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Buying property in South Africa? Use our free transfer duty calculator to estimate the transfer duty payable to SARS on your purchase. Transfer duty is a tax levied on the value of any property acquired, and it is one of the largest once-off costs a buyer pays in addition to conveyancing (transfer attorney) and bond registration fees.
Enter the purchase price below to see an instant estimate. For a full breakdown of your conveyancing costs, contact Onah Attorneys or read about our property transfer attorneys and conveyancing services.
Transfer Duty Calculator
How Transfer Duty Is Calculated in South Africa
Transfer duty is charged on a sliding scale set by SARS. Property under the first threshold pays no transfer duty; above it, the rate rises in brackets. The brackets used by this calculator are set out below.
| Property value | Transfer duty |
|---|---|
| R0 – R1,100,000 | 0% |
| R1,100,001 – R1,512,500 | 3% of the value above R1,100,000 |
| R1,512,501 – R2,117,500 | R12,375 + 6% of the value above R1,512,500 |
| R2,117,501 – R2,722,500 | R48,675 + 8% of the value above R2,117,500 |
| R2,722,501 – R12,100,000 | R97,075 + 11% of the value above R2,722,500 |
| R12,100,001 and above | R1,148,250 + 13% of the value above R12,100,000 |
Rates reflect the SARS transfer duty table. Thresholds are updated periodically in the national budget — always confirm the current figures with your conveyancer or on the official SARS transfer duty page.
What Else Do I Pay When Buying Property?
- Transfer duty — the SARS tax estimated above (not payable if the seller is VAT-registered and the sale attracts VAT instead).
- Conveyancing fees — the transfer attorney’s fee for registering the property in your name.
- Bond registration costs — if you finance with a home loan, the bond attorney registers the bond.
- Deeds Office and sundry fees — search, FICA, and administration costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who pays transfer duty in South Africa?
The buyer (purchaser) is liable for transfer duty. It must be paid to SARS before the property can be registered in the buyer’s name at the Deeds Office.
Is transfer duty payable on a first home?
Transfer duty applies to any property purchase above the threshold, whether it is a first home or not. Property priced at or below R1,100,000 attracts no transfer duty.
When is transfer duty paid?
The transfer (conveyancing) attorney collects it from the buyer and pays SARS during the transfer process, usually within six months of the date of acquisition to avoid penalties and interest.
Do I pay transfer duty or VAT?
If the seller is a VAT vendor and the sale is subject to VAT, transfer duty is not charged — VAT applies instead. Your conveyancer will confirm which applies.
Get an Exact Quote From a Conveyancer
This calculator gives an estimate only and is not legal or tax advice. For an exact figure and a smooth, compliant transfer, speak to our property transfer attorneys. Book a free consultation or call 011 042 8039.