Frequently Asked Questions

Before you start viewing homes, it is essential to determine your budget. We recommend getting pre-approved for a home loan. This will give you a clear understanding of what you can afford and demonstrate to sellers that you are a serious, qualified buyer.

In South Africa, buyers are responsible for several costs. These primarily include transfer duty (a government tax on the property’s value), conveyancing fees (legal costs for transferring the property into your name), and bond registration fees if you are securing a home loan.

Yes. Once you sign an Offer to Purchase and the seller accepts and signs it, it becomes a legally binding contract of sale. It is crucial to understand all the terms and conditions within the document before signing. Your Halo Properties agent will guide you through this process.

While it can vary, a standard property transfer in South Africa typically takes between two to three months from the date the sale agreement is signed until the property is officially registered in your name at the Deeds Office.

A professional home inspection provides an objective assessment of the property’s condition, from the roof to the foundations. It can identify potential defects that are not obvious during a viewing, allowing you to make an informed purchasing decision.

Yes, foreigners can own property, but they might face additional requirements (e.g., non-resident bank accounts, tax clearance).

comprehensive Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), which is a detailed valuation based on several key factors: the property’s condition, size, and features; recent sale prices of similar homes in your area; and current market trends. This data-driven approach ensures we position your property competitively to attract qualified buyers.

As a seller in South Africa, you are typically responsible for the agent’s commission, bond cancellation fees (if you have an existing mortgage), and the costs of obtaining legally required compliance certificates (Electrical, Plumbing, Beetle, etc.).

A sole mandate is an exclusive agreement with Halo Properties to market and sell your home for a specified period. This focused approach allows for a more strategic, high-quality marketing campaign, greater security during viewings, and ensures your agent is fully committed to achieving the best possible price for your property.

An Electrical Certificate of Compliance (ECOC) is valid for two years, provided no alterations have been made to the installation. It is a legal requirement for the seller to have a valid ECOC before a property can be transferred.

Our marketing strategy is bespoke and targeted. We utilise professional photography, compelling property descriptions, premium placement on major property portals, and our exclusive database of qualified local and international buyers to ensure your home is presented to the right audience.

To qualify for a rental property in South Africa, you will typically need to provide a copy of your ID or passport, proof of income (such as recent payslips or bank statements), and you will be required to complete an application form, which gives us consent to perform a credit check. Additional documents may be requested depending on your employment status, the nature of your income, reference letters from your current landlord (if applicable) etc. If the application is submitted in the name of a juristic person (such as a company or trust), additional supporting documentation will be required. In additional to the documents, there is also a nominal credit check fee/application fee.

Typically, you will be required to pay a security deposit (usually equivalent to one or two months’ rent) and the first month’s rent in advance. The deposit is held in an interest-bearing account and is refundable at the end of the lease, less any costs for damages. There is also a Lease Agreement Administration Fee/Lease Preparation Fee.

Your lease agreement remains valid even if the property is sold. The new owner becomes your landlord, and they must honour the terms of your existing lease. The lease agreement should also contain a clause that stipulates the landlord’s right to show the property to prospective buyers, with reasonable notice given to you.

We have a rigorous tenant vetting process. This includes conducting full credit checks, verifying employment and affordability, and checking references from previous landlords. Our goal is to place reliable, high-quality tenants who will care for your property as if it were their own.

The lease agreement is a legally binding contract that protects both you (the landlord) and the tenant. It clearly outlines all terms and conditions of the rental, including the monthly rental amount, payment date, lease duration, and specific responsibilities of each party, ensuring clarity and preventing future disputes.

Generally, the landlord is responsible for the structural maintenance of the property (e.g., roof, geyser, walls). The tenant is responsible for general upkeep and maintaining the property in the condition they received it, accounting for fair wear and tear. We facilitate this process to ensure your asset is well-maintained.