Certificates Needed to Sell a House in South Africa
Which Certificates of Compliance you need to transfer a property – what is compulsory, what is conditional, who pays, what it costs and how long it takes.
In short: to sell a house in South Africa you must provide a valid electrical Certificate of Compliance; in Cape Town a plumbing (water) CoC is also compulsory. Gas, electric-fence, solar and beetle certificates apply only where those installations exist or the buyer’s bank asks for one – and the seller pays, before transfer.
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The Certificates You May Need to Sell
Not every property needs all six certificates – it depends on the installations at the property and, in some cases, what the buyer’s bank asks for. Here is what applies at a South African (and specifically Cape Town) transfer:
| Certificate | When it’s required |
|---|---|
| Electrical CoC | Compulsory on every property transfer nationally. |
| Plumbing (water) CoC | Compulsory at every transfer within the City of Cape Town. |
| Gas CoC | Where there is a fixed gas (LPG) installation. |
| Electric Fence CoC | Where an electric fence is installed and energised. |
| Solar / SSEG CoC | For grid-tied solar PV (plus City SSEG registration). |
| Beetle certificate | Where the buyer’s bank or the sale agreement requires it (common in coastal areas). |
Compulsory vs Conditional
Only the electrical CoC (nationally) and the plumbing CoC (in Cape Town) are automatically required on every transfer. The gas, electric-fence, solar and beetle certificates are conditional – you only need them if the property has that installation, or the buyer’s bond conditions call for one. If you are unsure, our buyer & seller CoC guide walks through each case.
Who Arranges and Pays for Them
The seller is responsible for obtaining and paying for the compliance certificates before transfer, and for any repairs needed to pass. The certificates are handed to the transferring attorney (conveyancer), who needs them on file for the transfer to register at the Deeds Office. Booking early – as soon as the property is listed or the Offer to Purchase is signed – stops defects from delaying the sale. For more, see who pays for a CoC when selling.
What the Certificates Cost
As a 2026 Cape Town guide: electrical from R850, plumbing from R550, gas from R550, electric fence from R550, beetle from R550 and solar PV from R1,500. Getting several in one visit earns bundle savings of up to 22%. See the full CoC price list or get an instant estimate with the CoC cost calculator.
How Long It Takes
Most inspections can be booked within a few days and the certificate is usually emailed within 24 hours of the installation passing. For the full process, see how to get a Certificate of Compliance. Always use a registered professional — here is how to check an inspector is registered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What certificates do I legally need to sell a house in South Africa?
An electrical Certificate of Compliance is required on every property transfer nationally. In the City of Cape Town a plumbing (water) CoC is also compulsory. Gas, electric-fence, solar and beetle certificates are needed only where those installations exist or the buyer’s bank requires them.
Who pays for the compliance certificates when selling?
The seller arranges and pays for the certificates, and for any repairs needed to pass inspection, before the property transfers.
Can I sell my house without an electrical CoC?
No. The transfer cannot register at the Deeds Office without a valid electrical CoC, so it must be in place before the sale completes.
How long are the certificates valid?
An electrical CoC is generally valid for two years provided no new electrical work has been done since. Other certificates are typically issued per transaction. See our validity guide for the details by certificate type.
How much do all the certificates cost together?
A full bundle across all six certificates starts from roughly R3,550 in Cape Town for a flat, with savings of up to 22% versus buying them separately. Use the cost calculator for an estimate for your property.
Selling? Get Every Certificate Sorted
Registered inspectors for all six certificates, same-week across Cape Town – one booking, one quote.
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