Seller's Guide · 2026
Seller's Cost Guide
This guide sets out the costs you are responsible for as a seller. Cost ranges are indicative — your transferring attorney will provide a formal estimate specific to your transaction.
Written & verified by
Cara Hendricks
Conveyancing Attorney
Cara is a conveyancing attorney who helps buyers, sellers and agents understand the legal side of property in plain language.
Notify your bank the moment you list your property.
Banks require 90 days' written notice before a bond can be cancelled without penalty. If your property transfers in less than 90 days from the date you notify your bank, the bank will charge penalty interest on the outstanding balance for the remaining days of the notice period — even after the bond has been settled. This cost is entirely avoidable: notify your bank in writing as soon as your property goes on the market.
1Municipal & Levy Clearances
Rates clearance — municipality
All outstanding rates and taxes must be settled before transfer. The council typically requires 2 to 4 months of advance payment to issue the clearance certificate. No VAT applies.
Levy clearance — body corporate / managing agent
sectional titleAll levies, special levies, and outstanding amounts owed to the body corporate must be settled. The managing agent issues the clearance certificate. Levy amounts are not subject to VAT.
Home owners association (HOA) clearance
All HOA fees and obligations must be settled before clearance is issued. Admin fees charged by the HOA may attract VAT if the HOA is a registered VAT vendor.
2Bond Cancellation
Outstanding bond balance + interest
The full outstanding balance on your home loan, plus interest accrued to the date of cancellation, is settled from the sale proceeds. This is a capital repayment and is not subject to VAT.
90-day penalty interest
avoidableIf less than 90 days’ notice is given to your bank, interest continues to accrue on the outstanding balance for the shortfall period. This applies even after the bond has been paid up. Notify your bank early to avoid this charge entirely.
Bond cancellation attorney fee
Your bank appoints an attorney to cancel the bond at the Deeds Office. Their professional fee is subject to VAT at 15%. Your attorney will provide a formal cost estimate. Note: if more than one bond is registered against the property, each bond attracts its own separate cancellation attorney fee.
3Compliance Certificates
Electrical compliance certificate (COC)
R1,500 – R5,000A registered electrician inspects the property and issues the COC. The inspection fee typically falls between R1,500 and R5,000 (excluding VAT). This does not include the cost of any remedial work. If faults are found, repair costs are additional and entirely for the seller’s account before the certificate can be issued.
Water / plumbing compliance — City of Cape Town
R1,500 – R5,000Required for all sales within the City of Cape Town. A registered plumber inspects the water installation. The inspection fee typically falls between R1,500 and R5,000 (excluding VAT). Remedial work, if required, is an additional cost for the seller.
Gas compliance certificate
R1,500 – R5,000Required where the property has any gas installation. A registered gas installer must certify the installation. Inspection fee range as above, excluding the cost of any remedial work.
Beetle / entomology inspection
R1,500 – R5,000Required where the sale agreement or bond conditions call for it. Inspection fee range as above. Treatment costs, if required, are an additional charge for the seller.
4Estate Agent Commission
Agent commission
Payable to the estate agent on registration of transfer. The commission percentage is set out in your mandate agreement. VAT at 15% is always added on top of the agreed commission amount. When signing your mandate, confirm whether the quoted rate is inclusive or exclusive of VAT.
5Attorney & Legal Fees
FICA verification fee
± R1,000Attorneys are legally required to verify your identity and source of funds under the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA). The administration fee is approximately R1,000, subject to VAT at 15%.
6Title Deed
Replacement of lost title deed
± R5,000If the original title deed has been misplaced, a formal application must be made to the Deeds Office. The total cost (including the required newspaper advertisement and Deeds Office fees) is approximately R5,000. This process takes time. Locate your title deed before listing your property.
Title deed corrections
± R4,000Errors in the title deed (such as name spelling, ID number, or property description) must be corrected before transfer can proceed. The cost is approximately R4,000. Attorney fees for the correction are subject to VAT at 15%.
7VAT on the Sale Price Itself
This is separate from VAT on the service fees listed above.
- Most private sellers: VAT does not apply to your sale proceeds. The buyer pays transfer duty instead.
- VAT-registered sellers (e.g. developers, companies selling in the course of an enterprise): the full purchase price attracts VAT at 15% and transfer duty falls away.
- Confirm your VAT status with your attorney and accountant before signing any sale agreement.
This guide is intended as a general reference only. Costs are indicative and will vary depending on the specific property, location, and circumstances of the sale. Always obtain a formal cost estimate from your transferring attorney before proceeding.
Still have questions?
These figures are a guide only. For an estimate specific to your transaction, ask our resident attorney Cara — or get an instant answer from our assistant.