how long does it usually take for the transfer of the title to the buyer?

Hey there congrats on fully paying off your mortgage and moving forward with the sale!
To answer your question: Yes, there are a few important steps before you can officially transfer the title to your buyer, especially since the property was previously under mortgage. The title transfer isn’t just about registration; you’ll first need to clear the mortgage record from the title and complete some tax and documentary requirements.

Since the property was previously mortgaged, here’s what you need to do before the title can be transferred:
1. Obtain the Release (or Cancellation) of Mortgage from your bank:
* This document certifies that your loan has been paid in full and the mortgage is cleared.

* It needs to be notarized.

2. Submit the release to the Registry of Deeds (RD):
* This step removes the mortgage annotation from the title.

* Processing at the RD can take 2 to 4 weeks, depending on their workload.

After that, you proceed with the title transfer to your buyer:
This includes:
1. Executing the Deed of Absolute Sale

2. Paying necessary taxes:
* Capital Gains Tax (usually 6%) – typically paid by the seller

* Documentary Stamp Tax – required for the registration

3. Securing the Certificate Authorizing Registration (CAR) from the BIR

4. Paying Transfer Tax to the LGU

5. Submitting everything to the Registry of Deeds for title transfer

6. Updating tax declarations with the Assessor’s Office

This entire process (after mortgage cancellation) can take around 1 to 3 months—but that’s under ideal circumstances with complete documents.

Realistic Timeline?
While it’s possible to complete everything in 6 to 12 weeks, in many real-world cases, especially if documents are incomplete or delayed, the mortgage cancellation and title transfer process can take 6 months or more.

Final Tip:
The steps mentioned here are just an overview. Since real estate documentation can vary depending on the local Registry of Deeds, the developer, and even the LGU involved, it’s strongly recommended to consult with a licensed real estate broker or professional who specializes in documentation. They can guide you through the process and help avoid delays.

Feel free to email us if you’d like us to assist you on this.