When comparing conveyancing quotes, understanding what is included — and what isn't — is essential. A quote that looks cheaper at first glance may exclude items that another firm includes, making a direct comparison misleading. Two quotes at different price points might actually cover the same scope, or one might be half the price but leave out half the work.
At MJ Kotze Inc, our R20,000 fixed fee covers all professional conveyancing work for a standard residential property transfer. This page sets out exactly what that means — item by item — so you can compare with confidence.
What's Included
The R20,000 fixed fee covers the full scope of professional legal work required to transfer ownership of a standard residential property from seller to buyer. Here is what that includes.
Document Preparation
Drafting the deed of transfer, power of attorney, declarations, and all supporting schedules required for lodgement at the Deeds Office. Every document is prepared in compliance with the Deeds Registries Act and the prescribed forms.
Lodgement at Pretoria Deeds Office
Lodging the complete set of transfer documents at the Pretoria Deeds Office. This includes the examination process, liaison with the Deeds Office examiner, and handling any corrections or requisitions that may arise during examination. If documents are rejected on technical grounds, we correct and re-lodge at no additional cost.
FICA Compliance
Identity verification of all parties under the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA). This includes verifying identity documents, proof of residence, and source of funds where required. Compliance is mandatory — we handle it as part of our standard service.
Communication
Email, phone, and WhatsApp updates throughout the transfer process. You will never be left wondering about the status of your transfer. We respond to queries promptly and keep all parties informed of progress, delays, and next steps.
Status Updates
Proactive milestone notifications at each key stage of the transfer: when documents are signed, when the file is ready for lodgement, when lodged at the Deeds Office, when registered, and when the new title deed is available. You know where your transfer stands at all times.
What's Excluded
The following items are not included in the R20,000 fixed fee. These are either statutory charges set by government, third-party costs, or separate legal matters handled by other attorneys. They are pass-through costs — we do not mark them up or absorb them.
Transfer Duty
SARS statutory charge, determined by the purchase price on a sliding scale. See our transfer duty table for current rates.
Deeds Office Fees
Statutory tariff set by the Department of Justice and gazetted annually. No attorney can waive or reduce these fees.
Rates Clearance
Municipality charges for issuing a rates clearance certificate confirming that property rates and taxes are paid up to date.
Levy Clearance
Body corporate or homeowners' association charge for sectional title units, confirming levies are paid up to date.
Compliance Certificates
Third-party inspectors issue electrical, beetle, gas, and plumbing certificates. These are the seller's responsibility and are arranged independently.
Bond Registration
A separate legal process handled by the bank's appointed attorney. If the buyer is financing the purchase with a home loan, the bank appoints its own attorney to register the mortgage bond.
Bond Cancellation
The seller's obligation. If the seller has an existing bond over the property, their bank's attorney handles the cancellation. This is a separate matter and a separate cost.
Petty Disbursements
Postage, copies, courier charges, and similar minor expenses are passed through at cost. These are typically minimal and are itemised on your statement.
Complex Transfers
The R20,000 fixed fee applies to standard residential property transfers between natural persons or simple entities. Certain transfers involve additional legal work and regulatory requirements that fall outside the standard scope. These are quoted separately based on the specific circumstances.
Transfers Quoted Separately
- Deceased estates: Transfers from a deceased estate require Letters of Executorship, Master's endorsement, and compliance with the Administration of Estates Act
- Trust transfers: Transfers involving trusts require verification of trust deeds, trustee authorisation, and compliance with the Trust Property Control Act
- Company transfers: Transfers to or from companies require resolutions, CIPC documentation, and additional compliance checks
- Subdivisions and consolidations: These involve Surveyor General diagrams, municipal approvals, and additional Deeds Office procedures
If your transfer involves any of these circumstances, contact us for a tailored quotation. We will assess the specific requirements and provide a clear, upfront fee before any work begins.
Fee Models Compared
There are three common ways conveyancing attorneys charge for their services. Understanding the differences helps you evaluate quotes and choose the model that gives you the most certainty.
| Fixed Fee | Hourly Rate | LSSA Tariff | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Predictability | You know the exact cost upfront | Unknown until the bill arrives | Scales with property value |
| Risk | None — price is locked | Hours can escalate | Higher purchase price = higher fee |
| Incentive | Efficient completion | More hours = more revenue | No relation to actual work |
| Transparency | Clear scope, clear price | Opaque time entries | Guideline, often with add-ons |
The fixed fee model aligns the attorney's incentive with yours. We are motivated to complete your transfer efficiently because the fee does not increase with time spent. You are protected from scope creep and unexpected charges because the price is agreed upfront.
Get a Quote
Ready to proceed with a property transfer? Contact us for a detailed quotation that sets out the fixed fee, the estimated statutory costs, and the total you can expect to pay. No ambiguity, no surprises.
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Our R20,000 fixed fee covers all professional conveyancing work. You know the scope, you know the price, and you know exactly what to expect.