Understanding Conveyancing Costs in South Africa
Understanding Conveyancing Costs in South Africa
Buying or selling a property is an exciting milestone — but it’s also a process with important financial considerations. One of the key steps is conveyancing: the legal process of transferring property ownership.
At Benaters Attorneys, we believe in complete transparency. That’s why we’ve created this clear breakdown of conveyancing costs in South Africa, so you can budget confidently and avoid surprises.
Who Pays What in a Property Transfer?
In South Africa, the responsibility for different property transfer costs is shared between the buyer and seller.
The Buyer – Pays the conveyancing attorney fees for handling the transfer of ownership, as well as transfer duty, deeds office fees, and other related expenses.
The Seller – Pays the bond cancellation fee (if there is an existing home loan), rates clearance costs, municipal account balances, and the costs of compliance certificates (such as electrical, gas, and beetle certificates, where relevant).
Cost Breakdown for Buyers
When purchasing property, the conveyancing costs you pay will usually include:
Transfer Attorney Fees
Calculated on a sliding scale set by the Legal Practice Council, with VAT added. The fee increases as the property value increases.Transfer Duty
A tax payable to SARS on properties above the current exemption threshold. This is calculated using a tiered rate structure.Deeds Office Fees
A statutory fee for registering the property in your name, determined by the purchase price.Disbursements, Postage, and Petties
These cover administrative expenses such as printing, courier services, and communications.Electronic Document Platform Fees
Costs associated with managing secure digital documentation and compliance processes.Homeowners’ Association or Levy Clearance Fees
If the property is part of a sectional title or homeowners’ association, clearance or consent fees may apply. The buyer covers the cost of obtaining these clearances, while the seller pays any outstanding or special levies.Bond Registration Costs
If you’re taking out a home loan, you’ll also pay bond registration fees to the bond attorney. These fees are on a sliding scale, plus a once-off bond initiation fee charged by the bank.
Typical Conveyancing Fees in South Africa
While fees vary depending on the property value, here’s a general guide for conveyancing attorney fees (including VAT):
Property Value
Typical Conveyancing Fee (incl. VAT)
Under R1 million
R10 000 – R20 000
R1 million – R2.5 million
R20 000 – R40 000
Over R2.5 million
R40 000 and above
In total, your property transfer costs — including transfer duty, deeds office fees, attorney fees, and administrative charges — can be 8% to 10% of the purchase price.
Benaters Makes the Conveyancing Process Simple
At Benaters, we understand that buying or selling property can feel overwhelming. Our conveyancing team is here to guide you every step of the way:
Clear, upfront estimates so you can budget with confidence.
Transparent communication so you understand every cost involved.
Efficient processing to ensure your property transfer is lodged and registered without unnecessary delays.
Final word: Understanding your conveyancing costs in South Africa from the outset helps you plan your finances and ensures a smooth property transfer. At Benaters Attorneys, we combine legal expertise with a personal touch — giving you peace of mind throughout your property journey.