In South Africa, the seller has the right to appoint the conveyancing attorney who will handle the transfer of their property. This often seems strange to buyers, as they are responsible for paying the transfer fees to the attorney. The reason for this is that the conveyancing attorney must act in the seller's best interest, ensuring that the property is not transferred without the agreed purchase price being secured. This places a significant responsibility on the conveyancing attorney.The bond registration attorney is appointed by the bank, as this attorney must act in the bank's best interest. This involves ensuring that the bank is not placed at risk and that the mortgage bond is properly registered against the title deed before the loan is paid out. The buyer may request a specific attorney for bond registration, but the final decision rests with the bank. However, the buyer is responsible for paying the bond registration fees.

This question is similar to the proverbial "how long is a piece of string", as the timeline for registration depends on many external factors. On average, one looks at a period between 2-3 months if the transaction is subject to the normal conditions and processes. However, the registration can be as fast as a couple of weeks or delayed for months on end if the external factors are not favourable. Typical examples of factors that can cause delays include problems with water/electricity meters, delays in obtaining finance by the purchaser, linked transactions, the approval of building plans, deceased estates, etc. Consult with your conveyancer or qualified property practitioner before making an offer or placing your property on the market to identify any possible delays and ensure that any potential problems are addressed as quickly as possible.

A seller typically needs to provide to the conveyancer the following:

• Identification: Copy of ID document (both sides)

• Proof of residence (not older than 3 months)

• Financial: Latest municipal rates and taxes account

• Latest water and electricity accounts Mortgage bond account statement (if applicable)

• Income Tax number (or registration document if a company/trust)

• Property-related: Title deed (if available) Deeds office search (if title deed is not available)

• Approved building plans (if applicable)

• Compliance certificates (electrical, plumbing, gas, electric fence, beetle - if applicable)

• Marital Status: Marriage certificate (if married)

• Ante-nuptial contract (if applicable) Divorce decree (if divorced) Death certificate of spouse (if widowed)

The buyer/purchaser of a property will typically need to submit the following documents to the conveyancer and/or the bond originator to apply for a bond:

• ID Proof of residence

• Proof of marital status

• Income Tax Number

• Proof of funds (for cash purchases and costs)

• Proof of bond grant (for bond applications)

  In addition to the above, the bond originator/bank will require the following to start the application for your mortgage loan:

• 3 months' bank statements

• 3 months' pay-slips

• Income and expenditure statement