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South Africa – Finding Property to Buy

Popular Estate Agencies

  • Seeff Property Group: A well-established South African estate agency with a network of over 200 offices across the country. They offer a wide range of residential and commercial properties for sale and rent.
  • Rawson Properties: Another large South African estate agency with a presence in several major cities. They specialize in residential properties and offer a range of services including property management and valuations.
  • Chas Everitt International Property Group: A national estate agency with a focus on high-end properties. They offer a range of services including property development and investment consulting.

Qualifications and/or Licenses for Estate Agents in South Africa

  • Estate agents in South Africa are required to be registered with the Estate Agency Affairs Board (EAAB) and hold a valid Fidelity Fund Certificate (FFC).
  • In addition, they must complete a recognized training course and pass a qualifying examination.
  • They are also required to be a member of a recognized estate agency organization, such as the Institute of Estate Agents of South Africa (IEASA) or the National Association of Real Estate Agents (NAREA).

Estate Agent Fees in South Africa

  • Commission fees for estate agents in South Africa are typically around 5-7% of the sale price of the property.
  • In addition, there may be additional charges for advertising and other services.
  • It is important to understand the terms and conditions of the agency agreement before signing.

Other Resources for Property for Sale in South Africa

  • Online property portals such as Property24, Private Property, and SAHometraders
  • Local newspapers and magazines, such as the Property section of the Sunday Times and the Property Guide of the Financial Mail
  • Word of mouth and local knowledge can also be a good source of information.

Use of a Buyer’s Agent in South Africa

  • The Use of a Buyer’s Agent is not very common in South Africa.
  • There is no specific qualification or license required for buyer’s agents in South Africa, but they are typically experienced estate agents or property professionals who work on behalf of the buyer to find and negotiate the purchase of a property.
  • The cost of a buyer’s agent is usually a percentage of the purchase price, typically around 1-2%.

Organisations for Foreign Property Buyers in South Africa


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  • The International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI) South Africa: This organization represents real estate professionals and has a network of members that can assist foreign property buyers. Contact details can be found on their website, www.fiabci.org.za.
  • The South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA): This organization represents the commercial property industry in South Africa and has a network of members that can assist foreign property buyers. Contact details can be found on their website, www.sapoa.org.za.


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