lived in for years is becoming a reality. The City of Cape Town has delivered an impressive 6 529 title deeds in just two years, giving residents formal proof of ownership, greater security and the opportunity to build a lasting legacy for their families. Now, the City is calling on more qualifying residents to come forward and take the next step towards securing their homes.

From a house to a home, from a home to a legacy. The City’s accelerated title deed delivery programme is changing lives across Cape Town, with 3 303 title deeds delivered during the 2024/25 financial year and a further 3 226 during 2025/26.

Through its innovative Title Deed-to-Door campaign, supported by the travelling Title Deeds Express, the City is taking services directly into communities, identifying outstanding beneficiaries and removing barriers that have prevented residents from securing formal ownership.

Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Councillor Carl Pophaim, says the programme represents far more than an administrative achievement.

’A house provides shelter. A title deed provides ownership, security and the opportunity to leave something behind for the next generation. For too many families, the uncertainty surrounding the ownership of their homes has lasted for years, sometimes even decades. We are working to change that, one household and one title deed at a time.

’In just two years, we have delivered 6 529 title deeds. That is 6 529 opportunities for residents to hold the legal proof that the homes they live in belong to them. These are not simply documents being issued. These are families being given greater certainty about their future.

’And we are not waiting behind desks for residents to find us. We are taking our services into communities, knocking on doors and working to find those who still need assistance.

‘Our message is simple: If you are living in a government-subsidised home and have never received your title deed, come forward. Let us help you establish whether you qualify. Your home matters, your family’s future matters, and we want to help you secure both,’ said Councillor Pophaim.

Taking ownership to the people

The City’s Title Deeds Express, a dedicated branded mobile service, travels across Cape Town to bring Human Settlements assistance closer to residents. The City has planned R37,9 million over three years to support its title deed delivery work, demonstrating its continued commitment to helping qualifying residents secure formal property ownership.

’For us, delivery does not end when the keys are handed over. It must also mean helping families secure the legal ownership of their homes. We want more Cape Town residents to experience the peace of mind that comes with knowing their homes are legally theirs.

’We are proud of the progress made, but there are still residents who need our help. Our work is not finished, and neither is our commitment to getting it done. A title deed may be one document, but for a family, it can represent generations of security. That is the difference we are working to make,’ added Councillor Pophaim.

Do you live in a government-subsidised home without a title deed? We want to hear from you.

Residents living in older City housing developments who have never received a title deed are encouraged to contact the City’s Human Settlements call centre on 021 444 0333. This includes original beneficiaries and residents who may have purchased a government-subsidised property.

Residents should be prepared to provide the following information:

• Who currently occupies the property;
• How they came to occupy the property;
• Evidence of purchase, where applicable;
• How long they have lived in the property; and
• Any available supporting documentation relating to the property.

The City will assess the information and documentation provided to determine whether the applicant qualifies for the property to be transferred into their name. Contacting the City does not automatically guarantee eligibility or the issuing of a title deed.

What to bring when the City visits your community

• Residents should bring their identity document and proof of address.
• Married applicants should also bring their spouse’s identity document and marriage certificate.
• Where a spouse or parent has passed away, additional documents may be required, including death certificates, marriage certificates, identity documents and relevant letters of executorship or authority.
• Residents are encouraged to contact the City beforehand to confirm which documents apply to their circumstances.
• The required documents must be provided before a title deed can be handed over.

Remember: City housing services are FREE. Residents must never pay individuals or third parties who promise to arrange title deeds or housing assistance on behalf of the City.

Any suspicious requests for payment should be verified directly with the Human Settlements call centre on 021 444 0333.