Selling Costs & Fees
A focused learning module to guide you step-by-step on your selling journey.
Selling a property involves various costs and fees. Understanding these upfront helps you budget correctly and avoid surprises during the sale process.
1. Agent Commission
The largest cost when selling is typically the estate agent's commission, which ranges from 3% to 8% of the selling price, plus VAT (15%).
Note: Agents typically share a percentage of their commission with the agency they work with. Not all of the commission goes directly to the individual agent. The split between agent and agency varies by agency and agreement.
Example: If you sell for R1,000,000 at 5% commission:
- Commission: R50,000
- VAT on commission: R7,500
- Total: R57,500
2. Bond Cancellation Costs
If you have a bond on the property, you'll need to pay cancellation fees to your bank:
- Cancellation Attorney Fees: Typically R3,000 - R8,000
- Early Settlement Penalties: May apply if you cancel within a certain period (check your bond agreement)
- Outstanding Bond Balance: The full amount owed to the bank
3. Rates, Levies, and Utilities
You are responsible for paying these up to the date of transfer:
- Municipal rates and taxes (pro-rated to transfer date)
- Body corporate levies (if applicable)
- Water and electricity (final readings and settlement)
4. Other Potential Costs
- Home Repairs: Fixing issues found during inspections
- Staging: Professional staging services (optional)
- Moving Costs: Hiring movers and related expenses
- Capital Gains Tax: May apply if the property is not your primary residence
Toolkit
Interactive resources at your fingertips
Essential resources, templates, and checklists to help you on your home buying journey. Click View to explore each resource in detail.
Commission Calculator
TemplateInteractive calculator to estimate agent commission and net proceeds
Selling Costs Calculator Template
TemplateCalculate all costs associated with selling your property