Transferring a home in South Africa always comes with costs.
Whether you’re buying, selling, or inheriting, there are legal steps and payments that must happen before the property can be registered in the new owner’s name.
This guide explains the real costs of property transfers in simple terms, so you know what to expect and who pays for what.
What Are Property Transfer Costs?
Property transfer costs are the extra expenses that come with changing ownership of a house or piece of land.
They cover all the legal and administrative work needed to make the transfer official at the Deeds Office.
These costs usually include:
- Transfer duty – a government tax paid to SARS.
- Conveyancing (attorney) fees – for the lawyer who handles the transfer.
- Deeds Office fees – charged when the property is registered.
- Small admin costs – postage, FICA checks and bank charges.
Even though each case is different, transfer costs usually add 3–8 % on top of the property value.
If You’re Buying a Property
When you buy a property, you pay most of the transfer costs.
You’ll need to budget for:
- Transfer duty – paid to the South African Revenue Service (SARS) if the property costs more than R1 100 000.
- Conveyancing fees – paid to the attorney who prepares and registers the documents.
- Deeds Office and admin fees – smaller, fixed costs.
Example:
If you buy a property for R1.8 million, you might pay roughly:
- Transfer duty: R40 000 – R45 000
- Conveyancer’s fee: about R25 000
- Deeds Office & admin: ± R2 000
➡Total: around R70 000 – R75 000
You can check the latest rates on the SARS Transfer Duty Table.
Ngoetjana Attorneys handles all the legal steps for buyers — from drafting transfer papers to registering ownership.
If You’re Selling a Property
Sellers don’t pay transfer duty, but there are still a few important costs.
You’ll pay for:
- Bond cancellation fees – if you still have a home loan, it must be legally cancelled. This costs around R4 000 – R6 000.
- Estate agent’s commission – usually 5 – 7 % of the selling price.
- Rates and clearance certificates – you must settle municipal bills and get compliance certificates before transfer.
Example:
If you sell your home for R1.5 million, expect to pay roughly R75 000 in agent’s commission, plus any bond cancellation and clearance fees.
If You’re Inheriting a Property
When you inherit a house through a deceased estate, the costs are different.
- You don’t pay transfer duty, because the property isn’t being sold.
- But legal and registration fees still apply to change ownership at the Deeds Office.
- These fees are paid from the estate before the property is transferred to the heir.
The executor of the estate works with a conveyancing attorney to make the process official.
Ngoetjana Attorneys helps families handle these transfers, from the Master’s Court to the final property registration — with care and accuracy.
How Property Value Affects the Cost
The higher the property price, the higher the transfer duty and attorney fees.
| Property Value | Estimated Transfer Duty | Estimated Attorney Fees | Total Transfer Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| R900 000 | R0 | ± R18 000 | ± R20 000 |
| R1 500 000 | ± R22 000 | ± R25 000 | ± R50 000 |
| R3 000 000 | ± R105 000 | ± R35 000 | ± R145 000 |
You can also use an online Transfer and Bond Cost Calculator to estimate your total property transfer costs — including transfer duty, attorney fees, and bond registration charges — before starting the process.
Who Pays What?
| Cost Type | Buyer | Seller | Heir/Estate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transfer Duty | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Attorney (Conveyancing) Fees | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Deeds Office Fees | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Bond Cancellation | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Estate Agent Commission | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Executor’s Fees | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Knowing who pays what helps avoid confusion before signing an offer to purchase or starting the estate process.
Why You Need a Conveyancing Attorney
Property transfers in South Africa must be done by a qualified conveyancer — a lawyer who specialises in property law.
Your conveyancer:
- Prepares and checks all transfer documents.
- Works with the buyer, seller, bank, and Deeds Office.
- Submits payments like transfer duty to SARS.
- Ensures the process is legal and smooth.
Using an experienced team like Ngoetjana Attorneys means fewer delays, full compliance with the law, and updates every step of the way.
Conclusion
Understanding property transfer costs helps you plan your finances and avoid surprises — whether you’re buying your first home, selling a property, or inheriting from a loved one.
In short:
- Buyers pay for transfer duty and conveyancing.
- Sellers pay for agent fees and bond cancellation.
- Heirs don’t pay transfer duty but must still pay legal registration costs.
📞 Contact us today for professional advice and clear guidance on your property transfer.
Our team assists with property transfers, estate administration, and notarial services — giving you clarity and peace of mind.
