A conveyancer is an attorney who has passed an additional exam and is admitted to prepare and lodge property transfer deeds at the Deeds Office. A conveyancer manages the legal side of buying and selling property, from the signed offer to purchase to registration in the buyer's name.
What the conveyancer handles
- Checking the offer to purchase and its conditions
- Obtaining the title deed and bond cancellation figures
- Collecting the transfer duty or VAT and paying it to SARS
- Obtaining a rates clearance certificate from the municipality
- Drafting the transfer documents and having the parties sign them
- Lodging the deeds at the Deeds Office, together with the bond and cancellation attorneys
- Paying out the seller and the estate agent once registration takes place
The conveyancer who transfers the property is normally appointed by the seller. If the buyer takes a home loan, the bank appoints a separate bond attorney to register the bond.
Cecilia Prinsloo van der Linde is an Admitted Attorney of the High Court and a Conveyancer.
This answer is general information about South African law and does not create an attorney and client relationship. Please speak to the firm about your specific matter.