What Does Changing Ownership of a House Involve?
Changing the ownership of a house in South Africa involves several legal and administrative costs. Whether you are buying, selling, or transferring property to a family member, understanding these costs is essential to avoid unexpected expenses.
At Burger Huyser Attorneys, we specialise in conveyancing and property law, ensuring that property transfers are handled efficiently and transparently.
Changing property ownership means legally transferring the title deed from the current owner (seller or donor) to the new owner (buyer or recipient). This process must be handled by a conveyancing attorney and requires:
✔ Drafting and signing the necessary legal documents
✔ Paying transfer duty and other applicable fees
✔ Registering the new owner at the Deeds Office
 Who Handles the Transfer Process?
- The buyer usually appoints a conveyancer to process the ownership change.
- The seller may need a bond cancellation attorney if they have an existing mortgage.
- If the property is being donated, a donation transfer process is required.
How Much Does It Cost to Change Property Ownership in South Africa?
The cost of changing ownership depends on the property value, whether a home loan is involved, and legal fees. Below is a breakdown of the costs you should consider.
1. Transfer Duty – Tax Paid to SARS (Paid by the Buyer)
Transfer duty is a property tax payable to the South African Revenue Service (SARS) when purchasing a property valued over R1,100,000. If the property is below R1,100,000, no transfer duty is required.
| Property Value | Transfer Duty Payable |
| Up to R1,100,000 | No transfer duty |
| R1,100,001 – R1,500,000 | 3% of the amount above R1,100,000 |
| R1,500,001 – R2,500,000 | R12,000 + 5% of the amount above R1,500,000 |
| R2,500,001+ | R62,000 + 8% of the amount above R2,500,000 |
Example: If you purchase a house for R2,000,000, your transfer duty will be:
R12,000 + (5% of R500,000) = R37,000
2. Conveyancing Fees – Paid to the Attorney (Paid by the Buyer)
Conveyancing fees cover the legal work required to transfer the property title to the new owner. These fees are regulated by the Legal Practice Council, but different attorneys may charge varying rates.
| Property Value | Estimated Conveyancing Fee (Excl. VAT) |
| R500,000 | R10,000 – R12,000 |
| R1,000,000 | R18,000 – R22,000 |
| R2,000,000 | R27,000 – R35,000 |
| R3,000,000 | R35,000 – R45,000 |
Additional charges may include administration, FICA verification, and Deeds Office searches.
3. Bond Registration Fees – If the Buyer Takes a Home Loan
If the buyer is financing the purchase through a home loan, they must pay bond registration fees to register the mortgage with the bank.
| Bond Amount | Estimated Bond Registration Fee (Excl. VAT) |
| R500,000 | R10,000 – R12,000 |
| R1,000,000 | R18,000 – R22,000 |
| R2,000,000 | R27,000 – R35,000 |
The bank appoints a bond attorney to handle the registration process.
4. Bond Cancellation Fees – If the Seller Has an Existing Bond
If the seller still owes money on their home loan, a bond cancellation attorney must handle the process of closing the loan account. This fee is usually between R4,000 – R6,000.
Important: The seller must notify their bank at least 90 days in advance to avoid penalty fees.
5. Deeds Office Fees – Paid for Registering the Property
The Deeds Office charges a fee to officially register the new owner’s name in the property records.
| Property Value | Deeds Office Fee |
| R500,000 – R1,000,000 | ± R1,300 |
| R1,000,001 – R2,000,000 | ± R2,000 |
| R2,000,001+ | ± R3,000 |
6. Municipal Clearance and Compliance Certificates
Before a property transfer can be finalized, the seller must obtain clearance certificates from the local municipality and utility providers. These ensure that all rates, taxes, and services are fully paid.
✅ Municipal Rates Clearance Certificate – Seller must settle rates & taxes for 3–6 months in advance.
✅ Electrical Compliance Certificate – Required to confirm electrical safety.
✅ Gas, Plumbing & Beetle Certificates – Required for certain properties.
Who Pays for Property Transfer Costs?
✔ Buyer Pays:
- Conveyancing fees
- Transfer duty (if applicable)
- Bond registration fees (if taking a home loan)
- Deeds Office fees
✔ Seller Pays:
- Estate agent’s commission (if applicable)
- Bond cancellation fees (if they have an existing mortgage)
- Municipal clearance and compliance certificates
Why Choose Burger Huyser Attorneys for Your Property Transfer?
At Burger Huyser Attorneys, we provide:
✔ Expert Conveyancing Services – Ensuring fast and accurate property transfers.
✔ Transparent Pricing – No hidden costs!
✔ Personalized Legal Support – Keeping you informed throughout the process.
✔ Experienced Attorneys – Specialising in property law and real estate transactions.
Let Burger Huyser Attorneys handle your property ownership transfer smoothly and efficiently. Contact us today.
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
