Frequently Asked Questions

Conveyancing refers to the regulated legal procedure by which ownership of immovable property is transferred and formally recorded in the Deeds Registry. 

The process may also include the registration or cancellation of mortgage bonds, servitudes, or other real rights over the property.

A conveyancer is an admitted attorney who has completed additional postgraduate qualifications in conveyancing and is legally authorised to register property transactions in the Deeds Office.

In most transactions, the seller nominates the conveyancer, although this may be negotiated. Regardless of appointment, the conveyancer owes professional duties to both parties and must act impartially.

From the date of instruction, a standard property transfer takes approximately 8 to 12 weeks, depending on the fulfilment of suspensive conditions and the efficiency of stakeholders such as purchaser, seller, banks, municipalities, and the Deeds Office.

While each transaction is unique, the process typically involves:

Initial Instruction & Preparation

• Receipt of the signed Offer to Purchase
• Deeds Office search
• Requesting title deeds and bond cancellation figures (if applicable)
• Collection of FICA documentation

Compliance & Documentation

• Fulfilment of suspensive conditions (e.g. bond approval or sale of purchaser’s property)
• Drafting of transfer documents for signature

Financial & Statutory Requirements

• Application for transfer duty 
• Securing guarantees for the purchase price
• Obtaining rates and levy clearance certificates

Signature & Payment Stage

• Signature of transfer documents by seller and purchaser
• Payment of transfer costs by purchaser
• Payment of outstanding rates and levies by seller
• Provision of required compliance certificates

Lodgement & Registration

• Lodgement of documents at the Deeds Office
• Examination period (usually 7–10 working days)
• Registration of transfer and bond — ownership passes to the purchaser
• Cancellation of existing bonds

Finalisation

• Payment of net proceeds to the seller (typically the next business following receipt of funds)
• Payment of estate agent commission
• Release of original title deed and bond documents

Throughout this process, we provide clear communication and ongoing updates to ensure transparency and peace of mind.

Yes. Property forming part of a deceased estate may only be dealt with by an Executor appointed by the Master of the High Court.

Additional regulatory and administrative requirements apply, often requiring experienced conveyancing oversight to ensure compliance.

Conveyancing fees are calculated in accordance with recommended tariff guidelines in and are based on the purchase price of the property.

Transfer costs are payable by the purchaser, unless otherwise agreed between the parties. 

Transfer duty, payable to SARS is charged according to the tariffs in the Transfer Duty Act and are dependent on the purchase price of the property. These are paid by the purchaser prior to transfer of the property.

Bond registration and cancellation fees are separate and depend on the nature of the transaction.

For an estimate of costs, clients are welcome to make use of our cost calculator or contact our offices directly for a detailed breakdown.

Property transactions are frequently targeted by cybercrime. We implement strict internal verification protocols and secure banking procedures to protect client funds.

Banking details are never exchanged via email. All sensitive financial information is verified telephonically prior to disbursement.