Buy Your Property with Us

Step-By-Step Guide

Below is our complete buyer journey — explained clearly and professionally.

1. Step 1 Financial Preparation
2. Step 2 Property Search & Viewings
3. Step 3 Compliance & FICA Requirements
4. Step 4 Submitting an Offer to Purchase (OTP)
5. Step 5 Bond Approval & Deposit Payment
6. Step 6 Pay the transfer costs
7. Step 7 Registration & Property Handover

Important Buyer Tips

• Always get pre-approved before shopping
• Budget 8–10% of purchase price for additional costs (if bonding)
• Read the OTP carefully
• Respond quickly to attorney requests
• Keep funds ready when required

1. Financial Preparation: Bond Approval or Cash Ready

Option 1: Apply for a Home Loan (Bond)

Before viewing properties, you should understand your purchasing power.

If you require financing:

• Get pre-approved through a bank or bond originator
• Understand your affordability and monthly repayments
• Budget for additional costs (transfer fees, bond registration, etc.)

Bond approval depends on:

• Credit score
• Income stability
• Existing debt
• Deposit amount

Pre-approval strengthens your offer and shows sellers you are a serious buyer.

Option 2: Cash Purchase

If you are buying without a bond:

• Ensure funds are available
• Funds must be traceable for FICA compliance
• Prepare proof of funds for the conveyancer

Even with cash purchases, legal transfer procedures still apply.

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2. The Search: Property Search & Viewings

Once financially ready we will assist with the following:

• Identify suitable properties based on your criteria
• Arrange private or scheduled viewings
• Guide you on market value and negotiation strategy

We also assist you in evaluating:

• Location and growth potential
• Security and sectional title rules (if applicable)
• Municipal zoning
• Estimated monthly rates and levies

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3. Doing It Legally: Compliance & FICA Requirements

South African law requires compliance with the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA) before any property transaction can proceed.

• Certified copy of your ID or Passport
• Proof of residential address (not older than 3 months)
• Income verification (for bond applications)
• Marriage certificate / antenuptial contract (if applicable)
• Company documents (if buying through a business or trust)

The conveyancing attorney cannot proceed without these documents.

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4. The Offer to Purchase: Submitting an Offer to Purchase

The Offer to Purchase (OTP) is a legally binding contract once signed by both parties.

It includes:

• Purchase price
• Deposit amount
• Occupation date
• Fixtures and fittings included
• Suspensive conditions (e.g., subject to bond approval)
• Special conditions

We guide you through:

• Offer strategy
• Negotiation
• Protecting your interests

Important: Once signed and accepted, the OTP is legally enforceable. Always review carefully before signing.

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5. The Excitement: Bond Approval & Deposit Payment

If your offer is subject to bond approval:

• The bank processes your home loan application
• A property valuation may be conducted
• Final bond approval is issued

Once approved:

• You may be required to pay a deposit into the conveyancer’s trust account
• Attorneys will contact you to begin transfer procedures

If paying cash, proof of funds will be required and funds must be transferred when requested.

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6. The Transfer: Paying The Transfer Costs

In South Africa, the seller appoints the transferring attorney, but the buyer pays the transfer costs (unless otherwise agreed).

The conveyancer will:

• Draft transfer documents
• Apply for a Transfer Duty Receipt from South African Revenue Service (SARS)
• Request municipal clearance certificates
• Coordinate with bond attorneys (if applicable)
• Prepare documents for Deeds Office lodgement

You will be contacted to:

• Sign transfer documents
• Pay transfer fees
• Pay transfer duty (if applicable)

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7. The Final Steps: Registration & Property Handover

The Registration

Once registration takes place:

• Property is legally transferred into your name
• Bond (if applicable) is registered
• Purchase price is paid to the seller
• You officially become the legal owner

The Handover

Handover typically includes:

• Key collection
• Final inspection
• Confirmation of occupation date
• Utility account updates

If occupation occurs before registration, occupational rent terms (as per OTP) apply.

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Extra Information you need to know

After Registration

We assist you with:

• Changing municipal accounts into your name
• Body corporate introductions (if sectional title)
• Security and access updates
• Future property investment advice

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Lodgement with the Deeds Office

Lodgement Process

The conveyancer lodges all documents with the Deeds Office. This includes:

• Transfer documents
• Transfer duty receipt
• Clearance certificates
• Bond cancellation documents (if applicable)

The Deeds Office then examines the documents for compliance and errors.

Timeline

Waiting times can vary, but typical turnaround for Deeds Office registration is 8–10 working days from lodgement.

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Registration & Final Settlement

Once the Deeds Office accepts the lodgement:

• The property is registered in the buyer’s name
• The sellers bond is cancelled and new bond (if applicable) is registered
• The transfer is complete

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Who Pays What? A Quick Breakdown

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