Services
Bond Registrations and Cancellations
Registration of new bonds for the bank, and cancellation of existing bonds when a property is sold.
When you buy with a home loan, the bank instructs a bond attorney to register the bond over the property at the Deeds Office. When you sell a bonded property, the existing bond must be cancelled at the same time as the transfer.
We register new bonds for the banks, cancel existing bonds for sellers, and link both to the transfer so that everything registers on the same day.
How we help
- Explaining the bond documents before you sign
- Meeting the bank's conditions before lodgement
- Bond cancellations, including the notice the bank requires
- Further bonds and switching banks
What to have ready
- The bank's approval letter or instruction
- Your ID and proof of address
- Proof of income if the bank asks for it
How a transfer works
Offer to Purchase signed
Buyer and seller sign the offer and the seller appoints the transfer attorney, who opens your file.
Bond approved
If you are buying with a home loan, the bank approves the bond and appoints its bond attorney.
FICA and clearances
Both parties supply FICA documents; we obtain the rates clearance and, where it applies, the levy clearance.
Documents signed, duty paid
We prepare the transfer documents for signature and pay transfer duty to SARS where it is due.
Lodged at the Deeds Office
The transfer, the new bond and any bond cancellation are lodged together and examined.
Registered
The Registrar signs, ownership passes to the buyer and the money is paid out. Keys are handed over as the offer says.
Questions about transfers
How long does a property transfer take?
A typical transfer takes 8 to 12 weeks from the date the Offer to Purchase is signed. Bond approval, documents and the Deeds Office workload all affect the time.
Who appoints the transfer attorney?
The seller usually appoints the transfer attorney, and the buyer usually pays the transfer costs. The bank appoints the bond registration attorney.
How much should I budget for transfer costs?
It depends on the price and on whether there is a bond. Our calculators work out transfer duty, our fees and the Deeds Office costs on your price.
What is FICA and why is it required?
The Financial Intelligence Centre Act requires us to verify who you are. You will need your ID, proof of address and, for a bond, proof of income.
What happens on registration day?
The Registrar of Deeds signs the documents and the buyer becomes the legal owner. The purchase price and costs are then paid out to everyone due.
When do I get the keys?
Usually on registration day once the funds are confirmed. The Offer to Purchase sets out the exact arrangement.