On the:
Value of property (R) Rate
0 - 600 000 ... 0%
600 001 - 1 000 000 ... 3% of the value above R600 000
1 000 001 - 1 500 000 ... R12 000 + 5% of the value above R 1000 000
1 500 001 and above ... R37 000 + 8% of the value exceeding R1 500 000
For natural persons no transfer duty is payable where the value of the property does not exceed R600 000. Where the sale of fixed property attracts VAT, no transfer duty is payable. Where the transfer of fixed property is not subject to VAT (at either the standard or zero rate), transfer duty is payable.
Transfer between spouses on divorce, and transfers to heirs of a deceased estate, are exempt from transfer duty.
Effective 1 March 2004, an estate agent who receives remuneration for facilitating the transfer of fixed property from a seller to a buyer is obliged to submit the details of the transaction to SARS within six months of the date of acquisition of the property by the buyer.
Refunds of excess transfer duty, additional duty, penalty or interest paid to SARS are refundable provided it is claimed within 5 years from the date of acquisition of property of renunciation of any interest in property.
No transfer duty is payable in respect of the acquisition by a qualifying natural person of a residence, mainly used for domestic purposes (including holiday homes), from a qualifying corporate entity or trust between 11 February 2009 and 31 December 2012. From 1 October 2010 to 31 December 2012 this exemption is extended to include multi-tiered structures. After the transfer of the residence, all the entities must be wound up or terminated within 6 months of the disposal.