What is an Erf Number

Understanding Property Identification in South Africa

If you've ever looked at your rates bill, title deed, or building plan approval, you've likely seen a reference to an "erf number." But what exactly is an erf number, and why is it so important for property transactions in South Africa?

What is an Erf Number?

An erf number is the unique identifier assigned to a piece of land within a township or suburb. The word "erf" comes from the Afrikaans word for "plot" or "yard." Think of it as your property's official ID number in the land registration system.

Every registered property in South Africa has either:

• Erf number - For properties in proclaimed townships and suburbs
• Farm portion number - For agricultural and rural properties
• Section and scheme number - For sectional title units (apartments, townhouses)

Why Your Street Address Isn't Enough

While you use your street address for mail and navigation, the Deeds Office and municipalities don't work with street addresses. Here's why:

• Street addresses can change (roads get renamed)
• Multiple properties can share similar addresses
• New developments may not have street numbers yet
• Erf numbers are permanent and legally binding

Your erf number, combined with the township name, creates an unambiguous reference that will never change unless the property is subdivided or consolidated.

How Erf Numbers Are Structured

A typical erf reference looks like this:

Erf 1234, Sandton Township

Or for a sectional title unit:

Section 5, Sunset Views SS

For farms, you'll see:

Portion 3 of Farm Rietfontein 123, Registration Division JR

How to Find Your Erf Number

Option 1: Check Your Municipal Rates Account

Your monthly rates bill from the municipality always includes the erf number. Look for a section labelled "Property Description" or "Erf Number."

Option 2: Check Your Title Deed

Your title deed (Deed of Transfer) contains the full property description including the erf number. If you have a bond, the bank holds the original, but you should have received a copy.

Option 3: Use an Online Map Search

Modern property search tools allow you to drop a pin on a map or enter a street address, and the system will identify the correct erf number automatically. This is the quickest method if you don't have documents handy.

Option 4: Ask the Municipality

Your local municipality can provide the erf number if you give them the street address. This may require visiting their offices or calling their property department.

When You'll Need Your Erf Number

You'll need to know your erf number for:

• Property sales - Conveyancers use the erf number for all transfer documents
• Building plan submissions - Municipal approvals are linked to erf numbers
• Deeds Office searches - To retrieve title deeds or ownership information
• Zoning enquiries - Town planning uses erf numbers to determine land use rights
• Rates clearance certificates - Required for property transfers
• Bond applications - Banks verify property details using erf numbers

Erf Numbers and Sectional Titles

If you own a unit in a complex, your property has two identifiers:

1. The underlying erf number - The land on which the entire complex is built
2. The section number - Your specific unit within the sectional scheme

When searching for a sectional title property, you typically need the section number and scheme name rather than the underlying erf number.

What if Multiple Properties Share an Erf Number?

In some cases, particularly with older properties or sectional schemes, multiple properties may reference the same erf. This happens when:

• A sectional title scheme was built on a single erf
• Properties haven't been formally subdivided
• There are separate dwellings on one registered erf

In these situations, additional identifiers like section numbers or portion numbers distinguish between the properties.

Find Any Property's Erf Number Instantly

Not sure of an erf number? Our interactive map search makes it simple. Enter the street address or drop a pin on the location, and we'll identify the correct erf number and retrieve the property information from the Deeds Office.

Use our Map to Search