Buy House Gaborone › Property Costs & Transfer Duties

Property Costs & Transfer Duties in Botswana

When you buy a house in Gaborone, the purchase price is only part of what you'll pay. This guide gives you the complete picture — every cost, fee, and duty involved in a Botswana property transaction.

Typical Cost Summary — Gaborone Buyer

Transfer Duty 0–10%
Conveyancing Fees ~1–1.5%
Bond Registration ~0.5–1%
Agent Commission Paid by seller
Rates Clearance Minor fee
Typical Total Add-On 8–13% on top

The Biggest Cost

Transfer Duty — Botswana 2025

Transfer duty is a government tax levied on the acquisition of property in Botswana, paid by the buyer to the Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS). It is calculated on the purchase price or market value — whichever is higher. Transfer duty must be paid before the Deeds Registry will process the title deed in your name.

Transfer Duty — Botswana Citizens

Residential Property

Purchase Price Band

Rate

Duty Payable on Band

Example

First P200,000

0%

P0

No duty on first P200k

P200,001 – P500,000

5%

Up to P15,000

5% on the band above P200k

Above P500,000

10%

10% on excess

P50k duty on a P1M property

Transfer Duty — Non-Citizens / Companies

Higher rates apply — see notes

Purchase Price Band

Rate

Notes

First P200,000

5%

No zero-rate band for non-citizens

P200,001 – P500,000

10%

Standard band, higher rate

Above P500,000

15%

Significantly higher above P500k

Quick Reference — Costs

Transfer duty (citizen) ------ 0–10%
Transfer duty (non-citizen) ---- 5–15%
Conveyancing fee------ 1–1.5%
Bond registration ~---0.5–1%
Agent commission Paid by seller
Total extra to budget 8–13%


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Sam Associates will prepare a full cost breakdown for any property

Our agents and valuers can give you a detailed cost estimate for any property in our Gaborone listings before you make an offer.

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Important for Non-Citizens & Foreigners
Non-citizens face significantly higher transfer duty rates in Botswana. Additionally, non-citizens may be subject to Lands Tribunal restrictions on certain types of land. We strongly recommend consulting Sam Associates and a qualified Botswana attorney before proceeding.


How to Pay Transfer Duty
Transfer duty is paid through your conveyancing attorney, who submits the BURS declaration and payment on your behalf. You must have the receipt before the Deeds Registry will process the transfer. Most attorneys collect this payment as part of the conveyancing process. See  bellow for the full process timeline


The Complete Picture

All Costs When Buying Property in Botswana

Transfer duty is the largest single cost, but several other fees must be budgeted for. Here is every cost a Gaborone buyer should expect to pay.


statutory fee

💧

Rates Clearance Certificate

A certificate from Gaborone City Council (GCC) confirming no outstanding rates, water, or electricity bills on the property. Any outstanding amounts are settled from the sale proceeds before transfer. The certificate itself carries a small processing fee.

Small fee

+ any arrears

🔍

Building Inspection Fee

An optional but strongly recommended independent property inspection to identify structural issues, electrical faults, plumbing problems, or defects before purchase. Not legally required but can protect you from expensive surprises post-purchase.

BWP 1,500–4,000

flat fee

🚛

Relocation & Moving Costs

The cost of physically moving to your new property in Gaborone, including removals company fees, connection charges for utilities, and any immediate improvements or renovations needed. Often overlooked in initial budgeting.

Variable

plan for BWP 3k+


Cost Payment Timeline

Understanding when each cost falls due helps you manage your cash flow throughout the buying process.

Offer to Purchase Signed — Deposit Due
A deposit (typically 10% of purchase price) is paid into the conveyancing attorney's trust account on signing of the OTP. This is held in trust and applied to the purchase price at registration.

During Transfer Process — Transfer Duty Due
Transfer duty must be paid to BURS before documents are lodged at the Deeds Registry. Your conveyancing attorney will collect this payment and issue a BURS receipt, typically 4–8 weeks after the sale agreement is signed.

At Lodgement — Attorney Fees Due
Conveyancing and bond registration attorney fees are typically payable when documents are lodged at the Deeds Registry. Your attorney will provide a final invoice for all fees at this stage.

On Registration — Balance of Purchase Price
The balance of the purchase price (minus deposit already paid) is paid on or before registration. If you have a bond, your bank pays this directly to the seller's attorney's trust account on your behalf.

Post-Registration — Moving & Connection Costs
Once you take occupation, you'll pay for connection of utilities, any immediate improvements, and moving costs. Budget these separately from your purchase costs.

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Sam Associates Botswana - Property Valuation & Real Estate Services in Gaborone, Botswana

Sam Associates Botswana

Plot 184 Tlale House Main Mall  Gaborone,  Botswana  BW 

Mobile: +267 71300275

Phone: +267-390-7255

Fax: +267 3907066

customersvs@samassociates.co.bw

Sam Associates Botswana: Property Valuers & Estate Agents  in Gaborone, Botswana, Established in 1992. We specialise in property sales, rentals, management and valuations across Gaborone, Phakalane, Mogoditshane, Tlokweng and throughout Botswana.

REAC Registered · Valuation Surveyors Registration Boards