The asking price is not the moving-in price

You have found a home that appears to fit your budget. Then come the questions: what must be paid before transfer, what is financed, and what happens when the first municipal account arrives?

Start with a written cost breakdown

NamRA identifies transfer duty as a tax connected to acquiring property and separately describes stamp duty on relevant documents and transactions. Whether a particular duty applies, and its amount, depends on the transaction. Do not treat an online estimate as a final conveyancing quote. NamRA's starting point is here:

itas.namra.org.na - source

Keep three budgets, not one

First, list acquisition costs: the deposit and every legal, registration, tax or lending charge quoted for your purchase. Ask which items are already included so that you do not count them twice.

Second, list moving costs: transport, service connections, security arrangements and essential repairs. A small practical detail, such as needing curtains throughout the home, can make the first month more expensive than expected.

Third, list ongoing costs: the loan instalment, applicable levies, rates, utilities, insurance and a maintenance allowance. Request recent bills where available and ask what they include. A seller's consumption is useful context, not a guarantee of your future bill.

A question worth asking before signing

Ask your conveyancer and lender: 'What cash will I need, by which dates, and which figures can still change?' Keep the answer with your offer and supporting documents. If a figure is provisional, mark it as provisional.

This is a budgeting guide, not a tax calculation or legal opinion. Obtain advice for your transaction before committing. Source checked 10 October 2026.