08/09/2026
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๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐? ๐๐๐๐โ๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐! ๐ฟ๐ฆ
Selling your property is about more than simply finding a buyer and signing an Offer to Purchase. There are several costs, certificates and financial considerations you should understand before putting your home on the market.
๐ฐ APART FROM ESTATE AGENT COMMISSION, WHAT OTHER COSTS SHOULD YOU EXPECT?
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If you still have a bond on your property, you will generally be responsible for the legal costs involved in cancelling it. Your bank may also require advance notice of your intention to cancel the bond to avoid possible early termination costs.
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Depending on your property and applicable requirements, you may need certificates such as:
โ๏ธ Electrical Certificate of Compliance
โ๏ธ Electric Fence Certificate
โ๏ธ Gas Certificate
โ๏ธ Plumbing Certificate
โ๏ธ Beetle/Woodborer Certificate
Requirements can vary depending on the property, municipality and applicable rules.
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Before transfer can take place, outstanding municipal rates, taxes and service charges generally need to be settled. If your property is in a sectional title scheme or estate, applicable body corporate or homeowners' association levies and charges also need to be taken into account.
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Don't forget to budget for removal costs, storage, cleaning and other expenses associated with moving into your next home.
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In a typical South African residential sale, the buyer generally pays the transfer costs, rather than the seller. However, there can still be other seller-side costs associated with the transaction.
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Depending on your circumstances, you may have a Capital Gains Tax liability. Your primary residence may qualify for an exemption, subject to the applicable SARS rules and requirements.
๐ต ๐. ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐-๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐
This is one of the most important things to understand!
Apart from estate agent commission, your final proceeds may be affected by:
โ๏ธ Outstanding bond settlement
โ๏ธ Bond cancellation costs
โ๏ธ Compliance certificates
โ๏ธ Rates and levy-related amounts
โ๏ธ Other agreed costs
โ๏ธ Potential CGT
So, before deciding on your asking price, it's important to understand what you could actually walk away with after the sale.
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Ask your estate agent for an estimated seller's cost breakdown and request an up-to-date bond settlement figure from your bank.
Understanding your numbers BEFORE you sell can help you make informed decisions and avoid unpleasant surprises later.
๐ก Thinking of selling in Mossel Bay, Hartenbos or the Garden Route?
Let ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐ญ๐ฒ ๐๐จ๐ง๐จ๐ฉ๐จ๐ฅ๐ฒ guide you through the process โ from valuation to transfer and everything in between.
๐ฒ Contact us today for a professional property valuation and seller's cost estimate.