Releasing a mortgage
When a mortgage that uses property to secure a loan is repaid, the financial institution or person who loaned the money (the mortgagee) signs a document (Land Registry Form 3—Release) that, once it has been registered in the Queensland Titles Registry, releases the property from the mortgage.
The owner should lodge the release in the Titles Registry as soon as possible, because if it is lost or destroyed, removing the mortgage from the title will incur additional costs and considerable delays if they want to use the property in future transactions.
Lodging a release of mortgage
The owner receives the signed release and any associated documents from the mortgagee.
Though an owner does not need a certificate of title as proof of ownership, they may request one by lodging Form 19—Application for certificate of title, when they lodge the release, or at any future time. More information about certificate of title.
Once the release has been registered, the mortgage is removed from the property title.
Lodgement fees
See the online fee calculator for the current fees payable.
Lodgement centres
You can lodge a release between 8.30 am and 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday, at DERM business centres at Beenleigh, Bundaberg, Caboolture, Cairns, Gold Coast (Robina), Gympie, Ipswich, Kingaroy, Mackay, Maryborough, Nambour, Rockhampton, Roma, Toowoomba, Townsville or 53 Albert Street Brisbane.
You can also lodge a release by mail (for an additional cost), but you must enclose a cheque for the payment of fees.
Last updated: 09 November 2009