Should Agents Perform a Title Check Before Selling?
In Malaysia’s fast-paced property market, many agents get their listings the same way:
A seller or landlord calls, sends a few photos, shares basic details — and within minutes, the property is posted online.
No site visit. No verification. Just a quick upload to get the lead moving.
It’s convenient — until the deal reaches the finishing line. That’s when reality strikes.
The buyer’s lawyer runs a title search, and suddenly the whole deal collapses.
Maybe the minority shareholder refuses to sell.
Maybe there’s a private caveat.
Maybe it’s Malay Reserve, or requires state consent, or the land size doesn’t match what was advertised.
Weeks of effort, ads, and viewings — wasted. All because the basic due diligence wasn’t done.
Why Title Checks Matter
A Title Check isn’t just a legal formality — it’s your first line of defense as an agent. It’s how you verify whether a property is sellable, transferable, and accurately represented.
When you take on a listing, you’re not just promoting a property — you’re vouching for it. If the deal collapses due to legal or ownership issues, your reputation — not the seller’s — takes the hit.
Common Problems a Title Check Can Prevent
Here are some of the most common — and costly — surprises that appear after a buyer or tenant is found:
- Disputed Ownership
The person who contacted you isn’t the sole owner.
One shareholder refuses to sell or sign.
Result: deal dead on arrival. - Private Caveats
Someone has registered an interest — a creditor, a previous buyer, or an ex-spouse.
The title is frozen until resolved. - Malay Reserve Land
Non-Bumiputera buyers can’t transact.
If you marketed it broadly, you’ll have to retract all listings and refund deposits. - State Consent Required
Certain leasehold or foreign-owned titles need prior approval.
Without it, the SPA can’t proceed. - Customary Restrictions
Properties under Adat or Customary Land may require community consent or have sale limits. - Land Size or Lot Mismatch
The actual title area differs from what was advertised.
Even if the price is right, misrepresentation can trigger refund claims or legal disputes.
Each of these can derail a deal — not because the agent didn’t work hard, but because the information was wrong from the start.
How to Verify a Property Before You List It
You don’t need to be a lawyer to run basic checks. You just need the right mindset — treat property details like due diligence, not decoration.
Here’s what you can do:
- Request the Title Copy
Ask for a Photostat or Certified Copy of the title.
Cross-check owner name, lot number, land size, tenure (freehold/leasehold), and restrictions. - If No Title Yet
Request the original Sale & Purchase Agreement (SPA).
It should include developer details, parcel number, and evidence of ownership transfer. - Run an Official Land Office Search (if possible)
Cost is minimal.
Confirms latest ownership, caveats, encumbrances, and restrictions in interest. - Verify With a Lawyer (Optional)
If you’re unsure, send the title to a lawyer for a quick read.
A 10-minute check can save you 10 weeks of wasted work.
Final Takeaway
In Malaysia, too many agents waste weeks chasing deals that were never legally possible to begin with. Don’t let “WhatsApp listings” cost you credibility.
Like lawyers, start every case by reading the title. If there’s no title, ask for the SPA. Only then should you post, promote, and proceed.
Your time is valuable. So is your reputation. Protect both — start with a title check.
