What it costs to list your property in South Africa

There are three main ways to find a tenant or buyer in South Africa. Depending on which you choose, the cost runs from a few hundred rand to more than R100,000.

1. Using an estate agent

If you sell through an agent, you'll usually pay 5% to 7.5% of the price in commission, plus 15% VAT. The rate is negotiable. At 6% plus VAT, a R1.5 million home costs you about R103,500.

Rental agents usually charge a placement fee of about one month's rent plus VAT. For full management, expect about 10% of the rent plus VAT, every month.

For that money, the agent values, markets and shows your property and handles the paperwork.

2. Advertising privately on the large property portals

The large property portals let owners advertise without an agent. In October 2026, a private sale package cost roughly R1,500 to R5,000 for six months. Some portals offer a cheaper starter package for homes under R500,000.

A private rental ad cost roughly R700 to R2,900 once-off. The pricier packages add professional photos, video or a featured spot in the results.

3. Listing on LetDirect

LetDirect charges one once-off fee per listing: R99 to rent or R199 to sell. There's no agent commission, and tenants and buyers contact you directly.

During our limited launch promo, listing is free: rent R0 (normally R99) and sell R0 (normally R199).

Selling a R1.5 million home

• Estate agent at 6% plus VAT: about R103,500
• Large portal private package: about R1,500 to R5,000
• LetDirect: R199 once-off, or R0 during the launch promo

Renting out at R10,000 a month

• Estate agent: about R11,500 to place a tenant, or about R1,150 a month for full management
• Large portal private ad: about R700 to R2,900
• LetDirect: R99 once-off, or R0 during the launch promo

What you take on without an agent

Going direct saves you money, but you do the agent's work yourself. You set the price, take the photos, run the viewings, check out tenants or buyers, and handle the lease or the offer to purchase.

Our guides "How to sell your property privately in South Africa" and "How to rent directly from a landlord in South Africa" take you through each step.

Prices checked October 2026. Portal prices change, so check them before you list. When you're ready, go to "List your property" on LetDirect.