How to sell your property privately in South Africa

Selling your home privately may seem daunting, but with the right knowledge, it's easier than you think. By choosing to sell your property without an agent, you can take control, save on commission fees, and manage the entire process yourself.

Follow this step-by-step guide on selling your property privately to navigate the process with confidence. Our dedicated team of specialists are also available to offer expert assistance, ensuring a stress-free experience from start to finish.

Here’s a quick step-by-step overview of the process:

Phase 1: Advertising

• Step 1: Decide to sell, research, and set a competitive price.
• Step 2: Prepare your home for sale.
• Step 3: Take high-quality photos of your property.
• Step 4: Create a listing on property platforms.
• Step 5: Schedule and manage viewings, receive and review offers.

Phase 2: After you accept an offer

• Step 6: Hire a conveyancing attorney.
• Step 7: Conveyancing attorney prepares the Offer to Purchase (OTP).
• Step 8: Seller obtains compliance certificates (electrical, plumbing, etc.).
• Step 9: Conveyancing attorney handles the title deed transfer.
• Step 10: Buyer secures financing (bond).
• Step 11: Conveyancing attorney transfers property ownership.
• Step 12: Conveyancing attorney registers the sale at the Deeds Office.
• Step 13: Finalise sale and hand over keys.

1. Is selling your property privately right for you?

Selling your home without an estate agent can be a rewarding option. However, it also means taking on responsibilities that an agent would typically handle.

Before deciding, ask yourself:

• Do I have the time to manage inquiries and viewings?
• Am I comfortable negotiating directly with potential buyers?
• Am I confident in my ability to price, market, and advertise the property effectively?

Tip: Make a checklist of all the tasks involved. If you can confidently commit to each step, you’re ready to proceed with selling privately.

2. How to price your home for sale

Setting the right asking price is crucial to attracting buyers. Overpricing can deter interest, while under-pricing may lead to a loss.

Here are three reliable ways to determine the correct price for your home:

• Research Local Property Prices: View Private Property's listings to find properties similar to yours in your area. Look for factors like the number of bedrooms, property size, and location. This gives you a real-time sense of market trends.

• Use Property Reports: Companies like Loom provide comprehensive reports on recent and historic property sales in your area.

• Get a Free Valuation: Some local estate agents offer free valuations. Be transparent that you’re selling privately, but their insight can still be useful in setting a competitive price.

Tip: Consider market conditions — if it’s a seller’s market, you may be able to price higher; in a buyer’s market, you might need to be more competitive. If your home isn’t getting much interest, reconsider your price based on current demand and other comparable listings.

3. Preparing your home for sale

First impressions are vital when selling a property.

Here are some practical steps to prepare your home for sale:

• Declutter: Remove personal items and excess furniture. This helps buyers imagine themselves living in the space.

• Make Necessary Repairs: Fix anything that’s broken—leaky taps, chipped paint, or cracked tiles. Minor repairs can make a big difference in how your home is perceived.

• Curb Appeal Matters: Tidy the garden, clean exterior walls, and ensure the entrance is inviting. The outside of your property is the first thing buyers see.

• Deep Clean: A sparkling clean home creates a positive impression. Pay special attention to high-traffic areas like the kitchen and bathrooms.

Tip: The kitchen, main bedroom, and living room are the most important areas for buyers, so ensure these spaces are presented at their best. Consider hiring a home staging professional.

4. Marketing your property

When selling privately, marketing your property effectively is key to reaching potential buyers.

Here’s how to make your listing stand out:

1. Use High-Quality Photos

Buyers are often drawn to listings with clear, high-quality images. Ideally, hire a professional photographer, but if you take the photos yourself:

• Ensure they are high-resolution.
• Take pictures on a bright day to maximize natural light.
• Highlight key features like spacious rooms, garden areas, and any unique selling points.

2. Write an Effective Listing

Include the following:

• The asking price.
• The property’s key features: number of bedrooms, bathrooms, parking spaces, and overall size.
• Any unique selling points, like a large garden, a swimming pool, or proximity to schools.

3. Maximize Your Listing's Reach

Consider using platforms like Private Property, where you can create a detailed listing that reaches a large audience of serious buyers.

Tip: Don’t forget to share your property listing link on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

5. Handling viewings and safety measures

There are two common ways to conduct viewings:

1. Show Days: These are open-house events where multiple buyers visit at once.

2. Appointment-Only Viewings: This allows you to control who visits your home and when, offering a safer and more personal experience.

Safety Considerations

• Always ask for the ID of visitors before allowing them into your home.

• Contact your security company to be present during the viewing.

• Lock away valuables and personal items.

• Ensure viewers aren’t left unattended.

Tip: Keep a log of all potential buyers who visit, including their contact details and any questions they ask. This helps you stay organized and allows for easy follow-up later.

6. Legal requirements and documentation

Selling a property privately means you’ll need to handle some legal aspects yourself. However, conveyancing attorneys are still necessary for processing the transfer of the property title.

Here are the key documents you’ll need:

• Offer to Purchase: This legally binding document outlines the terms of the sale. You can ask your attorney to prepare one.

• Certificates of Compliance: You need certificates for electricity, plumbing, gas, and electric fencing. Your attorney can guide you here.

• Title Deed: If you’ve paid off your bond, you should have the title deed for the property. If not, your bank will hold it.

Tip: Choose a conveyancing attorney early in the process. We can help you find one in your area. While we can assist, it’s in your best interest to check the attorney's reviews and credentials yourself. Ensuring they are well-reviewed and experienced will minimize complications and lead to a smoother process for you and the buyer. Don’t forget to ask for references and verify their reputation to make sure you're working with a reputable conveyancer.

7. Negotiating offers

When you receive offers, don’t rush into accepting the first one.

Here’s how to approach negotiations:

• Understand Your Position: If you’re in a buyer’s market, you may need to be more flexible on price. If it’s a seller’s market, you can hold out for a better offer.

• Review the Offer to Purchase Carefully: This document outlines all the conditions of the sale. Make sure you understand the terms, including the price, deposit, and any special conditions.

Tip: Use the "Reverse Offer" strategy—if you're dealing with multiple potential buyers but haven't received an offer you're excited about, consider making a reverse offer to your top prospect. In this approach, you present a tailored counteroffer to the buyer, outlining specific terms (price, deposit, move-in date) that would close the deal in your favor. This unexpected move puts you in control of the negotiation, shows the buyer you're serious, and can expedite the process by eliminating back-and-forth haggling.

8. Completing the sale

Once you’ve accepted an offer, the sale process begins. Final registration can take up to three months.

Here's what happens next:

• Bond Approval: The buyer secures a bond (if needed).
• Conveyancing Attorney: The attorney handles the transfer of ownership and ensures all legalities are completed.
• Transfer: The sale is officially registered with the Deeds Office, and the property is transferred to the buyer.

Bonus Tip for working with a conveyancing attorney: When hiring a conveyancing attorney for your sale, make sure to get a clear, written scope of their services before signing any agreement. This document should outline exactly what they are responsible for, such as drafting the Offer to Purchase, managing the property transfer, ensuring compliance with local regulations, and settling outstanding municipal accounts. Additionally, ask for a detailed fee breakdown to avoid hidden costs and overcharges.

A good attorney will be responsible for handling the transfer of the property title, ensuring legal compliance, and communicating with the Deeds Office, but they should also provide guidance on the sale process, protect your interests in negotiations, and explain legal jargon. Don’t hesitate to ask them questions about their services upfront, and get everything in writing to protect yourself from unexpected fees or issues.

Ready to start your selling journey?

We offer several listing packages designed to simplify the process, giving your property the exposure it needs to attract the right buyer. Still feeling a little uncertain? Get in touch with our expert sales team to learn more about how they can help you.

Click here to get in touch with one of our friendly agents

FAQs

- Why should I sell privately?

You save on estate agent commission and control the sale process, including setting the price and negotiating with buyers.

- What challenges might I face?

You’ll manage all aspects of the sale, from pricing to legal documents, which can be time-consuming and requires careful attention. Although the attorney does most of the heavy lifting and provides assistance with the legal documents, making it easier for the seller to advertise privately.

- Who pays the attorney fees?

In South Africa, the buyer pays the conveyancing attorney's fees but the seller appoints the attorney.

- How long does it take to sell privately?

The process, including registration, typically takes up to three months. However, factors such as market conditions, buyer demand, and property pricing can impact how quickly a sale is completed.

- How do I market my property effectively?

Use high-quality photos, detailed descriptions, and list on platforms like Private Property with millions of users visiting per month you are bound to find a serious buyer.

- Do I need a conveyancing attorney?

Yes, a conveyancing attorney is required to handle the legal transfer of property.

- Can I get help with compliance certificates if I’m selling privately?

Yes, the conveyancing attorney can assist in guiding you through the process of obtaining the necessary compliance certificates, but the seller is responsible for arranging them. These certificates are usually provided by certified professionals.

Here’s how it works:

• Electrical compliance: You’ll need an inspection from a certified electrician.

• Plumbing compliance: A licensed plumber must inspect and certify.

• Gas compliance (if applicable): A registered gas installer must provide the certificate.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to sell your property privately in South Africa. It’s a rewarding journey, and with the right preparation, you can achieve a successful sale.