The Property Selling Process – A Step-by-Step Timeline

By Charlene Marx, your Paarl Property Expert

Assess your motivation: Are you relocating, downsizing, or cashing in on an investment?
Review your finances: Know your current bond balance, possible capital gains tax, and affordability for your next move.
Prep your property: Declutter, touch up paint, fix minor repairs. First impressions matter!

Tip: Even a quick garden tidy-up or fresh coat of paint can increase your property’s appeal and value.

Interview agents: Choose a local expert who knows the Paarl market well.
Request a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA): This helps determine a realistic and market-driven price.
Sign a mandate: Choose between a sole, dual, or open mandate (a sole mandate is usually more effective and ensures dedicated marketing).

Time-saving advice: A trusted agent will handle marketing, buyer vetting, paperwork, and negotiations—choose wisely.

Professional photography & listing: High-quality photos and a compelling listing description are created.
Property is listed online: Major portals like Property24, Private Property, and social media are used.
Show days & viewings begin: Private viewings or open houses arranged by your agent.
Feedback & interest monitoring: You’ll receive regular updates on buyer interest and market response.

Average Paarl property sale time: 60–90 days (shorter if priced right and marketed well).

Important: The buyer may include suspensive conditions like bond approval.

Attorneys appointed: Usually the seller appoints the transferring attorney.
Bond attorneys (if buyer requires financing) and bond cancellation attorneys (for seller’s existing bond) also get involved.
Compliance certificates: Seller obtains necessary certificates:
- Electrical
- Plumbing (Cape Town region)
- Beetle (if applicable)
- Gas (if installed)
FICA documents collected from both buyer and seller.
Municipal clearance figures requested and rates paid in advance by seller.
All documents signed by both parties at the attorney’s office.

This part involves a lot of legal coordination between three attorneys, banks, municipalities, and SARS.

Lodgement at Deeds Office: Once all documentation is ready, the attorneys lodge documents with the Cape Town Deeds Office.
Registration: Takes approximately 7–10 working days (subject to Deeds Office workload).
Proceeds paid out: Once the property registers in the buyer’s name, the seller receives payment, and the buyer takes ownership.