Conveyancing for property in Plettenberg Bay

Plettenberg Bay property transfers

Plettenberg Bay has a high proportion of owners who live elsewhere, in Gauteng or overseas. We act on transfers of homes in town and on the beachfront, in Keurboomstrand and the Crags, and in the area's golf, polo and security estates.

Transfers are registered at the Western Cape Deeds Registry in Cape Town. We attend to the transfer from Johannesburg and use a correspondent for physical lodgement where required.

Points specific to Plettenberg Bay transfers

• Rates clearance from the Bitou Municipality. We obtain the clearance figures and certificate needed before lodgement.
• Estate rules and HOA clearance. Most estates require an HOA clearance certificate, and some have approval processes for new owners and building plans.
• Non-resident buyers and sellers. Purchasers who are not South African residents must bring funds in through a South African bank, and the title deed should be endorsed so that proceeds can later be repatriated. When a non-resident sells property above R2 million, the purchaser must withhold a percentage of the price for SARS unless a directive is obtained. See our guide to buying from abroad.
• Beetle certificates. Commonly required by Garden Route offers to purchase.

Signing from overseas

Documents signed abroad are usually signed before a notary public and authenticated, for example by Apostille in countries that are party to the Hague Convention. We will tell you exactly what is needed for your country.

How we handle a Plettenberg Bay transfer

1. Quotation and instructionWe send a written quotation and, once instructed, open the file and check the title deed and offer to purchase.
2. Figures and clearancesWe request bond cancellation figures and compliance certificates, apply to the Bitou Municipality for rates clearance, together with any levy or HOA clearance, and liaise with the bond cancellation attorneys.
3. Signing wherever you areYou sign at our Johannesburg office, near where you live, or before a notary abroad.
4. Lodgement and registrationDocuments are lodged at the Western Cape Deeds Registry in Cape Town, registered, and the proceeds paid out on registration.