The Risk of a Flawed Transfer
Why You Need a Qualified Conveyancer
A home is your most valuable asset. A flawed transfer process can lead to devastating consequences, including unresolved bond issues for the seller, an insecure title for the buyer, and costly legal disputes over hidden defects or contractual breaches. Professional conveyancing is your insurance against these risks.
In South Africa, only attorneys admitted as conveyancers may legally register property transfers at the Deeds Office. Using an experienced conveyancer protects your rights, ensures compliance with tax and municipal regulations, and prevents costly delays.
We Handle:
- Offer to Purchase Review: We scrutinise the sale agreement to ensure the terms are fair and your interests are protected.
- FICA & Information Gathering: We collect and verify all legally required FICA documents from both buyer and seller.
- Liaising with Banks: We manage communications with the seller’s bank to cancel their bond and the buyer’s bank to facilitate their new bond registration.
- Securing Clearances: We apply for and obtain the necessary rates clearance from the municipality and levy clearance from the Body Corporate.
- Drafting & Signing: We meticulously prepare all legal documents for your signature.
- Managing Finances: We receive the purchase price, manage the payment of transfer duties to SARS, and secure all finances in our trust account.
- Deeds Office Lodgement & Registration: We lodge all documents at the Deeds Office and manage the process through to the successful registration of the property in your name.
- Final Accounts: We provide all parties with a detailed reconciliation and finalise all payments.
Typical timeline: 6–12 weeks, depending on bond and municipal processing.
- Transfer Duty: Tax paid to SARS (based on property value).
- Conveyancing Fees: Regulated by the Law Society’s tariff.
- Deeds Office Fees: For lodgement and registration.
- Rates & Levy Clearances: Municipal and body corporate fees.
- Bond Costs (if applicable): Separate bond registration attorney fees.
- For Buyers & Sellers:
- Proof of identity (ID document)
- Proof of residential address (utility bill)
- Income tax number
- Marriage certificate and ANC (if applicable)
- For Sellers:
- Existing bond account details
- Latest rates and levy statements
- Electrical compliance certificates
- Incomplete Documents – Missing IDs or certificates stall lodgement.
- Late Payments – Delays clearances and bond approval.
- Unrealistic Timelines – Allow for bank and municipal processing times.
- Using Unregistered Attorneys – Only qualified conveyancers can transfer property.
- Ignoring Disputes – Boundary or defect issues can be mediated before they become litigation. Learn About Property Dispute Resolution →
- Not Understanding ‘Voetstoots’: This clause means you buy the property “as is.” We help you understand its implications and the seller’s duty to disclose known latent defects.
- Ignoring Suspensive Conditions: Failing to meet deadlines for bond approval or the sale of another property can cause the entire deal to collapse.
- Underestimating Costs: Many buyers are surprised by the total cost of conveyancing in Johannesburg. We provide a detailed estimate of all transfer and bond registration fees upfront.
- Registered Conveyancers: Accredited with the Law Society and Deeds Office.
- Transparent Communication: Real-time updates throughout your transaction.
- Dispute Resolution Experts: Accredited mediators under the Gauteng directive.
- Dedicated & Experienced Team: Our conveyancing department is led by highly experienced professionals, like our specialist conveyancer Abigail Sher, who have managed thousands of successful transfers.
- Proactive Communication: We pride ourselves on keeping you, your bank, and the estate agent fully informed at every stage of the process.
- Meticulous Accuracy: Our attention to detail prevents common errors that cause costly delays at the Deeds Office.
Practical Answers for Homeowners
Residential Conveyancing FAQs
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