South Africa – Buying Property

Can foreign nationals legally buy and own property in South Africa?

Yes — foreign nationals may legally acquire and hold property in South Africa, and the current legal framework contains no general prohibitions based on nationality. The sole exception applies to those who are in the country unlawfully. This openness puts South Africa well ahead of many global markets — countries such as New Zealand, Switzerland, and Thailand impose meaningful restrictions or outright prohibitions on certain categories of foreign property ownership.

Overseas buyers enjoy the same ownership rights as South African citizens, including full freehold title over land and structures. There are no government-imposed ceilings on the number or value of properties a foreign buyer may hold, meaning international purchasers can build substantial property portfolios without restriction.

That said, foreign buyers are unable to acquire land earmarked for restitution or land reform purposes and may need special authorisation for properties situated near national borders. Although political debate around possible constraints on foreign ownership of agricultural land has continued, no such law has been enacted as of September 2025. Farms, agricultural holdings, and rural properties therefore remain fully accessible to overseas buyers at present.

Regarding the Expropriation Act introduced in 2024: this legislation replaced earlier provisions and strengthened property rights protections. The previous 1975 Act afforded the government broader discretionary powers over land, raising concerns about equitable treatment. The revised law narrows those powers considerably, restricting expropriation of vacant agricultural land to clearly defined public purposes and embedding strict constitutional safeguards. Compensation must be just and equitable, ordinarily calculated with reference to market value and the property’s current use.

The most significant requirements specific to foreign buyers relate to exchange control compliance (channelling funds through authorised dealers), FICA verification (passport, proof of address, and source of funds), and withholding tax obligations when non-residents dispose of property. These requirements stem from the South African Reserve Bank’s exchange control rules and the Financial Intelligence Centre Act, which are designed to monitor cross-border financial flows and combat financial crime rather than to curtail foreign ownership.

Foreign nationals may obtain mortgage finance from South African banks to fund a purchase, subject to exchange control regulations. Banks will establish at the outset whether a foreign national holds a South African work permit. Those with valid work permits are treated as residents for the duration of that permit and may be granted more than 50% of the purchase price at the bank’s discretion. Those without work permits are generally limited to borrowing no more than 50% of the purchase price.

The principal legislation governing property ownership includes the Deeds Registries Act and the Transfer Duty Act. The South African Revenue Service (SARS) and the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) are the main regulatory authorities overseeing transactions involving foreign purchasers.

What are average property prices in South Africa, and how do they vary by region?

The average residential property price in South Africa crossed R1.6 million for the first time on record as of June 2025 — a notable landmark given that the average stood at R795,000 in 2007 and R1,431,712 in early 2025. For buyers from abroad, the rand’s relative softness against many major currencies means South African property can represent outstanding value — a point that continues to draw international interest.

Cape Town was the country’s most expensive metro for residential purchases in 2024, with average sales prices roughly double those recorded in Port Elizabeth. The Western Cape is the priciest province overall, with average prices of around ZAR 1.8 million, a figure underpinned by the region’s attractiveness as a place to live and its robust economic activity.

The Eastern Cape and Free State offer exceptional value by comparison, with average prices below R1.2 million. The Western Cape has continued to outperform other regions, driven by semigration and reliable service delivery, particularly in Cape Town and along the Garden Route. Gauteng’s market has been more price-sensitive, though secure estates and properties within sought-after school catchment areas have maintained reasonable resilience.

Non-resident foreign buyers paid an average of R2.7 million per property in 2024, more than double the R1.2 million average recorded for local buyers. This gap reflects overseas buyers’ concentration in premium properties in desirable locations. Prices across all regions can shift materially with movements in interest rates, exchange rates, and local demand. Always review current listings on established platforms such as Property24 and Private Property for up-to-date figures.

Where are the most popular locations to buy property in South Africa?

Cape Town, named the world’s best city by Time Out in 2025, combines a rich cultural heritage with stunning natural surroundings and remains a top choice for foreign buyers. The City Bowl, Atlantic Seaboard (Sea Point, Clifton, Camps Bay), and Southern Suburbs (Constantia, Newlands, Claremont) are the most coveted residential addresses. Luxury apartments in the Waterfront precinct and freestanding homes in Bishopscourt and Hout Bay regularly feature in international buyers’ searches.

Overseas purchasers account for 40% of all transactions above R10 million in the Western Cape, placing significant upward pressure on premium-segment prices. This international demand is concentrated in lifestyle properties, coastal homes, and secure estate living.

Johannesburg, as South Africa’s commercial and financial centre, draws buyers seeking investment properties and business-oriented living. The northern suburbs — Sandton, Rosebank, Morningside, and Fourways — are especially popular, offering excellent infrastructure, leading international schools, and some of the country’s highest rental yields. In Johannesburg, a 42m² apartment can deliver a net rental yield of around 10.27%.

Pretoria (Tshwane), the administrative capital, is well suited to those working in government or diplomacy, with established suburbs such as Waterkloof, Lynnwood, and Menlo Park providing well-secured, well-connected family homes at prices generally below comparable Johannesburg addresses. The Durban and KwaZulu-Natal coastline — encompassing Umhlanga, Ballito, and Zimbali — attracts buyers who want coastal living at price points more accessible than Cape Town. The semigration trend toward the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast, particularly the Ballito and Sibaya corridors, remains a durable theme.

Are there any emerging or up-and-coming areas worth considering in South Africa?

In 2024, buyer interest in rural properties across South Africa increased by 7%, propelled by people seeking relief from the escalating cost of urban living. The appeal of a quieter, more affordable lifestyle drew many toward suburban and rural communities that had previously attracted little attention, as rising city costs made the tranquillity and relative affordability of smaller towns and rural regions increasingly compelling.

The Garden Route — encompassing towns such as Knysna, George, Wilderness, and Plettenberg Bay — has experienced sustained growth as buyers relocate from major urban centres, attracted by the scenery, greater affordability relative to Cape Town, and expanding digital connectivity that supports remote working. Franschhoek and Stellenbosch in the Cape Winelands continue to attract lifestyle-driven purchasers who want reasonable proximity to Cape Town without inner-city price tags, and both towns have seen substantial new residential development activity.

Districts such as the City Bowl, Atlantic Seaboard, and Southern Suburbs within Cape Town are experiencing growing tenant demand due to constrained supply and elevated property prices, making buy-to-let investment particularly appealing in the current rate environment. Coastal and scenic areas continue to draw the work-from-home segment, with remote working culture sustaining demand well beyond the initial pandemic-driven shift.

The Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) metropolitan area in the Eastern Cape offers affordability considerably below national averages, along with improving infrastructure and growing interest from investors priced out of the Cape Town market. Similarly, towns in the Overberg region — Hermanus, Arniston, and Gansbaai — are attracting buyers seeking coastal properties at a fraction of Atlantic Seaboard costs.

What are the current trends in the property market in South Africa?

South African residential property prices rose by approximately 6.4% year-on-year as of mid-2025, a sharp acceleration from the sluggish growth of 0.8% to 1% recorded during 2023. The recovery has been fuelled by pent-up demand unleashed following the 2024 elections, a series of interest rate reductions by the South African Reserve Bank, and improved consumer sentiment in the wake of the Government of National Unity’s formation.

Interest rates have dropped considerably, with the prime lending rate declining from 11.75% to 10.25% across six consecutive Reserve Bank cuts between September 2024 and November 2025. House prices climbed nearly 5% in October 2025 relative to the same period the prior year. Demand is recovering as falling rates restore affordability, draw more buyers into the market, and encourage banks to extend greater volumes of home lending.

Constrained new stock — a consequence of higher construction and financing costs — means well-maintained sectional title units and properties within secure estates should enjoy more stable price support. Demand continues to gravitate toward estate living and mixed-use developments that offer dependable utilities, security, quality schools, healthcare access, and walkable amenities.

Properties are spending longer on the market, with average selling times rising to 12 weeks and three days in Q3 2025, up from under 10 weeks in 2022. Homes are also achieving 3–5% below asking price in certain areas, creating useful negotiating room for well-prepared buyers. Sustainability features and solar-equipped homes are increasingly in demand — particularly given South Africa’s experience with electricity supply challenges — and properties fitted with solar panels and battery backup systems command noticeable price premiums across most urban areas.

For current market data and authoritative reporting, consult the Lightstone Property Reports, ooba Home Loans’ quarterly oobarometer, and FNB’s Property Barometer — all widely referenced sources within the industry.

Is buying property in South Africa a good investment?

Sectional-title properties frequently deliver higher yields — around 10.62% — compared with full-title properties, which tend to hover around 7.44%. In Johannesburg, a 42m² apartment can achieve a net rental yield of approximately 10.27%. The Western Cape, buoyed by semigration flows, typically offers lower rental returns but more consistent capital appreciation. Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, by contrast, tend to offer stronger yields but more modest capital growth. These figures compare favourably with established markets such as the UK (average gross yields of around 4–6%) or France (typically 3–5%), though South Africa’s greater macroeconomic volatility is a relevant counterbalancing factor.

The structural fundamentals remain broadly supportive of property investment. South Africa’s housing deficit of 2.3 million units continues to underpin demand, creating favourable conditions for both homeownership and investment. Despite the overall market’s recent improvement, foreign home buying remains somewhat subdued, though South African property is now considerably more affordable in foreign currency terms than it was a decade ago — particularly for those holding stronger currencies against the rand.

The rand remains sensitive to global risk appetite and domestic policy signals, which means investors should build conservative financial buffers and, where possible, fix cost assumptions. Currency volatility is a material consideration: while a weakening rand can make entry prices attractive for overseas buyers, it can equally erode the real value of rental income and sale proceeds once converted back into another currency.

On the future sale of a property, a non-resident may be liable for Capital Gains Tax. South Africa has concluded Double Taxation Agreements with various countries, which may provide relief or exemptions from South African tax obligations. The short-term rental market — platforms such as Airbnb are well established in Cape Town, Stellenbosch, and the Garden Route — offers additional income potential, though municipal regulations governing short-term lettings are evolving and should be verified locally. Property investment always involves risk, and independent financial advice from a qualified adviser familiar with both South African and your home-country tax laws is strongly recommended before making any commitment.

What types of property are commonly available to buy in South Africa?

South Africa offers a diverse and well-developed property market across several distinct categories:

• Freehold / Full-title homes: Detached houses on individual stands (plots), typically found in suburban areas across all major cities. These offer outright ownership of both the building and the underlying land, with no body corporate or homeowners’ association levy unless the property falls within a gated estate.
• Sectional title units: Apartments, flats, and townhouses within shared developments. The owner holds title to their individual section together with a share of the common property. Sectional-title properties often deliver higher rental yields — around 10.62% — compared with full-title properties. Monthly levies are paid to the body corporate to cover shared maintenance and building insurance.
• Gated estates and security estates: Demand continues to favour estates and mixed-use precincts offering reliable utilities, security, schools, healthcare facilities, and walkable amenities. Estates range from entry-level townhouse clusters to ultra-luxury golf and lifestyle developments in the Winelands, Bushveld, and coastal areas. Homeowners’ association fees apply.
• Agricultural land and smallholdings: The Free State offers expansive, fertile land suitable for crop production; the Eastern Cape presents varied opportunities for livestock and mixed farming; and regions of Limpopo and Mpumalanga provide favourable growing conditions and supporting infrastructure for agricultural enterprises.
• Vacant land: Building plots (erven) are available throughout the country for those wishing to construct their own home. Transfer duty and conveyancing costs apply to land purchases in the same manner as built property.
• Commercial and industrial property: Commercial property attracts considerable interest from foreign buyers, with no restrictions on purchasing office buildings, shopping centres, or industrial facilities. Mixed-use developments and sectional title commercial properties are also available to international investors.

What is the typical step-by-step process for buying property in South Africa?

The South African purchase process has one notable distinction from systems such as the UK or Australian conveyancing model: it is the seller, not the buyer, who appoints the conveyancing attorney — though the buyer pays the associated fees. The process is closely regulated and entirely documented in writing from the outset. Here is a step-by-step overview:

1. Verify the estate agent: Before engaging any agent, confirm their registration with the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (PPRA). Only registered practitioners may legally facilitate property sales in South Africa. Check via www.ppra.org.za.
2. Make an offer: Submit a written Offer to Purchase (OTP), which becomes a binding legal contract once signed by both parties. The OTP specifies the agreed price, any conditions (such as subject to bond approval), the occupation date, and any inclusions or exclusions. Unlike the informal offers common in some markets, the South African OTP is a firm legal commitment — read every clause carefully before signing.
3. Secure financing: South African banks generally permit foreign nationals to borrow up to 50% of the property purchase price, secured by a mortgage bond over the property. The remaining 50% must come from the buyer’s own resources. Apply directly to a South African bank or use a bond originator such as ooba or BetterBond to approach multiple lenders simultaneously.
4. Appoint a conveyancer: Engaging a conveyancing attorney is mandatory for all property transfers in South Africa, since only qualified conveyancers are permitted to register property at the Deeds Office. The seller usually nominates the conveyancer, though buyers may negotiate this if they have a preferred firm.
5. Complete FICA checks: FICA verification requires submission of your passport, proof of address, and source of funds documentation. These checks are a legal requirement under the Financial Intelligence Centre Act and must be completed before any transfer can proceed.
6. Transfer funds via an authorised dealer: All property transactions funded from abroad are regulated by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB). The receiving bank must issue a deal receipt confirming the introduction of foreign funds. Without this record, a foreign buyer may be unable to repatriate the proceeds after a future sale. Open a non-resident bank account with a South African institution to receive and disburse funds.
7. Pay transfer duty and conveyancing fees: From 1 April 2025, no transfer duty is payable on properties below R1.2 million. Rates then apply on a sliding scale starting at 3% on the value between R1.2 million and R1.6 million, rising progressively to 13% on values above R13.3 million. The conveyancing attorney submits transfer duty to SARS on the buyer’s behalf via the SARS eFiling system.
8. Obtain municipal rates clearance: The seller must produce a rates clearance certificate from the relevant local authority confirming that all outstanding rates and taxes have been settled. Ensure your conveyancer examines this carefully, as clearance figures can include arrears owed by the seller.
9. Register at the Deeds Office: The conveyancer lodges all transfer documentation at the appropriate Deeds Office. This registration process guarantees that foreign buyers hold secure, formally documented ownership. Registration typically takes 2–3 months from the signing of the OTP, though the complete process — when mortgage financing is involved — can extend to 3–4 months.
10. Register as a South African taxpayer: Foreign nationals acquiring immovable property in South Africa are required to register as South African taxpayers, given that any future disposal of the property will give rise to a Capital Gains Tax liability. Register via SARS.

The South African legal framework accommodates remote transactions through power of attorney arrangements and authenticated documentation. Buyers may appoint a trusted representative — most commonly the conveyancing attorney — to act on their behalf. All required documents may be signed in the buyer’s home country and authenticated through apostille or notarisation processes that South African authorities recognise.

Do I need a lawyer to buy property in South Africa, and how do I find a reputable one?

Yes — engaging a conveyancing attorney is a legal requirement for all property transfers in South Africa, as only qualified conveyancers may register property at the Deeds Office. This differs from France, where a public notaire handles the transfer, or the United States, where the process is largely title-company driven. In South Africa, the conveyancer manages the entire legal transfer, handles transfer duty payments to SARS, obtains the municipal rates clearance certificate, and lodges all documents with the Deeds Office.

Always have your conveyancing attorney verify all fee calculations before making any payment. Transfer duty is computed as a percentage of the property value according to fixed government rates, while conveyancing fees are regulated professional charges covering the legal work required to transfer ownership — including document preparation, searches, and registration.

Conveyancing fees vary according to property value but generally fall in the range of 0.5% to 1% of the purchase price plus VAT. On a R3 million property, expect fees of approximately R25,000–R35,000 including VAT (as of 2025 — confirm current rates with your attorney). These costs encompass conveyancing fees based on tariffs recommended by the Legal Practice Council, Deeds Office fees, and where a mortgage bond is involved, any associated bank charges.

Conveyancers in South Africa must be admitted attorneys and separately admitted as conveyancers by the High Court. They are regulated by the Legal Practice Council of South Africa, which maintains a register of all practising attorneys and conveyancers:

• Legal Practice Council (LPC) — www.lpc.org.za
• The LPC can confirm whether a practitioner is in good standing and has not been struck from the roll.
• Seek referrals through established property portals, reputable developers, or expat community networks. Firms with dedicated foreign buyer or conveyancing departments — such as those listed in Property24’s professional directory — are particularly well suited to international transactions.

As a foreign buyer, you may also consider retaining a separate independent property attorney (in addition to the seller’s nominated conveyancer) to review the OTP and advise on your specific legal position prior to signing.

What are the most common pitfalls and problems expats encounter when buying property in South Africa?

• Email interception and banking fraud: One of the gravest risks for foreign buyers is falling prey to sophisticated property scams and phishing attacks that target international purchasers. Fraudsters frequently intercept email threads and substitute fake banking details for legitimate ones. Always confirm banking details directly with your conveyancer by telephone, using contact numbers sourced independently — never act solely on emailed instructions.
• Failure to document inbound funds: The receiving bank must issue a deal receipt confirming the introduction of foreign funds at the time of purchase. Without this record, a foreign buyer may encounter serious difficulties repatriating proceeds from South Africa following a future sale. Maintain thorough records of every international transfer from the outset.
• Hidden and unexpected costs: Unanticipated charges typically add a further 1%–3% to your budget beyond the obvious transfer duty and conveyancing costs. The most commonly overlooked items include municipal rates clearance figures that may incorporate the seller’s outstanding arrears, and sectional title levies or special levies that can vary substantially between schemes.
• Unregistered estate agents: Only agents registered with the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (PPRA) may legally facilitate sales. Working with a qualified conveyancer provides essential protection — and always verify agent credentials at www.ppra.org.za before engaging anyone.
• Assuming property ownership grants residency: Foreign nationals have the same rights as South African citizens or residents when it comes to purchasing property. However, ownership of a home confers no automatic right of residence, and holding title to a property does not entitle a foreign national to a residency permit. Visa and immigration matters are handled entirely separately.
• Title and debt issues: Always instruct your conveyancer to conduct a thorough title search at the Deeds Office to verify that the seller holds clear title and that no undisclosed bonds, servitudes, or restrictions are registered against the property. Where an existing mortgage bond is in place, that bond must be formally cancelled as part of the transfer process.
• Off-plan and developer risk: Purchasing a property that has yet to be constructed carries risks of developer insolvency, completion delays, or changes to the finished product. Satisfy yourself that the developer has a sound track record, ensure your deposit is held in a trust account, and confirm that the contract includes realistic completion deadlines with appropriate penalty provisions.
• Tax compliance delays: SARS uses property transfers as an opportunity to review a buyer’s broader tax compliance. If you are not registered or have outstanding returns or liabilities, you will be given an opportunity to rectify the situation, but failure to do so in a timely manner may delay the transfer of the property.

Can I buy property in South Africa through a company, and is it worth doing?

Foreigners may acquire property in their own name or through a company or trust, though each structure carries different tax and administrative implications. Both individual foreign nationals and foreign-registered companies can hold South African property, provided they comply with South African law and exchange control regulations.

Common corporate structures used for property ownership in South Africa include a Private Company (Pty Ltd), a Close Corporation (CC — no longer registerable, though existing entities remain valid), a Trust, or a Sectional Title Share Block. Each has distinct characteristics:

• Private Company (Pty Ltd): Can be useful for holding an investment portfolio, separating personal and investment liability, and potentially simplifying inheritance through share transfer rather than property transfer. However, shares in a “residential property company” are subject to transfer duty in the same manner as a direct property acquisition.
• Trust: A South African inter vivos trust is commonly used for estate planning and can hold property across generations without triggering a new transfer. However, trusts attract additional SARS scrutiny, must be registered with the Master of the High Court, and carry their own ongoing administrative costs.

Potential advantages of corporate ownership include succession planning (transferring shares rather than the underlying property), easier future disposal to investors, and possible tax structuring of rental income. Potential disadvantages include annual compliance costs (audits, tax returns, and CIPC annual returns), higher effective capital gains tax rates for companies compared with individuals in certain scenarios, and more involved SARB exchange control documentation requirements for the initial acquisition.

Requirements differ where the buyer is a foreign-registered company or trust; your appointed conveyancer will specify what additional documents are needed. This is a complex area of law and taxation, and independent advice from a qualified South African tax attorney or chartered accountant is essential before settling on a corporate purchase structure.

What taxes and ongoing costs should I budget for when owning property in South Africa?

At purchase:

• Transfer duty (as of 1 April 2025): No transfer duty is payable on properties below R1.2 million. Above this threshold, rates begin at 3% (on the portion between R1.2m and R1.6m) and increase progressively to 13% on the portion above R13.3 million. Always confirm current rates directly with SARS at www.sars.gov.za.
• VAT: VAT at 15% applies when buying from a VAT-registered vendor — typically developers selling new-build properties. In such cases, transfer duty does not apply; the two charges are mutually exclusive.
• Conveyancing and Deeds Office fees: Conveyancing fees generally range from approximately R7,000 to R60,000 depending on property value, plus Deeds Office registration fees of around R1,500–R5,000. Where financing is involved, add bond registration costs and a bank initiation fee.
• Total acquisition costs: All costs combined typically add 8–10% to the property purchase price, with transfer duty representing the largest single component.

On an ongoing basis:

• Municipal rates and taxes: Levied annually by the relevant local authority based on the property’s official municipal valuation. Rates vary materially by municipality but typically equate to 0.5%–1.5% of the municipal value per year, billed in monthly instalments.
• Sectional title / homeowners’ association levies: Payable monthly where applicable, covering shared maintenance, building insurance, and estate management. These range widely — from a few hundred rand per month in smaller schemes to several thousand rand in premium gated estates.
• Rental income tax: Rental income from a South African property accruing to a non-resident owner is subject to South African income tax. Legitimate property-related expenses — including insurance premiums, municipal rates and taxes, and repair costs — may generally be deducted against rental income.
• Capital Gains Tax on disposal: Foreign nationals holding immovable property in South Africa are required to register as South African taxpayers, as any future disposal will attract Capital Gains Tax. When a non-resident sells property above R2 million, 7.5% of the sale price is withheld as an advance payment to SARS, credited against the final tax liability.
• Double Taxation Agreements: South Africa has concluded Double Taxation Agreements with a number of countries, which may provide relief from or exemption against South African tax obligations. Refer to the SARS website for a full list of treaty countries.

For the most current tax rates, thresholds, and guidance, consult the South African Revenue Service (SARS) directly. Tax legislation changes regularly, and professional tax advice is strongly recommended.

What are the official sources I should consult when buying property in South Africa?

When purchasing property in South Africa as a foreign national, the following official bodies and authoritative resources should serve as your primary points of reference:

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be in South Africa to complete a property purchase?

No — South African law accommodates remote purchases through power of attorney arrangements and authenticated documentation. Buyers may appoint a trusted representative — typically the conveyancing attorney — to act on their behalf throughout the process. All required documents can be executed in the buyer’s home country and authenticated via apostille or notarisation procedures that South African authorities accept.

Does buying property in South Africa give me the right to live there?

Foreign nationals have the same rights as South African citizens or residents when it comes to purchasing property. However, property ownership does not confer any right of residence. Holding title to a home in South Africa does not entitle a foreign national to automatic residency, and the applicable visa or permit must be applied for separately through the Department of Home Affairs.

Can I get a mortgage in South Africa as a foreign national?

Yes, though within defined limits. South African banks generally permit foreign nationals to borrow up to 50% of the property purchase price against a registered mortgage bond. The remaining 50% must be provided from the buyer’s own funds. The application process broadly mirrors that for local buyers, though foreign applicants may face additional scrutiny or requirements. Note that a foreign bank cannot register a mortgage bond over a South African property.

How long does the property transfer process take?

Under normal circumstances, most homes take around three months to sell and a further three months for the transfer to complete, falling within the stipulated six-month period for transfer duty payment. Cash purchases without bond registration tend to proceed more quickly; transactions involving mortgage financing typically run 3–4 months in total from the signed Offer to Purchase to registered ownership.

What is transfer duty and when does it apply?

Transfer duty is a tax imposed on the value of any property acquired through a transaction or by any other means. From 1 April 2025, no transfer duty is payable on transactions below R1.2 million. Where the seller is a VAT-registered vendor, the purchase price ordinarily includes VAT and no transfer duty is payable. Where the seller is not a VAT vendor, the buyer must pay transfer duty to SARS.

What is a conveyancer and why is one required?

Engaging a conveyancing attorney is a legal requirement for every property transfer in South Africa, as only qualified conveyancers are authorised to register property at the Deeds Office. Transfer duty is calculated as a percentage of the property value at fixed government rates, while conveyancing fees are regulated professional charges covering document preparation, title searches, and registration. The conveyancer is the buyer’s primary legal safeguard throughout the entire transaction.

Are there restrictions on repatriating my money after I sell a South African property?

When purchasing, the receiving bank must issue a deal receipt confirming the introduction of foreign funds. Without this documentation, a foreign buyer may find it difficult to remove proceeds from South Africa after a subsequent sale. The most reliable approach is to work with conveyancers experienced in foreign transactions and to keep meticulous records of every international fund transfer from the very beginning, ensuring smooth repatriation when the time comes to sell.

Can I rent out my South African property when I am not using it?

Yes. Rental income from a South African property accruing to a non-resident owner is subject to South African income tax. Allowable property expenses — such as insurance premiums, municipal rates and taxes, and maintenance costs — may generally be offset against rental income. If you intend to use a short-term rental platform, check the applicable municipal by-laws in your area, as some local authorities have introduced regulations on short-term lettings. Register with SARS as a taxpayer and obtain advice from a tax practitioner regarding your filing obligations.