What Costs Do Sellers Pay When Selling a Property in South Africa?

Selling a property in South Africa involves more than just handing over the keys. While many sellers focus on the selling price, there are a number of additional costs that you need to budget for. Some of these apply nationally, while others are specific to certain provinces or coastal areas. This guide breaks down all the seller costs when selling a house in South Africa, including province-specific expenses that often catch sellers by surprise.

General Costs Sellers Pay Across South Africa



1. Estate Agent’s Commission

• Estate agent commission is usually 5% – 7.5% of the selling price, plus VAT.
• This is the largest cost for sellers and is deducted from the sale proceeds on transfer.

2. Compliance Certificates

To legally transfer a property, sellers must provide various compliance certificates. Which ones you need depends on the property:

• Electrical Certificate of Compliance (COC) – required everywhere.
• Gas Certificate – required if the property has gas installations.
• Electric Fence Certificate – required if the property has an electric fence.
• Beetle Certificate – usually required in coastal regions.
• Plumbing Certificate – required in the City of Cape Town.

3. Bond Cancellation Fees

If your property has a bond (home loan):

• You must pay bond cancellation attorney fees.
• Banks require a 90-day written notice; failing this may result in a penalty fee.

4. Municipal Rates and Taxes Clearance

Before transfer, sellers must provide a Rates Clearance Certificate from the municipality.

• Municipalities often require 2–6 months’ rates, utilities, and refuse charges paid upfront.
• Any unused portion is refunded later.

5. Levy Clearance Certificate (for Sectional Titles and Estates)

If you’re selling in a sectional title scheme, estate, or HOA, you must obtain a levy clearance certificate.

• This includes levies, and in some cases, special levies must be settled before transfer.

6. Conveyancing and Admin Fees

Although the buyer pays transfer attorney fees, sellers must pay:

• Bond cancellation attorney fees
• Courier, admin, and postage fees related to the cancellation process

7. Capital Gains Tax (CGT)

If the property you’re selling is not your primary residence, or if the profit exceeds the R2 million exemption, you may be liable for Capital Gains Tax.

• This applies to investment properties, holiday homes, or second properties.

Province-Specific Seller Costs in South Africa



Cape Town (Western Cape)

• A Plumbing Certificate is mandatory for all properties sold.
• This ensures the property complies with water regulations and helps prevent leaks or water wastage.

Coastal Regions (KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Western Cape coast)

• A Beetle Certificate is often required.
• This certificate confirms that the property is free from wood-destroying beetles, which are common in humid coastal areas.

Summary of Seller Costs

Seller CostApplies Nationally?Province-Specific NotesEstate Agent Commission✔ Yes—Electrical Certificate of Compliance✔ Yes—Gas Certificate (if applicable)✔ Yes—Electric Fence Certificate (if applicable)✔ Yes—Plumbing Certificate✘ Only Cape Town—Beetle Certificate✘ Only coastal areasRequired in KZN, Eastern Cape, WC coastBond Cancellation Fees✔ Yes—Rates and Taxes Clearance✔ Yes—Levy Clearance Certificate✔ Yes (sectional title/HOA)—Conveyancing/Admin Fees✔ Yes—Capital Gains Tax (if applicable)✔ Yes—



Final Thoughts

When selling property in South Africa, it’s crucial to budget for more than just the estate agent’s commission. Costs like bond cancellation, compliance certificates, rates clearance, and levy payments are standard nationwide. However, sellers in Cape Town must obtain a Plumbing Certificate, while those in coastal regions may need a Beetle Certificate. By preparing in advance and working with an experienced conveyancer or estate agent, you can avoid last-minute surprises and ensure a smooth property transfer. 👉 Thinking of selling your property? At A+ Properties, we provide full guidance on seller costs and help you maximise your return. Contact us today on 061 475 0383 for expert advice.