THE VANHAUS JOURNAL · FINANCE

Buying in 2026: the costs beyond the deposit

Keep your purchase budget complete before making an offer.

VANHAUS Editorial · 20 October 2026 · Buyer guide

The price is only one line

Prepare an acquisition schedule that separates the deposit, tax treatment, transfer-related charges, bond registration costs where applicable, and the cash needed after occupation. A deposit forms part of the purchase price; it does not cover every other cost of purchasing.

The transfer duty position

SARS states that transfer duty rates are unchanged from 1 April 2026. The nil band extends to R1,210,000. On an illustrative R2,500,000 value, the applicable bracket gives R53,544 plus 8% of R170,700, producing duty of R67,200. This assumes a transaction subject to transfer duty and no exemption. The treatment of a VAT transaction can differ; have the conveyancer confirm the correct tax position.

Get a written cost estimate

Request a transaction-specific estimate rather than using a general percentage for everything. Confirm which amounts are taxes, professional charges, disbursements or bank costs, whether VAT is included, and when each amount is payable. Costs can change with the transaction structure and financing.

Budget for the first six months

Moving, insurance, utility arrangements, repairs and furniture can arrive close together. For an investment property, add a vacancy and maintenance reserve. For a sectional title home, review scheme documents so the ordinary levy does not obscure a known capital project.

Compare the complete cash requirement

When evaluating two properties in Cape Town and Gauteng, compare the cash required to acquire and hold each one. A smaller deposit requirement is not necessarily a smaller total commitment. Confirm legal and tax details with your appointed advisers before relying on an estimate.