Transfer Cost Calculator
Calculate all the costs involved in buying property in South Africa — transfer duty, attorney fees, Deeds Office fees and bond registration.
Transfer Cost Calculator
2025/2026 rates · Deeds Office fees Apr 2026
Conveyancing fees are LPC guidelines (excl. VAT shown separately). Deeds Office fees effective Apr 2026.
Three levels of detail — pick yours
Property price + bond amount → total transfer costs with grand total. Instant result.
Full line-item breakdown, deposit impact comparison, and property type side-by-side (existing vs new build vs vacant land).
Payment timeline, bank initiation fee comparison, total cash needed analysis, and attorney fee negotiation guidance.
Understanding Transfer Costs in South Africa What's included • Timing • Tips
What Are Transfer Costs?
Transfer costs are the once-off fees payable when buying property in South Africa. They are separate from the purchase price and typically amount to 8–12% of the property price for a bonded purchase. You need to have this cash available at registration — most banks do not include transfer costs in the bond.
Components of Transfer Costs
- Transfer duty (or VAT) — SARS tax on the acquisition. Exempt for properties under R1,210,000 (2025/2026). New builds attract VAT included in the price instead.
- Transfer attorney fees — The conveyancer appointed to transfer ownership. Calculated on the property price using LPC guideline tariffs, plus 15% VAT.
- Deeds Office transfer fee — Fixed government fee to register the new title deed.
- Bond attorney fees — The attorney appointed by your bank to register the bond. Calculated on the bond amount, plus 15% VAT.
- Deeds Office bond registration fee — Fixed fee to register the bond at the Deeds Office.
- Bank initiation fee — Charged by the bank for processing your loan (typically R6,900).
- Rates clearance — An advance to cover municipal rates and taxes owed.
- Postage and sundries — FICA searches, postage, copies, and other administrative costs.
New Build vs Existing Property
If you buy from a VAT-registered developer, you pay VAT (15%) instead of transfer duty — VAT is included in the purchase price. You still pay transfer attorney fees, Deeds Office fees, and bond registration costs. This can be cheaper than buying second-hand for higher-value properties where transfer duty would otherwise be significant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can transfer costs be added to my bond?
Generally, no. Most banks require transfer costs to be paid from your own funds, separate from the bond. However, some banks may allow bond registration fees (not transfer duty) to be capitalised into the bond in limited circumstances. Budget for transfer costs as a cash requirement.
Who appoints the transfer attorney?
The seller appoints the transfer attorney (their conveyancer of choice). The bond attorney is appointed by the bank. You have no choice in either — you simply pay the fees. However, you can negotiate the transfer attorney's fee before signing.
How long does transfer take in South Africa?
A typical South African property transfer takes 2–4 months from signing the offer to purchase to registration. Delays can occur due to rates clearance, FICA compliance, bond approval timelines, and Deeds Office backlogs.
Are conveyancing fees fixed or negotiable?
Transfer attorney fees are LPC guideline tariffs and are negotiable — firms can charge less. Bond attorney fees are typically not negotiable (the bank sets them). Always ask the transfer attorney for their best rate before accepting their mandate.