Property Law

Understanding transfer costs when buying a home

Desk with a formal letter of demand, pen and a laptop in a South African attorney's office, illustrating a letter of dem

Buying a home involves more than the purchase price. Before you sign an offer to purchase, it helps to know which costs you will carry. These usually include transfer duty, which SARS charges above a set threshold, the conveyancer's transfer fees and Deeds Office charges. If you are taking a home loan, bond registration costs are added on top.

Our conveyancing team gives you a written estimate of these costs early, so you can plan your cash flow and avoid surprises on registration day. We also explain when VAT applies instead of transfer duty, such as with some new developments. If anything in the offer to purchase is unclear, ask us before you sign rather than after.