You’ve done it. You’ve sold your property. The Offer to Purchase is signed, the buyer’s bond is approved, and the champagne has been popped. On paper, you are hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions, of Rands richer.
But then, reality sets in. You look at your bank account, and the balance hasn’t changed.
Welcome to the “conveyancing limbo.” In South Africa, the period between signing a sale agreement and actual transfer at the Deeds Office can take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks—sometimes longer if bureaucracy gets in the way. During this time, your profit is locked away, untouchable, sitting in an attorney’s trust account or guaranteed by a bank.
You are effectively “asset rich but cash poor.“
But what if you need that money now? What if your dream home just came on the market and you need the deposit today? What if you have moving costs, outstanding rates to clear, or a business opportunity that won’t wait three months?
You don’t have to wait. With a Seller’s Proceeds Loan (often called Bridging Finance) from New Heights Finance, you can fast-forward the process and access your profit in as little as 24 to 48 hours.
What Exactly is a Seller’s Proceeds Loan?
A Seller’s Proceeds Loan is a short-term financial solution designed specifically for property sellers who have a concluded sale but are waiting for the transfer process to finalise.
It is not a traditional loan. It is an advance on money that is already legally yours.
Because the buyer has already provided guarantees for the purchase price (either cash in trust or a bank guarantee), the risk is extremely low. We are simply bridging the time gap between the sale becoming unconditional and the day the Deeds Office officially registers the transfer.
Why “Waiting It Out” Can Cost You Money
In a fast-moving 2025 economy, three months is a lifetime. Waiting for registration isn’t just frustrating; it carries real opportunity costs:
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Missed Property Opportunities: The most common scenario. You’ve sold your home to buy another, but you cannot put down a deposit on the new house until the old one transfers. In a competitive market, you could lose your dream home to a cash buyer while you wait.
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Cash Flow Stress: Selling a house is expensive. You often need cash upfront to pay for compliance certificates (electrical, beetle, gas), advance rates and taxes, moving companies, and rental deposits.
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Business Agility: If you are an entrepreneur, having millions locked up for a quarter of a year means missed chances to buy stock, upgrade equipment, or launch marketing campaigns.
A Seller’s Proceeds Loan turns waiting time into acting time.
How the Process Works: From Application to Cash
The beauty of this product is its simplicity and speed. Because the “security” for the loan is cash that is already guaranteed, the approval process is incredibly fast.
Step 1: The Unconditional Sale Your property sale must be “in the bag.” This means the buyer’s bond is granted, and all suspensive conditions have been met.
Step 2: Confirmation of Funds The conveyancing attorney handling the transfer must confirm in writing that they hold the guarantees for the full purchase price and that there will be enough surplus cash after paying off your existing bond to cover the advance.
Step 3: The Advance (24-48 Hours) Once New Heights Finance receives this confirmation from the attorney, we approve the advance. The funds are deposited directly into your bank account, often within a day.
Step 4: Automatic Repayment Here is the best part: You make no monthly repayments. You don’t have to worry about servicing this debt. On the day of registration, the conveyancing attorney automatically settles the advance amount plus the agreed fee directly from the proceeds before paying the final balance to you.
The Cost Question: Is it Worth It?
Transparency is key. A Seller’s Proceeds Loan is a premium product for immediate liquidity, and it does carry a cost.
Fees are typically charged as a daily rate or a fixed percentage of the amount advanced for the duration of the loan (e.g.,60 or 90 days). While the rate is higher than a long-term mortgage bond, it is designed for the short term.
The question isn’t “does it cost money?” but rather, “is the cost less than the opportunity I will miss?”
If paying a fee allows you to secure a R500,000 discount on your next property purchase because you could put down an immediate deposit, the cost of the bridging finance pays for itself many times over.
Stop Waiting for Your Own Money
Don’t let bureaucracy dictate your financial timeline. If you have sold your property and the deal is solid, that money is yours. A Seller’s Proceeds Loan simply gives you the key to unlock it when you need it most—right now.
Apply with New Heights Finance today and let’s get your proceeds into your account within 48 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions: Seller’s Proceeds Loans
1. How much of my profit can I access upfront?
Typically, you can access up to 75% to 80% of your “net proceeds.” Net proceeds is the amount left over after your existing bond has been settled and the estate agent’s commission has been paid. For example, if you are expecting R1,000,000 in clear profit, you could potentially advance up to R800,000.
2. Does my buyer need to have their bond approved first?
Yes. For an advance to be granted, the sale must be unconditional. This means that the buyer’s bond must be formally granted (or they must have provided proof of cash funds) and any other suspensive conditions, such as the sale of the buyer’s own home, must be fulfilled.
3. Can I use this if I have a poor credit score?
One of the biggest advantages of a Seller’s Proceeds Loan is that the approval is based primarily on the security of the property sale, not just your personal credit score. While a basic credit check is performed, the fact that the money is already guaranteed by a bank or held in a trust account makes it much easier to approve than a standard loan.
4. How is the loan repaid?
You don’t have to worry about making monthly payments. The repayment is handled entirely by your conveyancing attorney. On the day your property is registered in the buyer’s name at the Deeds Office, the attorney receives the purchase price, pays back the advance and the fees to the funder, and then pays the remaining balance to you.
5. What happens if the property registration is delayed?
Deeds Office delays are common, which is why these loans are designed to be flexible. The loan typically remains active until the date of registration. Because the fee is often calculated on a daily or weekly basis, you only pay for the actual time you use the money.
6. Are there any restrictions on what I can use the money for?
None at all. Most sellers use the funds for a deposit on their next home, but you can use it for moving costs, settling debt, business capital, or even a well-deserved holiday. Once the money is in your account, it is yours to use.
