How Much Does It Cost to Sell Your House in South Africa?

Selling your house in South Africa comes with several unavoidable fees, and understanding them upfront helps you plan properly and avoid surprises. Whether you’re selling to upgrade, relocate, or invest in new opportunities, knowing the true cost of selling your home is essential. African Land supports property owners across the country with guidance, valuations, and market insights to make the process smoother.

Estate Agent Commission

The estate agent’s commission is the biggest cost when selling your house in South Africa. Most agents charge between 5% and 7.5% of the selling price, excluding VAT. This fee covers marketing, buyer sourcing, negotiations, and managing the process until transfer. If you work with a reputable platform like African Land, you gain access to experienced property professionals who can help you get better value for the commission you pay.

Conveyancing Attorney Fees

A conveyancer handles the legal transfer of ownership. Conveyancing fees depend on the property’s value, and they are usually structured on a sliding scale. For most homes, sellers can expect conveyancing costs ranging from 0.5% to 1% of the selling price. This fee ensures legal compliance and smooth processing during transfer.

Bond Cancellation Fees

If your home loan is still active, you’ll need to cancel it. Bond cancellation fees typically range between R4,000 and R6,000, depending on the bank and attorney involved. Sellers should also remember that banks require 90 days' notice before bond cancellation to avoid penalty interest.

Compliance Certificates

South African law requires sellers to provide certain compliance certificates before transfer can happen. These include electrical, gas, water installation, and sometimes beetle certificates in coastal regions. Depending on the property’s condition, certificates can cost between R500 and R3,000 each.

Rates Clearance and Municipal Charges

Before a property can be transferred, all municipal bills must be settled. Municipalities often require a few months' advance payment to issue a rates clearance certificate. Sellers must budget for outstanding rates, water, sanitation, refuse, and other municipal accounts.

Repairs and Home Preparation

Many sellers choose to do minor repairs or cosmetic improvements to increase the property’s market appeal. Costs vary depending on the condition of the home. Even small upgrades such as painting, fixing cracks, or replacing fittings can influence final sale price and buyer interest.

Additional Possible Costs

• Moving expenses

• Marketing costs for private sellers

• Capital Gains Tax if the property is not your primary residence

Overall, the total cost to sell your house in South Africa usually falls between 7% and 9% of the selling price, depending on the services required and the property’s condition.

How African Land Helps

African Land supports homeowners through every step of the selling process. From free property insights and pricing guidance to connecting you with trusted agents and conveyancers, we help you understand costs clearly and sell your home with confidence. Whether you're selling in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, or anywhere across South Africa, African Land is your reliable partner in property.