Journey step 6 of 9
Due diligence
Property Due-Diligence Checklist
Due diligence is your chance to confirm the property is exactly what it appears to be — legally, financially and structurally — before you're locked in. Here's what to verify, and why each item matters.
Due diligence is simply the homework you do before committing. Skipping it is how buyers inherit unpaid municipal bills, illegal building work, or boundary disputes they knew nothing about. Work through each item below — ideally before your Offer to Purchase becomes unconditional.
The checklist
Title deed
Confirm who legally owns the property, and check for servitudes, restrictions or conditions registered against it that could limit what you can do.
Rates clearance
The seller must obtain a rates clearance certificate from the municipality. Unpaid municipal accounts can block transfer entirely.
Levy clearance (sectional title / estates)
For flats, townhouses and estates, confirm levies are paid up and request the body corporate's financials and rules.
Special levies
Ask whether any special levies are planned or under discussion — a looming roof or security upgrade can cost you dearly after you move in.
Approved building plans
Check the municipality has approved plans for all structures. Unapproved additions can become your problem and your cost to legalise.
Encroachments & boundaries
Verify that walls, outbuildings and pools sit within the actual boundaries — encroachments can trigger disputes and demolition orders.
Zoning & land use
Confirm the zoning matches your intended use (residential, home business, second dwelling) before you commit.
Compliance certificates
Electrical, plumbing, gas, electric fence and beetle certificates may be required. Confirm who is responsible for each.
Where due diligence meets the inspection
Due diligence covers the paperwork and legal status; it doesn't tell you whether the roof leaks or the plumbing is sound. That's the job of an independent home inspection — the two work hand in hand to protect you, especially because most homes are sold voetstoots.
When to do it
The strongest position is to build your key checks into the conditions of your offer, so you're not committed before the important answers are in. A specialist on the buyer's side can help you sequence this correctly.
Want help running due diligence properly?
A specialist can help you work through this checklist for a specific property and flag anything that needs a closer look. This hands-on support carries a clearly-disclosed fee, agreed upfront. Start with the free questionnaire.
Get due-diligence helpThis guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Your Scetra specialist can help you apply it to your specific purchase.