Glossary

South African real estate, in plain language.

Plain-language explanations of the regulatory and operational terms every South African property practitioner deals with. Updated as the rules evolve.

PPRA (Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority)

The PPRA is the South African regulatory body for property practitioners. It replaced the EAAB in 2022 under the Property Practitioners Act.

FFC (Fidelity Fund Certificate)

The FFC is the annual licence issued by the PPRA that allows a practitioner or firm to operate legally in South African property.

FICA (Financial Intelligence Centre Act)

FICA is the SA anti-money-laundering law. Property practitioners are accountable institutions and must verify clients, keep records, and maintain a compliance programme.

Mandate Types (Open, Sole, Sole and Exclusive)

A mandate is the contract between a seller and an agency. SA law recognises three main types, each with different commission and exclusivity rules.

RMCP (Risk Management and Compliance Programme)

An RMCP is the FICA-required document setting out how an accountable institution identifies and manages money-laundering risk.

Conveyancing

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of immovable property in South Africa. It runs from accepted offer through Deeds Office registration.

Commission Splits

Commission splits define how the gross commission on a deal is divided between agency, practitioner, referrer, and any sub-agents.

CRM for Real Estate (How it Differs)

A real estate CRM is more than contact management. It tracks properties, mandates, deals, and compliance alongside people.

Get early access

REAPS is rolling out to select South African agencies. Join the waitlist to be among the first.