- Property compliance certificates are the certificates a Cape Town seller may have to hand over before transfer.
- Some are required by law, one is specific to the City of Cape Town, some depend on what is installed, and some come only from the sale agreement.
- Not every certificate applies to every property.
- Request quotes for the certificates your sale needs in one go.
List the certificates in your sale agreement and your transfer date.
Get COC QuotesThis page is general information, not legal advice. Your sale agreement and conveyancer decide what applies to your transfer.
1. Generally Required: Electrical
The Electrical Installation Regulations say the owner may not allow a change of ownership if the electrical COC is older than two years. It must also cover any alterations made since it was issued. This applies to almost every property with electricity. See Electrical Certificate of Compliance Cape Town.
2. Cape Town Specific: Water Installation
The City of Cape Town Water By-law requires the seller to submit a certificate of compliance from a plumber registered with the City before transfer. It covers the items on the City's checklist, such as the water meter, leaks, the geyser installation, stormwater and cross-connections. See Water Certificate of Compliance Cape Town.
3. Depends on What Is Installed
| Installation | Certificate | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed gas appliances | Gas certificate of conformity | The regulations require one after a change of ownership |
| Electric fence | Electric fence system certificate | Required on change of ownership, including older fences |
| Solar PV or battery | Electrical COC covering solar | The electrical COC must include it. City registration may be asked for |
4. From the Sale Agreement, Bank or Buyer
These are not universal legal requirements. They apply because the contract or lender asks for them.
- Beetle certificate. Standard in many Western Cape offers to purchase.
- Extra inspections. A buyer or bank may ask for others, such as a structural or roof inspection.
One request, several certificates. Contractors covering your suburb quote you directly.
Request an Inspection QuoteSeller Checklist
| Property has | Certificates to plan for |
|---|---|
| Electricity only | Electrical COC, water certificate, beetle if in the agreement |
| Gas hob or geyser | Add a gas certificate |
| Electric fence | Add an electric fence certificate |
| Solar or battery | Electrical COC must cover it. Have City registration ready |
What It Costs
| Package | Indicative price |
|---|---|
| Electrical and water | R1,300 - R3,100 |
| Electrical, water and beetle | R1,700 - R4,300 |
| All five (electrical, water, gas, fence, beetle) | R2,750 - R6,750 |
Indicative Cape Town inspection fees for 2026, including VAT, for a typical house. Repairs are extra. See COC certificate prices in Cape Town.
Compare prices before transfer deadlines get tight.
Compare COC QuotesProperty Transfer Questions
Are all compliance certificates required when selling in Cape Town?
No. The electrical COC and the City water certificate apply to almost every sale. Gas and electric fence certificates depend on what is installed, and a beetle certificate depends on the sale agreement.
Who pays for the compliance certificates?
Usually the seller, as set out in the sale agreement.
When should I book the inspections?
As soon as the sale agreement is signed, so there is time for repairs before transfer.
Can the buyer waive the certificates?
A buyer can agree to contractual items such as the beetle certificate. Legal requirements, such as the electrical COC and the City water certificate, cannot simply be waived by agreement. Ask your conveyancer.
Do sectional title units need all the certificates?
The electrical COC covers the unit's installation. Common property is the body corporate's responsibility. Check with your conveyancer.
Related Guides
COC Certificate Cape Town is a free quote-comparison service, not a contractor and not the City of Cape Town or any regulator. Inspections, certificates and repairs are done by the independent contractors that quote you, and your agreement is with the contractor you appoint. Ask each one for proof of registration for the certificate you need, a written quote that separates the inspection fee from any repairs, and their payment terms.
Property Compliance Certificates Cape Town. Compare contractors through COC Certificate Cape Town.
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