Ensure Compliance. Sell With Confidence.
Compliance certificates are a legal safeguard. Without them, the transfer process cannot be completed at the Deeds Office.
Why Compliance Matters When Selling
Compliance certificates are a legal safeguard, confirming that your property meets safety and regulatory standards. Without them, the transfer process cannot be completed at the Deeds Office.
Depending on your property and its location, the following certificates may be required:
- Electrical Certificate of Compliance (CoC): confirms the electrical installation is safe and compliant.
- Electric Fence Certificate: required where an electric fence system is installed.
- Gas Compliance Certificate: required where fixed gas installations are present.
- Plumbing Certificate: required in Cape Town only.
- Beetle Certificate: commonly required in coastal regions, confirming the property is free of wood-destroying beetle infestation.
For a deeper look at each certificate, read our article on certificates of compliance for South African property sellers.
Legal Steps to Selling Your House
1. Appoint an Agent and Sign a Mandate
The sale begins with appointing a qualified estate agent and agreeing a mandate that sets out authority, marketing, and commission. The right mandate structure is explained on our Selling a House page.
2. Prepare Documentation
Title deed details, rates statements, levy figures where applicable, and FICA documentation are gathered early so nothing delays the transaction later.
3. Obtain Compliance Certificates
Certified professionals inspect the property and issue the required certificates. Any remedial work is identified and completed before transfer.
4. Accept an Offer and Instruct Conveyancers
Once an offer to purchase is signed, conveyancing attorneys are instructed to manage the legal transfer, including bond cancellation and municipal clearances.
5. Registration at the Deeds Office
When all requirements are met, the transfer is lodged and registered at the Deeds Office. Ownership passes to the buyer and the proceeds are released to you.
CHA Property's Role in Legal and Compliance
CHA Property does not issue compliance certificates directly. Our role is to guide you through the requirements so your sale stays on track:
- We identify which certificates apply to your specific property and location before the property goes to market.
- We help you connect with certified, reputable inspectors and service providers to carry out the required inspections.
- We coordinate documentation with the conveyancing attorneys so compliance requirements, timelines, and clearances are met.
- We keep you informed at every stage, flagging potential issues early so they are resolved before they delay transfer.
To understand who does what on the legal side, see Transfer Attorney vs Bond Attorney vs Bond Cancellation Attorney.
Ready to Sell With Confidence?
A compliant sale is a faster, safer sale. Speak to an agent about your property and we will map out exactly what your transfer requires, starting with a free valuation.