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.

Bidders need a refundable deposit (typically 10% of the bid or a fixed minimum), proof of identity, and FICA documents. The successful bidder signs a Conditions of Sale at the auction and pays the balance within 21–30 days — usually via bond approval, which is why pre-approval matters.

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.