Private Cash Offer – Home sale process – no agents

Private Cash Offer – Private Cash Sale : Home sale process

Subject: How to Proceed with Your Private  Cash or Bond Offer – Next Steps

Thank you for reaching out about the private cash offer on your house. Selling privately without an estate agent is common and can save on commission, but it is essential to handle the legal side correctly to protect yourself and ensure a smooth, secure transfer in line with South African property law.

As your conveyancer, I (Kerry Wood) can manage the entire legal process for you from drafting the agreement (OTP) to assisting with signature thereof  through to registration at the Deeds Office.

Here is a clear, step-by-step guide on how to proceed safely:

1. Do Not Accept the Offer Verbally

The agreement must be in writing. A verbal cash offer has no legal protection.

I strongly recommend that the buyer and you sign a formal Offer to Purchase (OTP)  before anything else. This document becomes a binding contract once signed by both parties.

I can prepare a watertight OTP for your transaction at no initial cost (or very low cost).

This includes:

Full purchase price and payment terms (e.g., deposit amount and how/when it is paid). I can assist the buyer to apply for  bond approval/ bond finance  (if needed) 

Occupation date and occupational rental (if the buyer moves in before registration).

Voetstoots clause (property sold “as is”), with proper disclosure of any known defects.

Suspensive conditions (even in a cash deal – e.g., satisfactory inspection, proof of funds).

Buyer warranty that no estate agent was involved (to protect seller  from any future commission claims).

Timeframes and consequences for non-performance.

2. Key Documents & Requirements You Will Need

 Your original Title Deed or details of where it is being kept (often with the Bank that financed the initial purchase) 

Copy of your ID and proof of address (FICA).

Municipal rates and taxes account details.

Any existing bond statements (if you still have a home loan).

Compliance certificates (electrical, plumbing, beetle, gas, etc. – these are usually the seller’s responsibility) bit can be obtained after teh OTP has been signed by the parties.

I will guide you on obtaining the necessary clearances (rates, levies if sectional title, etc.) and coordinate everything.

3. The Conveyancing Process for a Cash / Private Sale

If this is a cash transaction (no bond registration needed), the process is generally faster than financed sales — often 6–8 weeks from signed OTP to registration, depending on how quickly clearances and documents are obtained.

My role as your transferring conveyancer includes:

Drafting/reviewing the sale agreement (OTP)  

Conducting Deeds Office searches on the property.

Obtaining rates clearance certificate from the municipality (seller usually pays rates in advance for 2–3 months). Obtaing levy or home owners clearances ( if necessary) 

Preparing and witnessing all transfer documents.
Lodging documents at the relevant Deeds Office.

Receiving the purchase funds into my trust account and paying you the net proceeds (after settling your bond if any, rates, and legal fees) once registration occurs.

Ensuring full compliance with the Deeds Registries Act and other legislation.

Important: As the seller, you have the right to choose your own conveyancer. The buyer cannot force their preferred attorney on you for the transfer.

4. Costs Involved

Conveyancing fees: Based on the property value (I will provide a transparent, personalised quote within 24 hours). Transfer costs are payable by the buyer 

Rates & taxes clearances.

Compliance certificates.

No transfer duty is payable by you (the seller) — the buyer  pays this.

No agent commission.

I will give you a full breakdown of expected costs upfront.

Recommended Next Step

Please forward me the details of the cash offer (purchase price, proposed occupation date, buyer’s contact info, etc.), and I will:

Prepare/review a suitable Offer to Purchase.

Give you a full cost estimate and timeline.

Guide you personally through every step with clear updates.

Contact me directly on +27 68 532 3504 (WhatsApp or call) or reply to kerry@kerrywoodconveyancers.co.za.

Selling privately with the right legal support can be straightforward and stress-free. I have over 30 years of experience handling exactly these transactions in Gauteng and will ensure your interests are fully protected while making the process as smooth as possible.

I look forward to assisting you.
Best regards,

Kerry Wood
Admitted Attorney, Conveyancer & Notary Public
Kerry Wood Conveyancers
46 Robin Drive, Fourways, Sandton, Gauteng
www.kerrywoodconveyancers.co.za