Knowledge Base

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about buying, selling, and investing in South African property.

Section 1: The Basics

Section 2: For the Buyer (Costs & Financing)

Section 3: For the Seller (Preparation & Profit)

Section 4: Legal & Technical Details

Section 5: The "Process" Questions

Section 6: Tenants & The "Huur Gaat Voor Koop" Principle

Section 7: Solar, Inverters & 2026 Compliance

Section 8: Municipal, Building Plans & SPLUMA

Section 9: Investment, Yields & ROI (2026 Context)

Section 10: Final Closing & Moving Out

Frequently Asked Questions

Section 1: The Basics

What is a FICA check?

What documents do I need for FICA?

How long does a property transfer typically take?

Who appoints the conveyancing attorney?

Is an Offer to Purchase (OTP) legally binding?

Can I cancel an OTP after signing?

What is a "suspensive condition"?

What is occupational rent?

Who pays the estate agent’s commission?

What is a "voetstoots" clause?

Section 2: For the Buyer (Costs & Financing)

What are transfer duties?

Are there properties exempt from transfer duty?

What is the difference between transfer costs and bond costs?

How much deposit should I pay?

Who holds my deposit?

Do I get interest on my deposit?

Can I get a 100% bond?

What is a pre-qualification?

What happens if my bond is rejected?

Can foreigners buy property in SA?

Section 3: For the Seller (Preparation & Profit)

How do I determine the right asking price?

What is a Sole Mandate?

What is an Open Mandate?

Which mandate is better?

Do I have to disclose defects?

What is Capital Gains Tax (CGT)?

How do I minimize CGT?

What certificates must I provide?

Who pays for these certificates?

What is a Rates Clearance Certificate?

Section 4: Legal & Technical Details

What is a Sectional Title?

What is Freehold ownership?

What are levies?

What is a Homeowners Association (HOA)?

Can I see the Body Corporate’s financials?

What is an "exclusive use area"?

What happens if the seller dies during transfer?

What is a 72-hour clause?

Can I buy property in a Trust?

How does marriage "in community of property" affect a sale?

Section 5: The "Process" Questions

What is "Lodgement"?

What is "Registration"?

When do I get my money (as a seller)?

When do I get the keys?

What if the house is damaged between signing and registration?

What are "fixtures and fittings"?

Is a garden shed a fixture?

Can the buyer choose the attorney?

How do I pay the transfer costs?

What is a bridge loan?

Section 6: Tenants & The "Huur Gaat Voor Koop" Principle

Can I sell my property if a tenant is currently living there?

What does "Huur Gaat Voor Koop" mean?

Can a buyer move in before the lease ends?

Does the tenant pay rent to the old or new owner?

Who holds the tenant's deposit after a sale?

Can a tenant refuse viewings?

What if the tenant refuses to leave after the lease expires?

Can I offer a tenant an incentive to move out early?

Do I need to sign a new lease with the new owner?

Does a month-to-month lease make selling easier?

Section 7: Solar, Inverters & 2026 Compliance

Do solar panels stay with the house?

What is the March 2026 Solar Deadline?

Does a solar system need its own CoC?

Can I sell a house with an unregistered solar system?

Do I need an engineer to sign off on my home solar?

What is an "Anti-Islanding" certificate?

Does solar increase my property value?

Who pays for the solar registration during a sale?

Can the bank refuse a bond because of illegal solar?

What happens to my solar tax rebate when I sell?

Section 8: Municipal, Building Plans & SPLUMA

Do I need approved building plans to sell?