Removal of restrictive title-deed conditions

Many suburbs developed before the 1980s carry restrictive conditions written into the title deed at the time the township was proclaimed - for example, only one dwelling per erf, no business use, no subdivision below a stated area, or no second storey. Even when the modern zoning scheme would permit the use, the title-deed condition trumps the scheme and must be lawfully removed or amended before the use can happen.

Typical triggers: adding a second dwelling on a large residential erf; converting a house into offices in a now-mixed-use suburb; subdividing into smaller erven than the deed originally allowed; or building two or more storeys where the deed limits the height.

Application form, motivational report, certified copy of the title deed with the condition highlighted, locality plan, zoning certificate, conveyancer's opinion on the wording of the condition where it is unclear, and public-participation proof. If the condition was imposed for the benefit of a specific neighbour or body (e.g. a homeowners' association), that party's consent is often required.