Dedicated Conveyancing Team
Specialists managing transfers every day, with deep experience across residential, commercial and complex transactions.
Property Transfers Done Right.
Buying or selling property is one of life's biggest financial decisions. Our experienced conveyancing team manages every legal step of the transfer process, keeping all stakeholders informed while ensuring compliance, efficiency and a smooth registration at the Deeds Office.
20+ Years of Conveyancing Experience 5 Dedicated Conveyancers 98% Approval Rating on Google Multiple updates throughout your transaction
Conveyancing Experts
Helping South Africans Transfer Property With Confidence
Our role extends far beyond preparing legal documents. We coordinate every stakeholder involved in the transaction to ensure your property transfer progresses efficiently from signed Offer to Purchase through to registration.
At VDM Attorneys, we understand that every transfer is unique. Some involve bond finance, simultaneous registrations or linked sales, while others require deceased estate administration, trusts, companies or sectional title complexities.
Our experienced conveyancing team manages the legal process, liaises with banks, bond attorneys, municipalities, estate agents and the Deeds Office, and keeps you informed throughout the transaction.
Whether you're purchasing your first home, selling an investment property or managing a complex property portfolio, our focus remains the same: accurate legal work, proactive communication and efficient registration.
Why choose us
Why clients choose VDM Attorneys
Our approach combines legal expertise with exceptional client service, ensuring every transfer is handled professionally from start to finish.
Proactive Communication
Regular updates so buyers, sellers and estate agents always know exactly where the transaction stands.
End-to-End Coordination
We work closely with banks, bond attorneys, municipalities, estate agents and all stakeholders to minimise delays.
Complex Matter Specialists
Experience with trusts, companies, deceased estates, developments and linked transactions.
Compliance & Accuracy
Every transaction is managed with meticulous attention to legal compliance and detail.
Client-Focused Service
We believe property transfers should feel organised, transparent and stress-free.
What We Handle
Experienced Across Every Type of Property Transfer
Our conveyancing team regularly manages a wide variety of property transactions, including complex matters requiring specialist expertise.
- Residential Property Transfers: Buying and selling freehold and sectional title residential property.
- Simultaneous & Linked Transactions: Managing transactions that depend on one or more related property transfers.
- Subject to Sale Transactions: Coordinating purchases that are conditional upon the sale of an existing property.
- Deceased Estate Transfers: Property transfers arising from deceased estates and estate administration.
- Trust & Company Transfers: Transfers involving companies, trusts and other juristic entities.
- Property Developments: Subdivision, consolidations and development-related transfers.
- Family & Related Party Transfers: Transfers between spouses, family members or related entities.
- Investment & Portfolio Transactions: Transfers involving multiple investment properties or portfolio restructuring.
FAQs
Everything You Need to Know About Property Transfers
Property transfers often raise questions about timelines, costs, legal requirements and what to expect throughout the process. Here are answers to some of the most common questions we receive from buyers, sellers and property professionals. If you can't find what you're looking for, our conveyancing team is always happy to help.
What costs are involved in a property transfer?
Costs for the buyer may include transfer duty (where applicable), transfer fees, Deeds Office fees and bond registration costs. Costs for the seller may included compliance certificates and rates, bond and levies paid in advance (but reimbursed later). We can provide estimates before you proceed.
What is Property Transfer?
Property transfer in South Africa is governed by the Deeds Registries Act, municipal clearance requirements, SARS regulations, and the terms of the sale agreement. Each component must align before the Deeds Office will proceed with registration. Conveyancers manage this alignment by drafting the transfer documents, verifying the seller's title, coordinating payments, and confirming compliance with the legal and financial conditions of the transaction.
What is a Shortfall in Property Sales?
A shortfall, also referred to as "negative equity" or being "underwater," arises when the proceeds from the sale of a property are insufficient to cover all outstanding financial obligations tied to it. This debt is not limited to the remaining mortgage bond but also encompasses a range of other costs, including: Legal Fees: Conveyancing costs associated with the transfer of the property. Municipal Accounts: Arrear rates, taxes, water, and electricity charges. Levies: Outstanding payments to a body corporate or homeowners' association. Estate Agent's Commission: The fee due to the real estate agent for facilitating the sale. This situation can arise from various factors, including financial distress compelling a sale in a depressed market or a general decline in property values since the initial purchase.
What is a Conveyancing Attorney?
A conveyancing attorney, sometimes called a "transfer attorney," plays a crucial role in property transactions. While typically appointed by the seller, the buyer usually pays the conveyancing fees. The conveyancer's primary duty is to act in the best interests of both the buyer and the seller, ensuring all terms and conditions of the sale agreement are met and the transfer is legally sound.
What if the purchaser is obtaining a home loan?
The transfer and bond registration processes run simultaneously. We coordinate with the bond attorneys and all stakeholders to ensure both registrations occur together.
How long does a property transfer take?
Most transfers take between 8 and 12 weeks from fulfilment of all suspensive conditions, although timing depends on municipal clearances, bond registration and Deeds Office turnaround times. Conditional offers can take longer while we wait for certain conditions to be met by external parties to the transaction.
When do I receive the purchase price?
The seller receives the purchase proceeds once the transfer has registered and all financial obligations have been settled.
Can I sell my property before buying another?
Yes. Many buyers purchase subject to the successful sale of their existing property. We regularly manage linked transactions of this nature.
Can VDM Attorneys assist with complex transfers?
Yes. We regularly assist with deceased estates, trusts, companies, developments, simultaneous transfers, subdivisions and other complex property matters.
Let's Get started
Need Assistance With a Property Transfer?
Whether you're buying, selling, investing or managing a complex property transaction, our experienced conveyancing team is ready to guide you through every step. Complete the enquiry form below and we'll be in touch.