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Input the purchase price of a property into our bespoke calculator above and it will estimate all property transfer costs, including the conveyancing costs. The calculator has been updated for the 3.2% conveyancing fees costs increase on 1 August 2025.

Conveyancing Costs & Transfer Fees Calculator

"Conveyancing costs" or "conveyancing fees" usually refers to the legal fees payable by the purchaser for the transfer of property in South Africa; these are are one of the property transfer costs ("transfer fees") payable when buying a property, with others such as transfer duty tax, Deeds Office fees and disbursements forming part of the total cost. Conveyancing costs are also known as "attorney transfer fees" and are sometimes listed as "Professional Fees"; since 1 August 2025 they vary from R6640 (for properties valued at under R100,000) to R92 170 for a property valued at R10m; any value of a property in excess of R10m attracts an extra 0.516% conveyancer fees (all numbers exclude VAT, so including VAT a R10m property would attract conveyancer fees of R105,996). NB: sometimes people use the term "conveyancing costs" as an umbrella term for all property transfer costs, and it's best to double-check whether this is being referred to (total property transfer costs are significantly higher than just the conveyancing fees - see table below).

The Legal Practice Council (LPC) sets standard conveyancing fees, but conveyancing attorneys are usually willing to charge less than the standard fees - we recommend that you negotiate to pay lower conveyancing fees than the LPC standard. Standard conveyancing fees in South Africa are increased annually by the LPC, with the last increase being effective from 1 August 2025. The higher the value of the property the higher the conveyancing fees. Get a quote and start negotiating! Email lawyer@capetownlawyer.co.za for personalised assistance.

Conveyancing Quote

The LPC's standardised conveyancing fees are in the table below:

Purchase price CONVEYANCING Attorney fee (including VAT) Transfer costs (including VAT)
R500,000 R17 388 R21,738
R1,000,000 R29 176 R34 084
R2,000,000 R40 963 R86,266
R3,000,000 R52 751 R165,832
R4,000,000 R64 538 R287,619
R5,000,000 R76 326 R409,893
R10,000,000 R105 996 R990,649

Whilst conveyancing attorney fees are based on a sliding scale where the percentage decreases as the value of the property increases, for transfer duty the percentage increases, which is why total transfer costs are so high relative to conveyancing fees for a property worth R10m.

Why conveyancing costs are important

Whether you are purchasing a home or selling a property; it is of great importance to understand the conveyancing costs associated thereto.  If you understand the conveyancing costs, a smooth transfer process can be achieved. There are various costs to be aware of and to budget for :

  1. Costs for the Buyer :

These costs generally are based on the Conveyancing fee guidelines which are published and updated annually by the Legal Practice Council.

These costs are payable to the Deeds Office to cover their fees. These fees are published annually in the Government Gazette, as per the Deeds Registries Act:

These fees are payable to cover expenses relating to the verification of the clients required in terms of the Financial Intelligence Centre Act; including the collection of the FICA required documents.

These disbursements are costs to cover expenses such as printing, courier fees, telephone calls.

These disbursements are costs paid to vendors for Rates Clearance/ Transfer Duty and to generate transfer documents.

Property seller holding money in front of house with sold sign

Transfer Duty is a tax payable to SARS (South African Revenue Service)  when purchasing a property. The amount payable can change from year to year.
The National Budget 2024 brought about some good news for property purchasers. The Rates for Transfer Duty remain unchanged from last year.
Property Sales under the value R1 100 000,00 are exempt from Transfer Duty; and the amount levied on properties above R1 100 000,00 – is on a sliding scale as follows:

Value of Property

Rate

R1 100 001 — R1 512 500

3% of the value above R1 100 000

R1 512 501 – R2 117 500

R12 375 + 6% of the value above R1 512 500

R2 117 501 – R2 722 500

R48 675 + 8% of the value above R2 117 500

R2 722 501 – R12 100 000

R97 075 + 11% of the value above R2 722 500

R12 100 001 and above

R1 128 600 + 13% of the value above R12 100 000
Conveyancing fees calculator held by somebody in front of a house with a sold sign

There are instances when transfer duty is not levied by SARS, these are :-

If the property being purchased is subject to a Bond; There will be Attorney fees to be paid to the Attorney attending to the registration of the bond. A guideline to these costs is set out in the Conveyancing fee Guideline set by the Legal Practice Council.

If occupation is taken before registration of the property into the name of the buyer; the buyer would normally pay occupational interest and rates/levies for the period of occupation of the property prior to registration. The amount would be set out in the Deed of Sale or an Addendum.

Conveyancing lawyer holding money symbolising the property transfer costs, standing in front of a house with a sold sign and a couple celebrating the purchase of their house.

  1. Costs which are generally for the Seller :

This would be an amount agreed upon in the Deed of Sale; and generally paid against registration from the proceeds of the sale.

In the case of Sectional Title Properties, Levies  are required to be paid by the Seller prior to registration to the end of the month in which the property is registered.
The Conveyancing Attorney will arrange for this payment.

Check with your Tax Consultant.

Conveyancing costs are an unavoidable aspect of buying or selling a property, but understanding these costs can help you budget effectively and avoid any surprises during the transaction.

Are you an expert on South African law and would like your articles published on this site? Email lawyer@capetownlawyer.co.za to arrange.

Property attorney shaking hands with the seller in front of a house with a for sale sign; the handshake signalling their agreement on the conveyancing costs and that they will work together to transfer the property once sold.

FAQ on Conveyancing Costs

Lawyer working on computer on Conveyancer Costs, per the Law Society of South Africa

Property transfer & sale Info

Sellers of property & buyers, speak to a property lawyer before you hire an estate agent!

Conveyancing & property transfer discussion forum

Note that this is a public forum - exercise caution before acting on info and use at own risk. Anybody may ask and answer, and you don't know what their level of expertise is. No information on this website should be acted on without first consulting with a lawyer to test its validity. Do not share private details here.


Property seller handing a conveyancing attorney money in front of a house with a sold sign and a South African flag.

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