Transfer Costs
Transfer costs for Howick and the KZN Midlands
Estimate SARS transfer duty, local conveyancing fees, bond registration and Deeds Office costs before you buy in Howick, Hilton or surrounds.
Enter 0 if buying cash (no bond registration costs). Bond attorney fees use the same LSSA guideline scale as transfer fees, on the bond amount.
Transfer duty uses current SARS brackets (from 1 April 2025). The same sliding scale applies to individuals, companies and trusts. No duty is payable on purchases up to R 1 210 000. Attorney fees follow the LSSA guideline (1 July 2026) and include 15% VAT.
Estimated Transfer Costs
- Transfer Duty (SARS)
- R 33 786
- Conveyancing Fee (LSSA guideline incl. VAT)
- R 42 406
- Deeds Office Fee (transfer)
- R 1 738
- Bond Registration Fee (LSSA guideline incl. VAT)
- R 37 530
- Deeds Office Fee (bond)
- R 1 738
- Total Estimate
- R 117 198
These are estimates only. Final figures must be confirmed by a conveyancer and bond attorney. LSSA fees are guidelines (negotiable) and exclude postage, FICA and other disbursements. Deeds Office fees follow the April 2026 gazette schedule.
Transfer costs explained for Midlands buyers (2026)
Before you make an offer on a home in Howick, Hilton or surrounds, budget for more than the purchase price. Most buyers need cash for transfer duty (where payable), conveyancing fees, Deeds Office charges and, if financed, bond registration costs.
What usually sits in a buyer's transfer budget
- SARS transfer duty on the purchase price (0% up to R1.21m; progressive brackets above)
- Transferring attorney (conveyancer) fees and disbursements
- Deeds Office fees for registration
- Bond attorney fees if a home loan is registered
How to use this estimate
Enter the purchase price, then share the estimate with your bond originator and conveyancer. For Midlands-specific process steps, read our conveyancing guide, browse local conveyancers, or start house-hunting on Howick & Midlands listings.
Common transfer cost questions
What transfer costs are included?
The calculator estimates transfer duty, conveyancing (transfer attorney) fees incl. VAT, Deeds Office fees and — when a bond amount is entered — bond registration attorney fees incl. VAT plus bond Deeds Office fees.
Are these figures exact?
No. Transfer duty uses current SARS brackets (from 1 April 2025). Attorney fees follow the LSSA guideline (from 1 July 2026) including 15% VAT and remain negotiable. Deeds Office fees follow the April 2026 gazette. Always confirm final costs with your conveyancer and bond attorney.
Why do I see bond registration fees?
If you enter a bond amount above zero, the calculator adds the bond attorney’s LSSA-guideline fee (same Column B scale as transfer fees, calculated on the bond amount, incl. VAT) and the Deeds Office bond registration fee. Enter 0 for a cash purchase to exclude them.
Do companies and trusts pay different transfer duty?
No. Since February 2011, companies, close corporations and trusts pay the same progressive SARS brackets as natural persons. This calculator uses that unified scale.
Is there a first-time buyer transfer duty exemption?
No separate first-time-buyer exemption exists. Under current SARS rates, all buyers pay 0% duty on purchases up to R1.21 million. Above that, progressive brackets apply.
Who pays transfer costs in South Africa?
The buyer usually pays transfer duty, conveyancing fees, Deeds Office fees and bond registration costs. The seller typically pays compliance certificates, bond cancellation and estate agent commission if an agent is used.
How much are transfer costs on a Howick or Midlands home?
It depends mainly on purchase price and whether you need a bond. Run your price through this calculator, then ask a local conveyancer to confirm fees for your specific deal.
Is transfer duty the same as transfer costs?
No. Transfer duty is the SARS tax on the purchase (where payable). Transfer costs is the broader total: duty plus attorney fees, Deeds Office charges and optional bond costs.
Disclaimer
These figures are estimates only and are based on current SARS transfer duty brackets and typical conveyancing fee scales. Actual costs may vary. Always confirm with your conveyancer and bond attorney.