The closure of the Johannesburg Deeds Office has triggered a wave of anxiety among sellers and real estate agents, as the disruption of new lodgments and delayed transactions is increasingly impacting the local property market, says a Saturday Star report.

On 25 February, notices were sent out, confirming that the office would be closed until further notice, primarily due to a decision made by the Department of Labour to shut down the lifts for safety reasons. 

The staff employed at the Deeds Office have reportedly refused to climb the stairs to the 26th floor, causing a complete halt in property examinations, lodgments and registrations.

Nadia Aucamp, the Broker/owner of RE/ MAX All Stars, voiced her concerns, stating: ‘The Johannesburg Deeds Office is causing quite a bit of stress for both sellers and agents. The shutdown of the lifts, which has halted new lodgments and delayed transactions in preparation for registration, is having an impact on the property market in the area.’

Aucamp explains that the closure presents a particularly distressing dilemma for sellers whose properties remain vacant, especially those who have already moved and are awaiting the conclusion of the transfer process.

The Public Servants Association (PSA) has urged the DG and Chief Registrar of Deeds to address the pressing health and safety issues affecting employees at the office.

‘Employees have been trapped in malfunctioning elevators, despite assurances that repairs had been completed. In addition, there is no structural integrity report confirming the safety of the building’s 31 floors,’ PSA stated.

‘No official confirmation has been provided to assure employees that the structure remains sound.’

The Saturday Star report says the management at the Deeds Office has been striving to provide public assistance, but they have confirmed that only matters already lodged will be processed and finalised.

No new lodgments will be accepted until further notice, leaving countless transactions in limbo.

Full Saturday Star report