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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about selling privately with conveyancer support

General Questions

What is the difference between a conveyancer and an estate agent?

Estate agents complete a 6-month NQF4 certificate and are registered with the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority. They primarily focus on marketing properties and facilitating sales.

Conveyancers are qualified attorneys with 7+ years of legal training (LLB degree, articles, board exam) registered with the Legal Practice Council. We can market properties (exempt from Property Practitioners Act) AND handle all legal aspects including sale agreements, bond cancellations, and property transfers.

Is it legal for conveyancers to market and sell property?

Yes, absolutely. Section 63(1)(a) of the Property Practitioners Act 22 of 2019 specifically exempts attorneys and conveyancers from its provisions. This means we are legally authorized to market, advertise, and sell property without needing to be registered as estate agents.

This exemption recognizes our higher qualifications (7+ years legal training vs. 6-month certificate) and the strict ethical rules we operate under through the Legal Practice Council.

What services do you provide compared to an estate agent?

We provide everything an estate agent does, plus full legal services:

What Estate Agents Do:

  • Property valuation
  • Marketing & advertising
  • Conducting viewings
  • Negotiating offers
  • Draft sale agreement
  • Handle transfer process

What We Do:

  • Property valuation
  • Marketing & advertising
  • Conducting viewings
  • Negotiating offers
  • Draft legally sound sale agreement
  • Full transfer & registration
  • Bond cancellation
  • Compliance certificates

Costs & Savings Questions

How much can I save by selling privately with a conveyancer?

Savings are typically R80,000 to R300,000+ depending on your property value:

R1.5M Property

Agent Commission: R103,500 (6% + VAT)

Our Fee: R32,500

Your Savings: R71,000

R3M Property

Agent Commission: R207,000 (6% + VAT)

Our Fee: R40,000

Your Savings: R167,000

R5M Property

Agent Commission: R345,000 (6% + VAT)

Our Fee: R50,000

Your Savings: R295,000

Use our Savings Calculator for a precise estimate based on your property value.

What costs are included in your fee and what are additional?

Included in Our Fee:

  • Professional property valuation
  • Professional photography
  • Marketing on major property portals
  • Viewings and buyer screenings
  • Negotiation support
  • Legally drafted sale agreement
  • Full transfer process at Deeds Office
  • Bond cancellation processing

Additional Costs (Same for Everyone):

  • Deeds Office fees: R5,000 - R10,000 (government charges)
  • Rates clearance: Municipal charges for clearance certificate
  • Compliance certificates: Varies by property (we arrange at contractor rates)
  • Bond cancellation fees: Bank charges (typically R3,000 - R5,000)

Note: These additional costs apply regardless of whether you use an estate agent or sell privately.

Do you offer a free valuation?

Yes, absolutely free. We provide a comprehensive property valuation that includes:

  • Comparative market analysis of recent sales in your area
  • Assessment of your property's unique features and condition
  • Current market trends and pricing strategy
  • Recommended listing price range
  • Estimated time on market

The valuation comes with no obligation to use our services. Contact us to schedule your free valuation.

Process Questions

How long does the private sale process take?

The timeline varies, but here's a typical process:

Week 1-2

Preparation Phase

Valuation, photography, marketing setup, and listing

Week 2-8

Marketing & Offers

Property listed, viewings conducted, offers received and negotiated

Week 8-12

Transfer Process

Sale agreement signed, bond approval, compliance certificates, Deeds Office registration

Total typical timeframe: 2-3 months from listing to registration. This is comparable to or faster than using an estate agent, as we eliminate coordination between multiple parties.

What happens if I don't get any offers or can't sell?

We have several strategies to ensure a successful sale:

  • Pricing Strategy: We start with a competitive price based on thorough market analysis
  • Marketing Plan: We use multiple platforms and adjust marketing based on response
  • Price Adjustments: If needed, we recommend strategic price reductions
  • No Long-Term Lock-in: You can withdraw from the market at any time
  • Minimal Upfront Costs: Our main fee is only payable upon successful sale

Unlike some estate agents who lock you into 3-6 month exclusive mandates, we work on a more flexible basis with your best interests in mind.

Do you handle the entire transfer process at the Deeds Office?

Yes, we handle the complete transfer process from start to finish:

  1. Preparation and signing of transfer documents
  2. Obtaining rates clearance certificate from municipality
  3. Payment of transfer duty (if applicable)
  4. Lodgement at the Deeds Office
  5. Following through the examination process
  6. Final registration and notification to all parties

We have daily contact with the Cape Town Deeds Office and understand the specific requirements and timelines. This expertise often results in faster registration compared to attorneys who don't specialize in property law.

Marketing & Viewings Questions

Where will my property be marketed?

We use a multi-platform marketing strategy:

Major Property Portals

Property24, Private Property, etc.

Social Media

Targeted Facebook and Instagram campaigns

Local Publications

Cape Town specific property sections

SEO Optimization

Our website ranks for key search terms

Database Marketing

Our database of potential buyers

For Sale Board

Professional "For Sale" board (optional)

We also provide professional photography and compelling property descriptions that highlight your home's best features.

Who conducts viewings and how are buyers screened?

You have two options for viewings:

Option 1: We Conduct Viewings

Our professional staff conduct all viewings. We:

  • Screen buyers for financial qualification
  • Highlight your property's best features
  • Handle all scheduling and follow-up
  • Provide feedback after each viewing

Option 2: You Conduct Viewings

If you prefer to show the property yourself, we:

  • Provide viewing guidelines and tips
  • Handle all scheduling for you
  • Pre-screen buyers before scheduling
  • Provide feedback forms

We strongly recommend buyer pre-qualification to ensure only serious, financially qualified buyers view your property.

Can I still use an estate agent if I change my mind?

Yes, you're always in control. We don't lock you into exclusive long-term mandates like many estate agents do. If you decide you want to try an estate agent instead:

  • You can simply stop our marketing at any time
  • There are no penalties or cancellation fees
  • You would only pay for any services already rendered (e.g., if we've already done photography)
  • Our main success fee is only payable if we successfully sell your property

However, we're confident that once you experience our comprehensive service and see the potential savings, you'll want to continue with us!

Still Have Questions?

We're here to help. Contact us for personalized advice about your specific property.

We respond within 1 hour during business hours