1. Prepare Your Property for Sale Ensure your home is in good condition (repairs, repainting, decluttering).
Get a property valuation from an estate agent or property valuer.
2. Choose a Sales Method Estate Agent:
Most common, but they charge commission (typically 5-7%).
Private Sale: No agent fees, but more responsibility on you.
3. Set an Asking Price
Compare similar properties in your area. Get advice from property professionals.
4. Marketing the Property List on property websites. Use social media and local advertising. Host show days or private viewings.
5. Receive Offers & Negotiate Interested buyers submit offers via an Offer to Purchase (OTP). Negotiate terms if necessary (price, conditions, deposit amount).
6. Accepting an Offer & Signing the OTP
Once you accept an offer, both parties sign the OTP, making it legally binding.
Buyer usually pays a deposit (often 10%) into a trust account.
7. Appoint a Conveyancing Attorney The seller appoints a conveyancer (property lawyer) to handle legal paperwork.
The buyer secures bond approval (if using a home loan).
8. Compliance Certificates
The seller must obtain:
Electrical Certificate of Compliance (COC)
Beetle Certificate (for coastal areas) Plumbing Certificate (Cape Town requirement) Gas Certificate (if applicable) Electric Fence Certificate (if applicable)
9. Transfer Process Begins The conveyancer ensures all documents are in order.
Transfer duty (tax paid to SARS) is handled by the buyer. Seller settles outstanding municipal bills and rates clearance certificate is issued.
10. Lodgement & Registration at the Deeds Office The conveyancer submits documents to the Deeds Office. The process takes about 6-8 weeks.
11. Property Transfer & Payment Once registered, the buyer officially owns the property. The seller receives the funds (minus agent commission, legal fees, and any outstanding bond balance).
12. Handover & Moving Out Seller hands over the keys to the buyer. Notify utility providers and update your address.
