How to sell a house in South Africa, step by step

Start with a realistic selling range, then subtract the amounts that may be paid from the proceeds. These can include:

• the balance required to settle your bond
• agent commission and VAT, if you appoint an agent
• bond cancellation attorney costs and possible bank charges
• compliance inspections, certificates and remedial work
• municipal or body corporate amounts needed for clearance
• moving, storage and temporary accommodation costs
• tax that may apply to your circumstances

Ask your bank for settlement information and obtain professional tax advice if the property is not your primary residence, is partly used for business or has an unusual ownership structure.

Compare recent sales and current listings for genuinely similar homes. Look at location, erf or floor size, condition, parking, security, views, levies and other features that affect value.

If you interview agents, ask each one to explain the evidence behind their estimated selling range. A credible valuation is more useful than a flattering one.

Decide whether to appoint an agent or manage a private sale. If you use an agent, compare local experience, marketing quality, commission and mandate terms. If you sell privately, plan how you will handle photography, advertising, enquiries, viewings and negotiation.

Whichever route you choose, use a conveyancer to prepare or review the sale agreement and manage transfer.

Prioritise work that improves confidence in the property:

• repair visible defects and safety issues
• resolve leaks, damp and drainage problems
• declutter and clean thoroughly
• make the entrance, garden and outdoor areas presentable
• organise storage areas that buyers are likely to inspect

Be cautious about expensive renovations. Maintenance and presentation often matter more than a last-minute redesign.

Start collecting identity and ownership information, bond details, municipal accounts, approved plans where available, sectional title documents, lease information and records of alterations or installations.

Complete the required property condition disclosure carefully. Tell your agent and conveyancer about known defects, servitudes, disputes, unapproved work or other material facts that could affect the transaction.

The certificates needed can depend on the installations at the property, the municipality, the location and the terms of the Offer to Purchase. Electrical, electric fence, gas, water or beetle-related requirements may apply.

Ask your conveyancer which certificates the transaction requires and who is responsible for repairs. Starting early can reveal work that needs to be completed before transfer.

Use clear, well-lit photos and a description that explains the home's important features without exaggeration. Verify the bedroom and bathroom count, parking, floor size, rates, levies and included fixtures before publishing.

Include the information buyers need to decide whether the home fits their budget and lifestyle. Accuracy reduces wasted enquiries and builds trust.

Respond promptly, confirm appointments and keep a record of interested buyers. Before each viewing, open curtains, switch on lights where needed, secure pets and make access straightforward.

After the viewing, gather specific feedback about price, condition and buyer concerns. Patterns matter more than one person's opinion.

The written offer should identify the parties and property, record the price and set out the conditions of the sale. Review:

• the deposit and how the balance will be secured
• bond approval or sale-of-property conditions
• deadlines attached to each suspensive condition
• the occupation date and any occupational rent
• fixtures and fittings included or excluded
• compliance, disclosure and repair responsibilities
• breach, cancellation and other special clauses

Do not sign until you understand the document. Ask your conveyancer for advice if any wording is unclear or the transaction is complex.

You can accept, reject or counter an offer. Compare the price with the risk attached to its conditions. A higher offer may be less attractive if it depends on a difficult sale or uncertain finance, while a clean offer may justify a different decision.

Once the agreement has been signed and accepted, its terms matter. Keep copies of the final document and all written amendments.

In many South African sales, the seller appoints the transferring conveyancer. The conveyancer coordinates with the bond cancellation attorney, the buyer's bond attorney where applicable, the municipality or body corporate, SARS and the Deeds Office.

Respond quickly to requests for documents and signatures. The buyer must also satisfy the agreement's conditions and arrange the purchase price or guarantees before the matter can be lodged.

The conveyancers will arrange the certificates and financial clearances needed for transfer, prepare the documents and lodge the matter at the Deeds Office when it is ready.

Registration transfers ownership to the buyer. Occupation does not always happen on the same day, so follow the dates and terms in the agreement. Before handover:

• leave the property in the agreed condition
• record final meter readings where relevant
• hand over keys, remotes and access information
• remove items that are not included in the sale
• keep insurance in place until your advisers confirm it can end