Selling a home in South Africa is a structured, regulated process. Whether you're selling your first home or downsizing, understanding the rules of engagement helps you avoid costly mistakes, stay compliant with the law, and achieve the best possible selling price.

Next Door Realty has guided hundreds of sellers across Cape Town and Johannesburg through this process — and the most successful sales always follow these key principles.

1. Work With a Registered, Qualified Property Practitioner

Under the Property Practitioners Act, sellers may only engage with agents who hold valid Fidelity Fund Certificates (FFCs).
At Next Door Realty, every practitioner is fully compliant, trained, and supported with industry-leading tools like Lightstone, Virtual Agent, Property24, IMMO Africa and more.

Why this matters:
✔ Protects you financially
✔ Ensures ethical conduct
✔ Gives you access to professional marketing and negotiation expertise

Choosing a registered, well-supported practitioner is the first step toward a successful sale.

2. Be Transparent: Complete the Mandatory Disclosure Form Honestly

Before your property can be marketed, South African law requires you to complete a Mandatory Disclosure Form (MDF).

Next Door Realty guides our sellers through this document to ensure you record:

• Known defects

• Past leaks or damp issues

• Unapproved building work

• Boundary or neighbour concerns

A truthful MDF protects you from disputes later, and builds trust with buyers.

3. Price Your Property Correctly From Day One

Overpricing is the single biggest cause of slow or failed sales.

Next Door Realty provides a data-driven Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) that includes:

• Recent sales in your area

• Active competition

• Buyer demand trends

• Recommended pricing strategies

We position your property at the right price point to attract serious, qualified buyers.

4. Prepare Your Home for the Market

Buyers form an opinion in seconds. A well-presented home gives you a competitive edge.

Next Door Realty helps sellers make the most of:

• Professional photography and videography

• Light home staging and decluttering tips

• Minor repairs that can increase perceived value

A polished presentation means more enquiries, more showings, and better offers.

5. Understand Your Compliance Certificate Obligations

Before transfer, sellers must obtain certain certificates, depending on the area and property type:

• Electrical Certificate of Compliance

• Electric Fence Certificate (if applicable)

• Plumbing COC (required in the City of Cape Town)

• Gas Certificate (if applicable)

• Beetle Certificate (in coastal regions)

Next Door Realty assists sellers in coordinating these inspections early to avoid transfer delays.

6. Allow Reasonable Access for Viewings

A property that is easy to view sells faster.

Our team works with sellers to:

• Set viewing schedules that suit your lifestyle

• Arrange private viewings with qualified buyers

• Ensure safety and security protocols are followed

Convenience and accessibility directly influence buyer interest.

7. Review All Offers Fairly and Responsibly

Your agent must legally present every written offer.

Next Door Realty helps sellers evaluate:

• Price vs. market value

• Suspensive conditions (e.g., bond approval)

• Occupation terms

• Timelines and risks

We negotiate professionally to secure the best possible outcome on your behalf.

8. Communicate Clearly Throughout the Process

Solid communication is the backbone of a smooth sale.

Your Next Door Realty practitioner will keep you updated at every stage, but sellers should also:

• Respond to correspondence timeously

• Provide requested documents when needed

• Inform us of any changes (e.g., maintenance issues, availability for viewing)

Good communication prevents delays and protects your selling timeline.

9. Follow the Transfer Attorneys’ Requirements

Once an offer is accepted, the legal process begins.

You will be required to:

• Sign transfer documents

• Provide FICA documents

• Pay rates-clearance amounts

• Assist with compliance certificate repairs if required

Next Door Realty works closely with our trusted conveyancing partners for a smooth transfer.

10. Maintain the Property Until Transfer

You remain responsible for the home until the date it officially transfers.

This includes maintaining:

• Insurance

• Garden and pool care

• Utilities

• Fixtures included in the sale

We guide you on what may or may not be removed to avoid disputes with the buyer later.

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Conclusion

Selling a property is a journey — and when sellers follow these rules of engagement, the process becomes smoother, faster, and far more successful.

At Next Door Realty, our approach is simple:
Honest service. Proactive communication. Strong results.
We empower sellers with the right strategies, market insights, and support to achieve the best possible outcome.