Quick answer
Prepare the signed offer to purchase, bond approval, ID, proof of address, marriage documents, deposit proof, transfer-cost estimate, occupation details and any defect records. A conveyancing attorney needs the transaction documents and your personal status documents to see what must happen next.
Key takeaways
- Prepare the signed offer to purchase, bond approval, ID, proof of address, marriage documents, deposit proof, transfer-cost estimate, occupation details and any defect records. A conveyancing attorney needs the transaction documents and your personal status documents to see what must happen next.
- Put all property documents in one folder. Mark the dates for bond approval, deposit, occupation and transfer-related conditions. If the seller promised repairs or included fixtures, keep the wording and photos.
- Costs depend on purchase price, bond amount, transfer duty, disbursements and bank registration fees. Timeframes depend on the seller, buyer, bank, municipality, SARS and deeds office steps.
- This conveyancing and property law article is general information and still needs legal review for specific facts.
Documents and facts to prepare
- Signed offer to purchase.
- ID document.
- Proof of address.
- Marriage certificate or antenuptial contract, if applicable.
- Bond approval or pre-approval.
- Proof of deposit.
- Income or FICA documents requested by the conveyancer.
- Defect disclosure, photos or inspection notes.
- Details of occupation date and occupational rent.
Common mistakes
- Bringing only the estate agent brochure.
- Not keeping the full signed offer.
- Forgetting FICA documents.
- Ignoring marriage-regime documents.
- Not budgeting for transfer and bond costs.
- Losing proof of deposit.
- Not recording defects or repair promises.
Why this situation happens
First-time buyers often think the bank approval is the whole process. It is not. The transfer still needs FICA checks, transfer duty steps, bond registration, guarantees, rates clearance, seller documents and deeds office lodgement.
Legal explanation
SARS explains that transfer duty is charged on the value of property acquired through a transaction or other acquisition, subject to current thresholds and rules. Conveyancers also use SARS transfer duty eFiling processes. That makes the buyer's identity, purchase price, property details and transaction documents central to the transfer.
What to do next
Put all property documents in one folder. Mark the dates for bond approval, deposit, occupation and transfer-related conditions. If the seller promised repairs or included fixtures, keep the wording and photos.
Ask the lawyer to explain the difference between transfer costs, bond costs, transfer duty and occupational rent. These are often confused.
Costs and timeframes
Costs depend on purchase price, bond amount, transfer duty, disbursements and bank registration fees. Timeframes depend on the seller, buyer, bank, municipality, SARS and deeds office steps.
FAQs
Should I bring the signed offer to purchase?
Yes. The offer is the starting point for price, conditions, occupation, fixtures, deposit, breach terms and deadlines.
Do I need bond documents?
Bring bond approval or pre-approval documents, plus any bank conditions. Bond registration and transfer usually move together.
Why does my marriage status matter?
Marriage regime can affect signing, ownership and transfer documents. Bring your marriage certificate or antenuptial contract if applicable.
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Legal note
This article is general legal information for South African readers. It is not legal advice. Speak to a qualified legal professional about your specific facts before taking action.