Transfer Duty in South Africa 2026: Your complete guide to property tax

Article summary:

• Transfer Duty is a mandatory tax paid to SARS when purchasing property valued over R1,210,000 in South Africa. 
• This comprehensive guide covers the 2026 tax rates, calculation methods, exemption conditions, and payment procedures. 
• Use our free calculator to determine your exact Transfer Duty costs and budget effectively for your property purchase.

Recent Update: The South African Reserve Bank’s November 2025 interest rate cut has created exceptional opportunities for property buyers, with home loan rates now at their lowest levels since 2022.

What is Transfer Duty?

Transfer Duty is a tax levied by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) on the value of property acquired through any transaction. This property tax applies to:

• Land and fixtures.
• Real rights in land.
• Rights to minerals.
• Shares in residential property companies.
• Any other immovable property.

Important distinction: Transfer Duty is not the same as transfer costs. Transfer Duty is a tax paid to SARS, while transfer costs are fees paid to the conveyancing attorney handling the property transfer.

Note: Use our Transfer Cost Calculator to determine what you will pay on transfer costs and Transfer Duty.

Transfer Duty rates for 2026

Current Transfer Duty rate table according to SARS  (effective since April 2025):

Property Value (R)	Transfer Duty Rate
0 – R1,210,000	No transfer duty
R1,210,001 – R1,663,800	3% of value above R1,210,001
R1 663 801 – R2 329 300	R13 614 + 6% above R1 663 800
R2 329 301 – R2 994 800	R53 544 + 8% above R2 329 300
R2 994 801 – R13 310 000	R106 784 + 11% above R2 994 800
R13 310 001 and above	R1 241 456 + 13% above R13 310 000

Latest updates and what’s important

2025/26 key changes

• Transfer Duty rate changes were announced in the 2025/26 National Budget Speech.
• Exemption threshold was raised to R1,210,001.
• Electronic payment through eFiling remains mandatory.
• 10% per annum interest applies to late payments.

Recent developments

• SARB cut the Repo Rate to 6.75% on November 20, 2025, bringing the prime lending rate to 10.25%. (latest update: January 29 announcement left the Repo Rate untouched).
• Home loan rates are now at their lowest levels since late 2022.
• Property buyers are benefiting from significantly reduced monthly bond repayments.
• SARS has enhanced its eFiling system for smoother submissions.
• Third-party conveyance systems now offer improved integration.
• Updated guidance on VAT vs Transfer Duty scenarios.

Exceptional market conditions for property buyers

The property market in 2026 presents unique opportunities following the Reserve Bank’s monetary policy shift. The SARB now targets inflation at 3%, down from the previous midpoint of 4.5%, creating conditions for sustained lower interest rates.

Key benefits for property buyers:

• Monthly bond savings of up to R822 on a R1 million loan and up to R1 644 on a R2 million loan from the latest rate cut alone.
• Investec anticipates cuts in March and September 2026, lowering the repo rate to 6.25%. It also sees a potential further interest rate cut in March 2027.
• Improved affordability for first-time buyers entering the market.

Official submission and payment methods

How to submit

Transfer Duty must be submitted through:

1. eFiling: SARS’s official online platform.
2. Third-Party Conveyance Systems: Used by attorneys.

Payment requirements

• Deadline: Within 6 months from the date of acquisition.
• Method: Electronic payment via eFiling only.
• Late Payment: 10% per annum interest applies.
• Responsibility: The Conveyancing attorney acts on the buyer’s behalf.

Transfer Duty exemptions

You are exempt from Transfer Duty under these conditions:

1. Marriage in community of property

When someone owning property marries in community of property, their spouse automatically becomes the owner of a half-share without paying Transfer Duty.

2. Divorce settlements

• Court order: No Transfer Duty when property is awarded through a divorce order.
• Applies to: All marital regimes and civil unions.
• Private agreement: Transfer Duty applies if settled outside formal proceedings.

3. Inheritance

Heirs and beneficiaries pay no Transfer Duty on inherited property, regardless of:

• Relationship to the deceased.
• Whether the deceased died with or without a valid will.

4. Cancelled transactions

No Transfer Duty liability if the purchase is cancelled before Deeds Office registration, provided SARS accepts the cancellation as legitimate.

VAT vs Transfer Duty: What you need to know

Important legal principle: A transaction cannot be subject to both VAT and Transfer Duty. VAT always takes precedence when the seller is a VAT vendor.

When VAT applies instead

• Seller is registered for VAT.
• Property purchase includes VAT (often built into the purchase price).
• Developers commonly use this structure.

Marketing note: Developers advertising “no Transfer Duty” homes typically charge VAT instead, usually included in the purchase price.

Who handles Transfer Duty payments?

Your conveyancing attorney manages Transfer Duty payments on your behalf. Key points:

• Appointment: Usually chosen by the seller.
• Cost: Covered by purchaser.
• Responsibility: The Attorney ensures timely payment to avoid penalties.
• Process: Integrated with property transfer registration.

Budget planning for Transfer Duty

Transfer Duty is an additional cost requiring careful budget planning, but current market conditions are highly favourable:

1. Get prequalified for your home loan at current lower rates.
2. Calculate Transfer Duty using our calculator.
3. Factor in transfer costs (attorney fees).
4. Include in the total budget alongside the deposit and other costs.

Why now is an optimal time to buy

Market experts note that 2026 presents exceptional opportunities for home buyers, with the combination of the lowest interest rates in years and continued property demand. 

Current advantages:

• Lowest borrowing costs since 2022.
• South Africa’s housing shortage of 2.3 million units continues to drive demand.
• Banks are showing increased willingness to provide loans to prospective borrowers.
• Property prices haven’t fully reflected improved affordability yet.

Official SARS contact information

For Transfer Duty inquiries:

• SARS Contact Centre: 0800 00 7277.
• Website: www.sars.gov.za.
• eFiling Support: Available through SARS website.
• Branch Offices: Visit your nearest SARS branch.

Get professional help

Ready to purchase property? Current market conditions present a rare opportunity combining:

• Substantially lower home loan rates.
• Stable Transfer Duty requirements.
• Strong property market fundamentals.

Our experts can help you:

• Calculate exact Transfer Duty costs.
• Understand your total purchase expenses in the current rate environment.
• Get prequalified for the best home loan rates available.
• Navigate the entire property buying process.

Take advantage of historic rate environment

Don’t wait! Timing the market perfectly is nearly impossible, and current rates are significantly lower than recent peaks. Contact an ooba Home Loans expert or use our free Bond Indicator tool to determine your home loan affordability and plan your complete property purchase budget in this favourable interest rate environment.

Phone: 0860 00 66 22
Get Prequalified: Online prequalification tool