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- October 2, 2025
- BUYING PROPERTY
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THE PROPERTY TRANSFER PROCESS
Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial moves you’ll ever make. While it may feel complicated, the transfer process follows a clear sequence. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what happens behind the scenes until ownership officially changes hands.
1. It all starts with the Offer to Purchase
The process kicks off when a buyer signs the Offer to Purchase (OTP) and, if needed, applies for a home loan. Once the loan is approved, the signed contract is handed to the transferring attorney. Typically, the seller chooses the transfer attorney—often someone recommended by their estate agent.
2. Bond registration (if the buyer uses a loan)
When a bond is involved, the bank appoints a bond attorney to handle the registration of that loan. The buyer will meet with this attorney, sign the bond documents, and settle the costs related to registering the bond. It’s worth noting that the bond registration process and the transfer process run side by side but independently, until both align at the final registration stage.
3. Transfer costs to budget for
Before transfer can proceed, the buyer must cover transfer costs. These can include:
– Transfer duty (a tax paid to SARS, depending on the property price)
– Attorney fees for transfer
– Deeds Office charges
– FICA and administrative costs
At the start, the buyer receives a pro-forma account—an estimate of costs. Final figures depend on the actual registration date. Online calculators, such as BetterBond and Ooba, can provide useful estimates ahead of time.
4. Rates Clearance Certificate
The municipality will only allow a property to change hands if all municipal rates are up to date. The transfer attorney requests a Rates Clearance Certificate from the local authority. Sometimes the seller has to pay a few months’ rates upfront to secure this certificate, which is valid for 60 days.
5. Settling the seller’s home loan (if applicable)
If the seller still has a bond, the cancellation attorney—appointed by the seller’s bank—will calculate the outstanding balance, service fees, and any early termination charges. The bank then releases the original title deed to enable the transfer to move forward.
6. Signing paperwork
Both buyer and seller must sign documents with the transfer attorney. If a bond is involved, the buyer also signs documents with the bond attorney. Be sure to bring along the required FICA documents:
– ID document
– Proof of address (not older than 3 months)
– Income tax number
– Marriage certificate (if applicable)
7. Lodging at the Deeds Office
Once everyone has signed and payments are settled, the transfer, bond, and cancellation attorneys coordinate to lodge all documents simultaneously at the Deeds Office. The documents are carefully checked through three levels of examination. This stage generally takes 10–15 working days.
When the Deeds Office approves everything, the property is officially transferred:
The buyer becomes the registered owner.
The seller receives the proceeds of the sale.
The buyer’s bank receives the new title deed (or the buyer directly if no bond is involved).
A final word of advice
Property transfers can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time navigating the process. That’s why at Real Time Property, we go beyond simply selling homes—we guide you through the legal and financial steps too. With our own panel of experienced attorneys and trusted partners, you’ll have professional support from start to finish. From signing the Offer to Purchase right through to registration at the Deeds Office, we ensure the journey is smooth, transparent, and stress-free.
When you work with Real Time Property, you don’t just get a property—you get peace of mind knowing every detail is handled by experts who put your interests first.
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