One of the first questions buyers and sellers ask is: How long will the transfer of property take?

While there is no exact formula, an average transfer in South Africa takes around 3 months from the date the offer to purchase is signed. Some transfers move faster - in cash deals with no bond and efficient cooperation, it can be done in as little as three weeks. On the other hand, delays can stretch the process to several months.

The Property Transfer Process at a Glance

A brief overview of the steps in a quite complicated process:

1. Offer to Purchase Signed
    
   • The buyer and seller conclude the agreement.
2. Bond Application & Approval (if applicable)
    
   • The buyer secures financing from the bank.
3. Conveyancer Appointment
    
   • The seller usually appoints the transferring attorney.
4. Document Collection & Verification
    
   • FICA, marriage certificates, bond cancellation figures (if applicable), compliance certificates, rates and clearance certificates and levies accounts (if applicable) are obtained.
5. Clearances & Consents
    
   • Municipal rates and levies must be paid up to date; SARS issues a transfer duty receipt.
6. Lodgement at the Deeds Office
    
   • Transfer, bond, and bond cancellation documents are lodged simultaneously.
7. Examination & Registration
    
   • The Deeds Office examines the documents and, if in order, registration takes place.

Where Delays Can Occur

Even with efficient attorneys, the timeline depends on multiple parties and moving parts:

• Banks: Bond approval and delays
  Banks may take weeks to process applications, especially if further information is requested.
• Cancellation attorneys: Bond cancellation delays
  The seller’s existing bond must be cancelled, which requires cancellation figures from the bank and notice periods.
• Registration attorneys: Bond registration delays

The bond cannot usually be registered unless certain conditions are met - which may be due to insurance, outstanding documents, settlement of debt or cross-surety

• Municipalities: Municipal rates clearance
  Some municipalities are efficient, but others may take weeks to issue a clearance certificate. Unpaid rates or disputes cause further hold-ups.
• Body Corporate: Levy clearance (sectional titles & estates)
  Body corporates and homeowners’ associations must issue levy clearance certificates. Delays often arise when levies are in arrears or the managing agent is slow.
• SARS: Transfer duty
  SARS typically issues transfer duty receipts within a few days, but errors or outstanding tax affairs can delay the process.
• Buyers & Sellers: Documentation from parties
  Missing IDs, marriage certificates, or FICA documents from either buyer or seller can stall progress.
• Deeds Office: examination
  While lodgement usually takes 7–10 working days to finalise, rejections (even for small technicalities) can send the file back and add another 1–2 weeks.

Average Timeframes

• Cash deal, no bond → as fast as 3 weeks (if clearances and documents are ready)
• Bonded deal, no complications → ± 50 working days (most common scenario)
• Complicated transfer (multiple properties, deceased estate, arrears, delays from third parties) → 3–6 months or more

Final Word

While an average property transfer in South Africa takes about 3 months, the reality is that each transfer is unique, depending on banks, municipalities, SARS, body corporates, and the parties themselves.

At VDM Attorneys, our conveyancing team monitors every step, follows up with third parties, and keeps clients informed - ensuring the process is as smooth and efficient as possible. Our avergae turn-around time is currently 50 days, with some transfer taking less and others with complications (like shortfall matters or deceased estates) taking longer. The key to every transfer is communication between all stakeholders.

📞 Contact us today for guidance on your property transfer and experience how a proactive conveyancer can save you time.