Who pays transfer costs?

Transfer costs catch many first-time buyers off guard. These are payable over and above the purchase price and must be budgeted before you make an offer.

What the buyer typically pays

• Transfer duty, SARS tax on the purchase price (progressive scale)
• Conveyancing fees, transferring attorney's professional fee
• Deeds Office fees, government registration charges
• Bond registration costs, if financing through a home loan
• Rates clearance advance, typically 3–6 months prepaid to municipality

What the seller typically pays

• Bond cancellation costs
• Compliance certificates (electrical COC, plumbing, beetle, gas, electric fence)
• Estate agent commission (if applicable)

Transfer duty zero band

There is no separate first-time-buyer exemption. From 1 April 2025, all buyers (individuals, companies and trusts) pay 0% transfer duty on property valued up to R1.21 million. Above that, progressive SARS brackets apply. Where the sale is subject to VAT, transfer duty is generally not payable — confirm with your conveyancer.

Estimate your costs now

Use our free Transfer Cost Calculator for an instant estimate based on your purchase price and bond amount. For Howick and Midlands properties typically priced R1.5m–R4m, transfer costs often range from R80,000 to R200,000+ depending on price and bond.

Related: Transfer Duty Explained · Who Pays Transfer Costs?