Selling your home

Our five steps

1. Valuation. A price based on what similar homes nearby have actually sold for, recent deeds-office transfers and the homes you will compete with today. Not the highest number we think you want to hear.
2. Preparation. Small repairs, decluttering and good light make more difference than a renovation. Start the compliance certificates early so they don't hold up transfer.
3. Marketing. Professional photography and video, Property24 and our website, and first to the buyers already registered with us for your area and price.
4. Negotiation. We qualify buyers before you sign: pre-approval, deposit and a realistic plan for any home they need to sell first.
5. Transfer. We work with your conveyancer on certificates, rates clearance and the bond cancellation, through to registration.

Price it right from day one

The first two to three weeks bring the most interest. A home priced 10% too high gets viewed by the wrong buyers, sits, and usually sells for less than it would have at the right price. A fair price draws competition.

What it costs to sell

• Agent's commission (plus VAT), agreed upfront in the mandate.
• Bond cancellation: give your bank notice early (usually 90 days) to avoid penalty interest.
• Compliance certificates: electrical, water installation (Cape Town), and gas, electric fence and beetle where they apply.
• Rates clearance: the municipality needs rates paid a few months in advance before it clears transfer.
• Capital gains tax if it's not your primary residence (your primary residence has a large exclusion). Ask your tax adviser.

Disclose, in writing

Since 2022 the Property Practitioners Act requires a signed Mandatory Disclosure Form listing the defects you know of. Being upfront protects you: a disclosed defect is priced in, a hidden one can unwind the sale.

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