The Hidden Costs of Winding Up an Estate

When someone passes away, the last thing families want is unexpected bills. But winding up an estate comes with costs that can surprise even well-prepared families.

For context, executor’s fees alone can legally be as high as 3.5% of the gross estate value, plus VAT. On a R2 million estate, that’s R70,000 before any other costs are even considered.

What’s Often Overlooked
• Executor’s fees
• Transfer duties on property
• Capital gains tax
• Legal and administrative costs


Without planning, these can eat into your estate, or force heirs to sell assets just to settle the bill.


The Solution: Legacy Protection Planning
At SWL, we help clients plan for these costs with products like the Legacy Protection Plan
• Covers executor’s fees and transfer costs
• Affordable monthly premiums
• Especially valuable for over-60s, where more than 90% of estate costs can be covered


Why It Matters
The goal of a will is to leave behind peace of mind, not debt and stress. With proper planning, you can protect your legacy from unnecessary erosion.

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Let’s talk about covering estate costs before they become a burden.

This content is provided for general information purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please consult a qualified financial adviser before making financial decisions.