How a deceased estate property sale works in South Africa

When someone passes away, everything they owned — including immovable property — becomes part of their deceased estate. Before that property can be transferred to a buyer, an executor must be appointed by the Master of the High Court to administer the estate under the Administration of Estates Act.

This is why deceased estate sales are usually marketed by an attorney: the executor is often the attorney (or works closely with one), and the sale has to satisfy legal requirements that a typical private sale doesn't.

Only the appointed executor — acting under Letters of Executorship issued by the Master — can conclude a valid sale of estate property. If heirs or family members try to sell before an executor is appointed, that sale generally can't be finalised.

Depending on the estate and the terms of the will, the sale may also need the consent of the heirs, or in some cases the Master's approval, before transfer can proceed.

Deceased estate sales can take a little longer than a standard transfer, since the executor's authority and any required consents need to be in place before the deed of sale and transfer can proceed. This isn't a red flag — it's simply part of administering an estate correctly.

Every deceased estate property on App Realtors is listed by the attorney administering the estate, so you're dealing directly with the person who has the legal authority to sell.