Home loans

Why bond-registration costs are separate from your deposit

A deposit reduces the amount you borrow. Bond-registration costs are the costs of registering the lender’s security over the property.

Last reviewed: 22 August 2026

Two legal processes, two sets of costs

When you buy with a home loan, the property is transferred into your name and the bond is registered in the Deeds Registry. These related processes often involve separate attorneys and separate accounts.

What an estimate usually contains

• Bond-attorney professional fee and VAT.
• Deeds-office fee based on the bond amount.
• Disbursements such as FICA, electronic filing and administration.
• Any bank initiation fee or lender charge that applies to your approval.

Example

For a R1,800,000 purchase with a 10% deposit, the estimated bond is R1,620,000. Bond registration should use R1,620,000, not the full purchase price. The buyer still needs the deposit and transfer costs unless the lender says otherwise in writing.

Questions for your lender

• What is the approved bond amount?
• Is there an initiation fee?
• Which attorney will register the bond?
• Can I have a full estimate before I sign?

Use the calculator as a starting estimate, then compare written quotes. General information only.