What happens after you sign an offer to purchase

Once the offer is signed, the seller's conveyancer opens the file and asks for the documents the transfer needs: FICA documents from both parties, the title deed, and the clearance figures from the municipality.

If the buyer is taking a bond, the bank instructs its own conveyancer to register it. The two conveyancers work together so that the transfer and the bond are lodged at the Deeds Office on the same day.

Before lodgement, the buyer pays the transfer costs and the seller signs the transfer documents. The Deeds Office then examines the deeds, which usually takes a few weeks. On registration day the property is the buyer's, and the seller is paid.

This is general information, not legal advice for your situation. Talk to us about yours.