Sheriff auctions in South Africa

A sale in execution is held by a sheriff of the High or Magistrate’s Court after a creditor (usually a bank or municipality) obtains a judgment and a writ against the property owner. The notice must be published in the Government Gazette and a local newspaper at least 30 days before the auction.

To bid you register with the sheriff first: proof of identity, FICA documents and a registration fee, which is refunded if you do not buy. The successful bidder pays a deposit on the day (typically 10% of the bid or a fixed minimum) plus the sheriff’s commission, signs a Conditions of Sale at the auction and pays the balance within 21 to 30 days, usually secured by a bank guarantee. The deposit is at risk if that guarantee does not arrive in time.

The buyer’s guide covers the 21-day bond window in full, along with the arrear rates and levies that follow the property rather than the previous owner.

Reserve prices were re-introduced in 2017 under amended court rules. Most sales now carry a reserve, but properties can still sell without reserve in certain cases. RepoLens flags whichever applies per listing.