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.

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