Understanding Conveyancer Fees in South Africa

When buying or selling property in South Africa, one of the essential legal professionals you’ll need to engage is a conveyancer. They are responsible for overseeing the legal process of transferring property ownership, ensuring all legal requirements are met, and handling essential paperwork. While their services are invaluable in making property transactions smooth and legally sound, many people wonder: How much does a conveyancer cost in South Africa?

At Burger Huyser Attorneys, we understand that legal fees can often be a concern when purchasing or selling property.

A conveyancer is a legal professional who specialises in property law and is responsible for ensuring that the legal processes involved in property transfers are completed accurately. From drafting the sale agreement to registering the property with the Deeds Office, conveyancers play a critical role in every property transaction.

In South Africa, conveyancer fees are not fixed by law, but they are typically governed by a set of guidelines issued by the Law Society of South Africa (LSSA) and the South African Reserve Bank. These guidelines provide a framework for the calculation of fees based on the property’s purchase price or value.

Factors That Affect Conveyancer Fees

Several factors determine how much you’ll pay for a conveyancer’s services in South Africa. The most important of these are:

  1. The Value of the Property
    Conveyancer fees are generally calculated as a percentage of the property’s purchase price or the value of the property being transferred. The higher the value of the property, the higher the fees will be. This is because the complexity and volume of work involved in transferring ownership typically increase with the value of the property.
  2. The Type of Transaction
    The complexity of the transaction can also influence the cost. For example, a straightforward residential property transfer may cost less than a commercial property transaction, which could involve more documentation, regulatory compliance, and additional legal checks. If the property has special conditions attached, such as shared ownership or encumbrances (e.g., unpaid debts or disputes), this could increase the cost of the conveyancing services.
  3. Transfer Duty
    While not directly related to the conveyancer’s fee, transfer duty is a significant cost that must be paid to the South African Revenue Service (SARS) during property transactions. Transfer duty is calculated as a percentage of the purchase price, and the conveyancer will typically handle the payment process and ensure that the relevant documentation is filed. Transfer duty is a separate cost from conveyancer fees but is an essential part of the overall costs involved in property transfer.
  4. Disbursements and Additional Costs
    Disbursements are costs that the conveyancer pays on behalf of the client to other parties during the transaction. These can include fees for obtaining property title deeds, registration costs, rates clearance certificates, tax clearance certificates, and other official documents. While these costs are not part of the conveyancer’s fee, they must be taken into account when budgeting for the total cost of the transfer.

How Much Do Conveyancers Charge?

The fees charged by conveyancers in South Africa are not fixed, but they are generally based on a sliding scale determined by the purchase price of the property. The Law Society provides a guideline scale that many conveyancers follow, though the actual fees charged may vary slightly depending on the conveyancer’s discretion and the complexity of the transaction.

Here is an estimate of the average conveyancing costs based on the purchase price of a property in South Africa:

Property Value Estimated Conveyancer Fees
R500,000 – R1,000,000 R6,000 – R8,000
R1,000,001 – R2,500,000 R8,500 – R15,000
R2,500,001 – R5,000,000 R15,000 – R30,000
R5,000,001 and above R30,000 and up, depending on the value

It’s important to note that these are just estimates. The fees can vary based on the factors mentioned earlier, such as the type of transaction and disbursements. For larger transactions (such as luxury homes or commercial properties), the cost of conveyancing services can be significantly higher.

How Are Conveyancer Fees Calculated?

Conveyancer fees are typically calculated based on the purchase price of the property. A sliding scale is applied, where a smaller percentage is charged for higher-value properties. The fee structure may look something like this:

  • Up to R1,000,000: The fee is usually around 1.0% to 1.5% of the property value.
  • R1,000,000 to R3,000,000: The fee typically ranges from 0.75% to 1.0%.
  • Above R3,000,000: The fee may drop to 0.5% or lower, but there may still be a minimum fee depending on the complexity of the transaction.

Conveyancers also charge additional disbursement fees, which cover costs incurred for third-party services, such as title deed searches, obtaining clearance certificates, and other official documentation. These disbursements are typically passed on to the client.

What Does the Conveyancer Fee Cover?

A conveyancer’s fee generally covers the following services:

  • Preparation of the Sale Agreement: Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating the terms of the sale agreement.
  • Property Title Checks: Ensuring that the property’s title is clear and free from encumbrances or legal disputes.
  • Preparation and Lodging of Documents: Preparing and lodging all necessary documents with the Deeds Office, including the transfer deed and title documents.
  • Payment of Transfer Duty: Calculating and submitting the transfer duty payment to SARS.
  • Registration of the Transfer: Finalising the transfer and ensuring that the new property owner is registered in the Deeds Office.

Why Choose Burger Huyser Attorneys for Your Conveyancing Needs?

At Burger Huyser Attorneys, we pride ourselves on offering expert conveyancing services at competitive rates. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that the property transfer process is handled professionally and efficiently, saving you time and potential headaches. We provide clear, transparent pricing with no hidden costs, and we guide you through every step of the property transaction, from the initial agreement to the final registration.

At Burger Huyser Attorneys, we offer competitive and transparent conveyancing services to help you navigate the legal aspects of buying or selling property. Contact us today to discuss your property transaction needs and get a detailed quote tailored to your situation. Let us handle the legal complexities so you can focus on your property goals.

Contact Burger Huyser Attorneys, and book a consultation.

To speak to one of our experienced attorneys in South Africa for immediate assistance, contact us on the numbers below:

Randburg call 061 516 6878; Roodepoort call 061 516 0091; Sandton call 064 555 3358;  Pretoria call 064 548 4838;

Centurion call 061 516 7117; Alberton call 061 515 4699; Bedfordview call 061 536 3223

DISCLAIMER: Information provided in this article does not, and is not intended to constitute legal advice. READ MORE