A property worth E800 000 will set you back E48 000 in transfer duty fees alone, without taking into account stamp duty and estate agent fees, bank fees, among other costs.
By Ntokozo Nkambule
Most of us do not consider the number of costs when purchasing our first property. At the top of our mind is only the mortgage rate per month. Well, that’s a good start, but the reality is that hidden costs can shoot to thousands of Emalangeni.
One of the most expensive unavoidable costs aspiring property owners should consider is transfer duty. Transfer duty refers to a tax levied on the value of any property acquired by any person by way of a transaction or in any other way.
Transfer Duty Fees In Eswatini
- two percent (2%) on the first E40,000;
- four percent (4%) on any amount exceeding E40,000, but not exceeding E60,000; and
- six percent (6%) on any amount exceeding E60,000 of the value of any fixed property and of the value of any lease as is hereinafter described shall be payable and paid by the person
Stamp Duty
Stamp duty is another tax that property buyers should be cognizant of. In South Africa and other neigbhouring countries, this tax was scrapped years ago, but it still persists in Eswatini. Stamp duty is a tax that is levied on a single property purchase or documents. A physical revenue stamp has to be attached to or impressed upon the document to show that stamp duty had been paid before the document is legally effective.
Stamp Duty Fees In Eswatini
- 1. If the property is valued at E300, 000-00 or less, it is E95 per every E10, 000.00 in the purchase price;
- 2. If the property is valued at between E300, 001-00 and E1, 000,000.00, it is E100 per every E10, 000.00 in the purchase price;
- 3. If the property is valued at E1, 000,001.00 or above, it is E105 per every E10, 000.00 in the purchase price.
Estate Agent Fees
If you are buying a property through an estate agent, one has to factor in their fees. Estate agents come at a cost as well. Locally, estate agents such as Seeff, Remax, Ekhaya Properties, and others normally charge a 5-7% commission fee.
Insurance
Insurance is another cost that in certain instances can be unavoidable. According to information sourced from the Swaziland Building Society website, the mortgage lender notes that they encourage their customers to take this offering.
“We encourage that all loans financed by SBS are covered under the Mortgage Protection Policy and House-Owner’s Insurance. It shall be a condition precedent to the loan being disbursed to the borrower, that the borrower shall take insurance cover and pay premiums in respect of such insurance policy. In the event that the borrower’s insurer cancels such a policy, the Society shall reserve the right to force insure the loan to protect its interests” the bank notes.
Bank fees
Apart from insurance, there are also other bank costs to take into account, such as an initiation fee, a valuation fee, a monthly administration fee, and home buying expenses. Some of these costs vary and customers should contact their financial institutions to find out more.
It is worth noting that these fees discussed here are not fully exhaustive, readers are advised to conduct further research.