Quick answer
An Electrical COC is generally accepted as valid for two years from issue for property-transfer purposes, and it only covers the installation as it was on the day — any work done since needs certifying separately. Plumbing COCs certify compliance at the time of issue, and in practice conveyancers and councils expect a recent one at sale. Old certificates are routinely rejected.
What you can do now
- 1Check the issue date on your existing certificates before assuming they are usable
- 2Re-test before listing rather than relying on a certificate a few years old
- 3Keep a record of any work done since the last COC, since that work is not covered by it
- 4Ask your conveyancer early what they will accept, as requirements vary
- 5Store certificates with the property file rather than loose
When to call a professional
Always re-test before listing. Old certificates are typically rejected, and the gap between assuming yours is fine and discovering it is not tends to appear at the worst point in a transfer. Booking electrical and plumbing inspections together, four to six weeks ahead, gives you time to deal with anything that fails without holding up the sale.
Typical cost in Johannesburg
Standard inspection cost
Indicative ranges only. We provide written, itemised quotes before any work.
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