Invest in South African Property with Complete Confidence
Full-Service Licensed Advisory for Foreign Buyers
Start With the Right Structure End With Full Control
Start With the Right Structure
End With Full Control
Buying or selling property in South Africa as a foreign national? You are not just moving capital – you’re stepping into a highly regulated tax, financial, and immigration environment that demands total precision.
For over two decades, our team of 150+ in-house legal, tax, financial, and immigration professionals has delivered the full strategy and execution behind successful foreign investment in South African property.
Whether you need a non-resident tax number, South African Reserve Bank (SARB) approval, non-resident bank account, investment structuring, or long-stay visa or work permit options, we are the only South African firm licensed across SARS, FSCA, SARB, IRBA, SAICA, SAIT, CIPC, and the Law Society, with every service delivered in-house, never outsourced.
We align your investment with local laws, global tax obligations, capital mobility regulations, and immigration needs, giving you the legal and financial certainty to buy, hold, or exit with confidence.
The Property Partner who
Sees the Full Picture
The regulatory environment in South Africa requires a holistic approach as tax, immigration and exchange control cannot be considered in isolation. There is no room for oversight.
With more than 20 years of excellence as the leading tax and immigration practice in the country, and a dedicated team of professionals, you need us at your side when buying or selling property in South Africa. Protecting you, your money and your investment.
Through Tax Consulting South Africa, the market leader in spearheading personalised financial and tax solutions, Foreign Buyer Property Solutions provides the strategy shielding you from unintended tax residency risks, navigating estate and asset planning, and dealing with sophisticated financial structuring.
Our offering is strengthened by partnerships with Xpatweb as the premier visa and immigration service provider, and Africorp Financial Services, the specialists in cross-border funds transfer and SARB compliance.
The Trusted Name in Expatriate Tax
and Immigration
Foreign nationals investing in South African property, relocating or divesting from the country, requires the highest level of professionalism, integrity and know-how. We bring it all together.
Tax Consulting is one of the only South African specialist tax providers with a direct ISV link to the South African Revenue Service (SARS) electronic system, ensuring more seamless and cost-effective compliance compared to competitors in the market.
SARS recognises our firm as a Top 5 eFiling provider, determined by the number of eFiling profiles we hold.
We are the proud authors of the LexisNexis “Expatriate Tax” Textbook, now in its 2nd Edition and 3rd Edition confirmed for late 2025. It is a South African first and the authoritative technical publication on foreign national taxes in the country.
Our leadership plays a pivotal role on the national stage and contributes to shaping national policy.
Jerry Botha, Managing Partner at Tax Consulting, currently serves as Chairman of the South African Institute of Taxation (SAIT), South Africa’s largest controlling body for SARS regulated tax professionals.
Our reach further extends through Xpatweb, the leading immigration practice for large employers and high-net-worth individuals in South Africa, founded over a decade ago.
Managing Director Marisa Jacobs is a prominent voice in the immigration and mobility landscape. She was recently appointed to the Minister of Home Affairs’ Immigration Advisory Board and represents Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) on immigration matters at National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac).
Your roadmap
Contact us directly or ask your Estate Agent, Conveyancing Attorney, or property-related professional to introduce you to a Foreign Buyer Property Solutions consultant.
We will contact the client within 4 hours of receiving the introduction to schedule a free initial consultation, ensuring our expert consultants are included for a comprehensive discussion.
During the consultation, our experts will help identify the objectives and end goal of the property investment.
We develop a tailored solution for each client. Our holistic service offering defines the next steps and provides a clear path forward.
Foreign Buyer Property Solutions equips clients to be fully prepared for the transaction, whether investing or divesting.
Our Expertise
Residency & Visa Support
Property ownership in South Africa does not grant residency. A visa is required for long-term stays.
- Identify the visa that fits your plans for working, retiring or running a business in South Africa.
- Take the next step towards permanent residency with suitable visa options, including the Critical Skills Work Visa or Retired Person’s Visa.
- Start early with expert planning.
- Submit fully compliant applications to avoid delays and rejections.
Fully Compliant Tax Solutions
Proper tax structuring across South African and international laws will avoid cross-border pitfalls.
- Obtain your SA Tax Number required by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) for non-resident property owners.
- Choose the most tax-effective ownership structure, whether as an individual, company, or trust.
- Receive tailored tax planning for South African rental income.
- Prepare for the future sale of your property by managing Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and Withholding Tax liabilities.
Cross-Border Transfers & SARB Approval
Move funds safely, legally, and efficiently across borders, complying with SARB regulations.
- Open a South African non-resident bank account remotely to receive investment inflows and repatriate rental income with ease.
- Secure proper Balance of Payment (BOP) reporting to safeguard your right to repatriate your initial investment in the future.
- Access a preferential forex model consistent with your non-tax resident status.
Estate Planning & Asset Protection
Protect your South African property investment and your legacy with expert estate planning.
- Engage our estate planning services to properly record and account for assets held.
- Draft a South African Will to avoid intestate succession and ensure your property is passed on according to your wishes, especially if your heirs live abroad.
- Plan proactively for estate duties that may be payable on your South African assets.
Frequently Asked questions
Yes. As is the case for South African citizens, non-residents are subject to the country’s laws and regulations. Buying property in South Africa can be a sound investment yielding capital growth, for use as a holiday retreat or a future retirement home.
Yes. Foreigners can obtain a mortgage from South African banks, usually up to 50% of the property’s purchase price, provided that the initial 50% of the price as well as the transfer fees and transfer duties coming into South Africa is from a foreign source.
Keep in mind all South African banks have certain lending requirements in place, which will apply.
Upfront costs include transfer duty (a tax paid to the South African Revenue Service when acquiring immovable property); transfer fees (legal fees paid to the conveyancing attorney transferring the property into your name); bond registration fees (if you use bank financing); and Deeds Office fees.
Ongoing costs to budget for include municipal rates and taxes; property management fees if you use an agent to rent the property out; levies if you buy in an estate or residential complex; insurance; and maintenance and repairs.
No. Foreigners do not need a visa to purchase property in South Africa. However, you do need a visa to reside in South Africa for extended periods. See Visa Categories
Owning property in South Africa does not automatically grant residency rights. Get expert advice on the visa suited to your needs – whether it be for short-term or long-term stays – and how it can help you on your journey to permanent residency.
Yes. Foreign owners can legally rent out their properties, but keep in mind that rental income is taxable in South Africa. You will need a South African tax number and a non-resident bank account for the rent to be paid into.
South Africa has a residency-based tax system, meaning South African tax residents and non-resident taxpayers are taxed differently. South Africans are taxed on their worldwide income, while non-resident taxpayers are only taxed on South African sourced income, such as rental income. A non-resident is also liable to pay Capital Gains Tax if the property in South Africa is sold at a profit.
There are specific circumstances which will trigger tax obligations. Professional tax structuring is highly recommended as tax rates vary for different ownership structures.
Yes, but you must comply with South Africa’s exchange control regulations. It is important that the funds to acquire the property, were correctly transferred into South Africa. Also, ensure you retain all documents from when you bought the property.
Yes, it is possible to buy property in South Africa as a non-resident without being physically present in the country. It is advisable to appoint a representative with power of attorney in South Africa to sign documents on your behalf.
Yes. Foreign property buyers in South Africa should strongly consider having a South African will in place. While a foreign will might cover some assets, a separate South African will is often essential for immovable property in South Africa. Consult a professional service provider.
Yes. Your property in South Africa will be governed under Estate Law and estate duties may be payable.
Regulatory & Professional Bodies
Meet the Team
Cherylene Hogan
Head of Client Engagement
Manfred Barnard
Senior Immigration Consultant
John-Paul Fraser
Team Lead: Cross-Border Taxation
Admitted Attorney
General Tax Practitioner (SA)™ (SAIT)
Bronwin Richards
Tax Attorney
Admitted Attorney, LLB
Nicolas Botha
Tax Team Compliance & Processing Manager
Richan Schwellnus
Cross-Border Taxation
Admitted Attorney
General Tax Practitioner (SA)™ (SAIT)
Keri Culver
Senior Immigration Consultant
Robyn Gilbert
Individual Tax Team Manager
Tax Return Services
Megan Langton
Tax Attorney
