Seller checklist
Selling your home, step by step
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When you sign the mandate
Get these sorted early so nothing holds up the sale later.
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Tell your bank you plan to sell If you have a home loan, give the bank written notice that you intend to cancel the bond. Many banks ask for up to 90 days' notice and may charge a penalty for less. Ask your bank for its terms.
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Get your FICA documents ready ID, proof of address and tax number. If married: marriage certificate and antenuptial contract. Companies and trusts: registration documents and a resolution authorising the signatory.
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Find your title deed details A copy confirms the property description, servitudes and restrictions. If the bond is paid off but not cancelled, the bank may still hold the original deed.
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Complete the defect disclosure List every defect you know about. The signed disclosure is attached to the sale agreement (Property Practitioners Act).
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Check the building plans Garages, flats, patios, carports and pools all need approved plans. Unapproved building work can delay or derail a sale.
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Agree what stays with the house Note which fixtures and fittings are included or excluded, such as blinds, the stove, pool equipment and the satellite dish.
Compliance certificates
Usually the seller's cost. Book them early: certificates can need repairs first.
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Electrical certificate of compliance Required before transfer, from a registered electrician.
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Electric fence certificate Only if the property has an electric fence.
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Gas certificate Only if there is a fixed gas installation, such as a gas stove or geyser.
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Beetle (wood-destroying insect) certificate Usually asked for in coastal areas such as the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, when the sale agreement requires it.
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Plumbing / water installation certificate Required on transfer in the City of Cape Town. Elsewhere only when the sale agreement asks for it.
Once you accept an offer
The conveyancer takes over the transfer; these are the parts that need you.
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Read the offer's conditions Note the bond approval deadline, occupation date, occupational rent and any conditions, such as the buyer first selling their own home.
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Sign the transfer documents The conveyancer will contact you. Signing promptly, with your ID, keeps the transfer on track.
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Pay for the rates clearance The municipality only issues a clearance once rates are paid up, usually a few months ahead. The conveyancer gives you the amount; part may be refunded after transfer.
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Levy clearance (sectional title or estate) The body corporate or HOA confirms that all levies are paid.
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Ask about capital gains tax If this isn't your primary home, or the gain is large, speak to your accountant before transfer.
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Expect the bond cancellation costs The bank's attorney charges for cancelling the bond. This is paid from the sale proceeds.
Before you move out
The last steps before the keys change hands.
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Keep your home insurance until registration The property stays your risk until it is registered in the buyer's name, unless the agreement says otherwise.
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Arrange final meter readings Water and electricity readings on the day you move, and give the municipality your new address.
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Cancel services and debit orders Alarm response, fibre, garden and pool services: give notice in time.
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Hand over keys, remotes and codes Gate and garage remotes, alarm codes, manuals and warranties for appliances.
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Leave the property as agreed Remove everything not included in the sale and leave fixtures in working order.
If you live outside South Africa
Extra steps for sellers who are not South African tax residents.
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Withholding tax on the price (section 35A) If the price is over R2 million, the buyer must hold back part of it for SARS: 7.5% for individuals, 10% for companies and 15% for trusts. Apply to SARS early for a directive if a lower amount should apply.
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Plan how you will sign Transfer documents can be signed at a South African embassy or consulate, before a notary with an apostille, or by someone you appoint with a power of attorney. Allow time to courier the originals.
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Arrange getting the money out Your bank sends the proceeds abroad. SARS tax compliance approval for an international transfer may be needed first, so start early to avoid a delayed payout.
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Speak to a tax adviser Non-resident sellers may still need to declare the sale and capital gains in South Africa.
If the buyer lives outside South Africa
What changes when your buyer is overseas.
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Allow extra time Money from abroad and documents signed overseas can add a few weeks before registration.
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Check how the buyer is paying Ask for proof of funds and agree the dates for the deposit and guarantees. Many foreign buyers pay cash, as South African bonds for non-residents are limited.
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Buyer's documents The conveyancer needs the buyer's passport, proof of foreign address and where the money comes from (FICA).
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Agree the key handover If the buyer isn't in the country at occupation, agree who receives the keys and when.