Costs Associated when Buying or Selling in 2023

Buying or selling a property in South Africa can involve a number of costs, which can vary depending on the location, type of property, and other factors. Here is a list of some typical costs that may be associated with buying or selling a property in South Africa:

• Deposit: When purchasing a property, buyers may be required to put down a deposit, which is typically a percentage of the purchase price. The deposit shows the buyer's commitment to the purchase and may be held in the nominated attorneys trust account until the sale is complete.
• Transfer duty: Buyers of properties valued at more than R900,000 are required to pay transfer duty, which is a tax on the transfer of ownership of a property. The rate of transfer duty depends on the value of the property, with higher values attracting higher rates of tax.
• Bond registration fees: If you are obtaining a bond to buy a property, you will typically be required to pay bond registration fees. These fees cover the cost of registering the bond with the Deeds Office and may include a registration fee, a deed search fee, and other costs.
• Agent commissions: If you as a seller are using a real estate agent to sell your property, you will typically be required to pay a commission. This is usually a percentage of the sale price.
• Repairs and improvements: If you are selling a property, you may need to make repairs or improvements to the property in order to make it more attractive to buyers. Similarly, if you are buying a property, you may need to budget for repairs or improvements that need to be made after you move in.
• Legal fees: Both buyers and sellers may incur legal fees when buying or selling a property in South Africa. These may include fees for a lawyer to review the contract, prepare documents, and handle other legal matters related to the sale.

It is important to carefully consider all of the costs that may be associated with buying or selling a property, and to budget accordingly. It is also a good idea to get a detailed breakdown of all costs from your real estate agent, lender, or other professionals involved in the process.

Contact us for further information!