What Does It Cost to Sell a Home in South Africa?

The cost of selling depends on your agreed commission, bond arrangements, property requirements and the terms of the sale. Start with an itemised estimate of what you may pay and when, rather than assuming the sale price is the amount available for your next home.

Build a property-specific estimate

Your estimate should identify commission and whether VAT is included, applicable compliance inspections and remedial work, bond cancellation attorney charges where relevant, and any agreed repairs or other seller obligations.

Ask the transferring attorney to explain municipal clearance requirements and, where applicable, levy clearance amounts. Separate charges from advance payments and later adjustments so you understand the cash needed during transfer.

A standard percentage cannot capture every situation. A home without a bond, for example, has a different cost picture from one where a bond must be cancelled. Compliance requirements also depend on the property and its installations.

Check the bank and tax position early

If you have a bond, ask your bank about its notice requirements, settlement figure and any early termination charge. Notice and cancellation are different steps. Standard Bank, for example, specifies 90 days’ notice; confirm the requirements that apply to your own loan.

Selling can also have capital gains tax implications. Primary residence relief may apply, but ownership, rental or business use and your circumstances matter. A tax practitioner should confirm your position before you rely on an estimated net amount.

Transfer duty, where applicable, is generally a buyer-side tax. Do not confuse it with your seller costs or assume that every property transaction has the same tax treatment.

Work out what the sale leaves you

We compare a realistic sale-price scenario with your estimated expenses and outstanding bond. We also consider moving costs and the timing of payments, because some money may be needed before proceeds are released.

I help Northern Suburbs homeowners assemble the questions and estimates, then work with the appointed attorney and relevant professionals to clarify the figures. My legal and conveyancing background helps me explain the process; the professionals responsible confirm the legal and tax amounts.

Bring your suburb, property type and whether a bond is registered. Please do not send account numbers or financial documents in an initial enquiry.

Related reading: How Long Does It Take to Sell a Home—and When Should I Buy Again? · Is the Highest Offer Always the Best Offer?

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