When your home loan is approved, the bank's bond must be registered at the Deeds Office before the transfer can proceed. This registration is handled by bond registration attorneys (appointed by the bank), and you - the buyer - pay their fees. Here's what to expect.
What Are Bond Registration Fees?
Bond registration fees are attorney fees paid to the attorneys who lodge and register your home loan (bond) at the Deeds Office. They are separate from the transferring attorney fees (which cover the actual transfer of ownership).
These fees are calculated according to guideline tariffs recommended by the Legal Practice Council, based on the size of the bond.
How Much Are Bond Registration Fees?
| Bond Amount | Approximate Fee (excl. VAT) | With VAT |
|---|---|---|
| R500,000 | R12,000 | R13,800 |
| R750,000 | R14,500 | R16,675 |
| R1,000,000 | R17,000 | R19,550 |
| R1,500,000 | R21,000 | R24,150 |
| R2,000,000 | R24,500 | R28,175 |
| R3,000,000 | R30,000 | R34,500 |
These are approximate guideline amounts. Actual fees may vary slightly between attorneys.
What Else Is Included in Bond Costs?
Beyond the registration fee itself, bond costs include:
Bond initiation fee. Charged by the bank when they approve your home loan. Capped by the National Credit Act at R6,037.50 including VAT (2026 figure). This can be added to your bond amount or paid upfront.
Deeds Office levy. A government levy charged for registering the bond. Relatively small - typically R1,000 to R2,500.
FICA fees. Some attorneys charge a small FICA compliance fee (R200-R500).
Can Bond Registration Fees Be Added to the Bond?
Sometimes, yes. Some banks allow bond registration fees to be added to the bond amount, which means you don't pay them in cash upfront but pay interest on them over the life of the loan. This reduces your immediate cash requirement but increases your total cost.
If you have the cash, paying these costs upfront saves you interest over the bond term.
The Bond Cancellation Fee (For Sellers)
Sellers with an existing bond need to cancel it at transfer. This involves:
Notice period: Most banks require 90 days' notice to cancel a bond. If you sell without giving 90 days' notice, the bank charges a penalty (typically equivalent to 90 days' interest on the outstanding balance).
Bond cancellation attorney fees: Paid by the seller. Typically R4,000 to R8,000 depending on the bond amount.
If you're planning to sell, notify your bank as early as possible to minimise the notice period penalty.