Here’s How the Process Works
01
List or Find a Property
Who’s Involved: Real Estate Agent
Your real estate agent markets your property (if you’re selling) or helps you find the right home (if you’re buying). They also handle the Offer to Purchase and guide the early negotiations.
02
Make an Offer & Sign the Deal
Who’s Involved: Real Estate Agent
Once you’ve found the right property, you submit and sign an Offer to Purchase (OTP) – this sets out the terms of the sale.
03
Apply for a Home Loan
Who’s Involved: Mortgage Bond Providers / Banks
Need finance? The bank will value the property and check your credit. You may also need:
• Home Insurance to protect the property
• Life Insurance to cover the bond (often required by banks)
04
Secure Your Deposit
Who’s Involved: Deposit & Cash Management Services
Once your OTP is accepted, your deposit is held safely in a trust account or cash management facility, where it can earn interest while you wait for registration.
05
Legal Transfer of the Property
Who’s Involved: Conveyancing Attorneys
Specialist attorneys handle the legal transfer of the property to the buyer’s name, including:
• Drafting paperwork
• Verifying ownership
• Lodging with the Deeds Office
06
Currency Transfers
Who’s Involved: Currency & Exchange Control Experts
If you’re sending funds in or out of South Africa, specialists help you:
• Comply with exchange control regulations
• Move funds securely
• Get competitive exchange rates