What documents do you need to sell your house?

Selling goes much faster when the paperwork is ready before the buyer signs. Here’s what you’ll need, and who usually sorts it out.

About you

• Your ID and proof of address not older than three months. Estate agents and attorneys must check this by law (FICA).
• Marriage certificate, and your antenuptial contract if you have one. If you’re married in community of property, your spouse has to agree to the sale.
• Your tax number.

About the house

• The title deed. A copy is fine. If you still have a bond, the bank holds the original.
• Approved building plans, if you have them. Buyers and banks sometimes ask, especially if you’ve added rooms.
• Levy clearance if the home is in a complex or estate. The body corporate or home owners’ association issues it.

Certificates the law asks for

• Electrical certificate of compliance (CoC) from a registered electrician. If it’s older than two years, the electrician must confirm nothing has changed.
• Electric fence certificate, if the house has an electric fence.
• Gas certificate of conformity, if there’s a gas stove, geyser or fireplace.
• A beetle certificate is usually only asked for at the coast, but some offers include it, so check yours.

Money matters

• Your bond: tell your bank you’re selling. Banks usually want 90 days’ notice to cancel a bond, or they charge a penalty.
• Rates clearance: the transferring attorney applies for it. The municipality wants your rates paid up, plus a few months in advance.

You don’t have to collect all of this alone. Mari tells you what your house needs on the first visit, and the attorney handles most of the rest.