Buying a Property Before You Sell? Here’s How to Do It Without Losing Sleep

Buy now, sell later, without the panic. Here’s how South Africans are making it work.

Buying a new home is one of life’s most exciting milestones, but it often comes with one big question: what if you find your dream home before your current property has sold?

For many South Africans, this happens more often than you would expect. Maybe you’ve found the perfect upgrade in a fast-moving market, or you’re relocating for work before your property transfer is finalised. Either way, bridging the gap between selling and buying can be tricky, especially when your money is still tied up in the sale process.

That’s where bridging finance from COD Bridging Finance becomes your safety net, helping you move forward without financial strain or sleepless nights.

Why the Timing Challenge Exists

The South African property transfer process can take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks, depending on bond cancellations, municipal rates clearances, and registration delays at the Deeds Office.

Even if you’ve already sold your home, you won’t have access to the sale proceeds until the transfer has been registered and cleared through your conveyancing attorney’s trust account.

Meanwhile, your new property may require a deposit, bond registration fees, or transfer costs long before those funds become available. This is where many buyers hit a frustrating cash flow gap, and bridging finance offers the perfect short-term solution.

What Exactly Is Bridging Finance?

Bridging finance is a short-term advance against the proceeds of your confirmed property sale. It gives you access to your money before the transfer is finalised and the funds are released by your attorney.

Here’s how it works legally and practically in South Africa:

• You’ve sold your property and signed all the necessary sale and transfer documents.
• The conveyancer confirms that the transaction is secure and pending registration.
• COD Bridging Finance advances you a portion of your sale proceeds (usually up to 80%), which is then repaid directly from the attorney’s trust account once the property registers at the Deeds Office.

Because these advances are tied to a legally confirmed sale and handled through your attorney, the process is fully compliant with South African financial regulations.

The Benefits of Bridging Finance

Choosing a reputable partner like COD Bridging Finance allows you to move forward with confidence while staying fully compliant with South African property law. Here’s what makes it so effective:

• Fast Access to Funds: Receive your advance within 24–48 hours once all documentation is verified.
• No Long-Term Debt: Bridging finance is a short-term facility repaid upon transfer, not a permanent loan.
• Flexible Use: Funds can cover transfer costs, deposits, rates clearances, bond registration fees, or even moving expenses.
• Legal Transparency: All disbursements and repayments are managed through the conveyancing attorney’s trust account for full compliance and security.
• Peace of Mind: Your transaction is supported by qualified professionals who understand property finance inside and out.

Making the Move, the Smart Way

• Get Pre-Approved: Understand what your bank is willing to lend you before making an offer on your next property.
• Work with Registered Professionals: Always use a registered estate agent, conveyancer, and financial service provider to stay protected.
• Borrow Responsibly: Only advance what you truly need to bridge the gap, and confirm that your sale transfer is progressing smoothly.
• Stay FICA Compliant: Ensure all your financial documentation (proof of address, ID, etc.) is up to date to avoid transfer delays.

Unlock Your Equity. Unlock Your Freedom.

If you are ready to buy your next property but your funds are still locked in a pending sale, COD Bridging Finance helps you make the move confidently, all within South Africa’s legal and financial framework.

Let us bridge the gap between your old keys and your new beginning.

Contact COD Bridging Finance today to learn how we can help you buy now, sell later, safely, smoothly, and stress-free.