The Law Society of South Africa (LSSA) published its annual update to the conveyancing fee guidelines. These revised tariffs, effective from 1 August 2025, now apply to all new instructions received on or after that date. The adjustments reflect an average increase of approximately 3.2% across most categories and include updated figures for property transfers, mortgage bond registrations, and several other related legal services.
Conveyancing fees in South Africa are calculated using a sliding scale based on the value of the property or bond. The updated scales, effective from 1 August 2025, are as follows:
To illustrate how the sliding scale would apply, a property purchased for R800 000.00 would fall within the R500 000 to R1 000 000 bracket. The fee would thus be calculated as R15 120.00 plus R2 050.00 multiplied by three (to account for the R300 000 above R500 000), resulting in a total fee of R21 270.00.
It is important to note that these are only the recommended professional fees. Additional charges such as disbursements, other expenses and VAT will typically be charged by the conveyancer in addition to the professional fee, depending on the particulars of the transaction.
The LSSA has emphasised that these fees do not constitute minimum or maximum rates, but guidelines issued to promote consistency and transparency in the profession. These fees remain negotiable between conveyancers and their clients and are intended to assist both legal practitioners and the public in anticipating transaction costs.
Other fee increases introduced in this update include the drafting and registration of an antenuptial contract, which has increased from R3 020.00 to R3 120.00. The fee for obtaining consent to cancel a bond has increased from R3 160.00 to R3 260.00. The fee for acquiring a certificate in terms of section 42(2) of the Administration of Estates Act 66 of 1965, required in deceased estate sales, has increased from R4 545.00 to R4 690.00. Additionally, the cost of applying for a certified copy of a lost title deed in terms of regulation 68(1) has increased from R3 160.00 to R3 260.00.
The full schedule of recommended conveyancing fees is available for download on the LSSA website at https://www.lssa.org.za/legal-practitioners/resources/.
