Transfer duty and bond costs in South Africa: the 2026/27 figures
Transfer duty is a tax paid to SARS when property changes ownership. For the 2026/27 tax year no transfer duty is payable on properties up to R1 210 000. Above that it rises on a sliding scale to 13%. Transfer duty is separate from — and in addition to — conveyancing attorney fees, bond registration fees and deeds office fees, none of which are covered by your home loan.
The SARS transfer duty table, 2026/27
These rates took effect on 1 April 2026 and apply to all buyers equally — individuals, companies, close corporations and trusts pay the same.
| Property value | Transfer duty |
|---|---|
| R0 – R1 210 000 | Nil |
| R1 210 001 – R1 663 800 | 3% of the value above R1 210 000 |
| R1 663 801 – R2 329 300 | R13 614 + 6% above R1 663 800 |
| R2 329 301 – R2 994 800 | R53 544 + 8% above R2 329 300 |
| R2 994 801 – R13 310 000 | R106 784 + 11% above R2 994 800 |
| Above R13 310 000 | R1 241 456 + 13% above R13 310 000 |
Worked examples
- R950 000 property: no transfer duty.
- R1 500 000 property: 3% of (R1 500 000 − R1 210 000) = R8 700.
- R2 000 000 property: R13 614 + 6% of (R2 000 000 − R1 663 800) = R33 786.
When no transfer duty is payable
If you buy from a VAT-registered seller who is selling in the course of their business — typically a developer selling a new build — then VAT at 15% is already included in the price and no transfer duty is due. VAT and transfer duty are mutually exclusive; you never pay both.
The other costs
Transfer duty is only part of it. You will also pay:
- Transfer attorney fees — for transferring ownership. Charged on a recommended tariff that scales with the purchase price, plus VAT.
- Bond registration fees — a separate attorney, appointed by the bank, registers the bond. Scales with the bond amount, plus VAT.
- Deeds office fees — a published tariff based on value.
- Sundries — FICA verification, deeds searches, postage and electronic document generation. Usually R2 000 to R3 000.
As a rule of thumb, budget 8% to 10% of the purchase price in total costs on properties above the transfer duty threshold, and 3% to 4% below it.
Can these costs be added to the bond?
Sometimes. Some banks will grant a bond slightly above the purchase price to cover costs, but this is not guaranteed and depends on the valuation and your affordability. Plan on paying them in cash and treat anything else as a bonus.
Work out your exact figure with the bond and transfer cost calculator. Transfer duty is calculated precisely from the SARS table; attorney and deeds figures are estimates your conveyancer will confirm.
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