What does "erf" stand for?

It is not an acronym. "Erf" is the Afrikaans (originally Dutch) word for a plot or yard; the plural is "erven".

Is an erf number the same as a stand number?

Yes. "Stand" is the older term, still common in Gauteng; both mean the registered plot in a township.

Can two properties have the same erf number?

Yes, in different townships. Always quote the township with the erf number.

Is the erf number the same as my municipal account number?

No. The account number is the City's billing reference; the erf number is the registered description of the land.

Is the erf number on the title deed?

Yes, in the property description, together with the township, registration division and extent.

Guides

What is an erf number, and how do I find mine?

An erf is a registered plot of land in a proclaimed township. Its number, together with the township name, is how the Deeds Office, the Surveyor-General and your municipality identify the property, whatever its street address.

Find the erf number for an address

Free: erf number, township, last registered sale and imagery. No owner names.

What an erf number looks like

Erf + township: "Erf 575 Sandown". Erf numbers repeat from township to township, so the township is part of the identifier.
Portions: when an erf is subdivided, each piece is a portion, for example "Portion 2 of Erf 575 Sandown". The remainder is the "Remaining Extent".
Farms: land outside a township is described by farm name, number and registration division, for example "Portion 12 of the farm Zandfontein 42 IR".
Sectional title: a flat or townhouse is a section in a scheme ("Unit 9, SS Golf Gardens"). The building stands on an erf owned in common by the body corporate.

Where to find your own erf number

Your municipal rates account. The property description on the bill usually shows the erf (or "stand") number and township.
Your title deed, in the property description on the first page.
The offer to purchase or sale agreement, if you bought the property.
The SG diagram or general plan for the township. See what an SG diagram is.
ErfCheck: type the street address above and the record shows the erf, portion, township and deeds registry, free.

From an erf number back to a street address

Type the erf number with its township into the search box, for example "Erf 1234, Rondebosch". ErfCheck finds the parcel in the Surveyor-General's register, works out which metro it is in, and reads that city's valuation roll for the street address. This works for Cape Town, Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni; Tshwane's roll does not list street addresses, and outside the metros the register has the parcel but not always an address.

Why you'll be asked for it

Transfers, bond applications, building plan submissions, rezoning and consent use applications, rates queries and valuation objections all identify the property by erf and township rather than street address.

Questions

What does "erf" stand for?: It is not an acronym. "Erf" is the Afrikaans (originally Dutch) word for a plot or yard; the plural is "erven".
Is an erf number the same as a stand number?: Yes. "Stand" is the older term, still common in Gauteng; both mean the registered plot in a township.
Can two properties have the same erf number?: Yes, in different townships. Always quote the township with the erf number.
Is the erf number the same as my municipal account number?: No. The account number is the City's billing reference; the erf number is the registered description of the land.
Is the erf number on the title deed?: Yes, in the property description, together with the township, registration division and extent.