Legacy Planning for a Multi-Generational Estate

Client case studies Client Profile

Type: Third-generation family with substantial agricultural & commercial real estate holdings

Estate Value: R160 million

Primary Location: KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Core Issue: Potential estate duty liability of over R30 million and no clear succession framework

ChallengeUnder South African law, estate duty is levied at 20% on estates up to R30 million, and 25% on the value above that. Without proper planning, the estate would have been forced to liquidate assets to cover the liability, risking loss of heritage farmland.

Strategy Implemented

Results

Estate duty liability fully funded without forced sales

Assets preserved intact for generational transfer

Annual trust expenses reduced by 18% through consolidation

Family governance structure in place, reducing legal disputes risk