Advice & News

Browse all of our latest blog posts and get the best information for all of your property enquiries.

Upkeep and repairs in sectional title schemes
Sectional Title Governance

Upkeep and repairs in sectional title schemes

You just took transfer and became the proud owner of a unit in a sectional title scheme. After the first summer rains you notice, with dismay, that there are damp stains on the outer walls of your unit. You inform the body corporate, who, by way of their trustees, indicate that the said damp must be fixed by you as the owner of the unit.

March 3, 2019
Always look under the rug
Contractual Matters

Always look under the rug

While a property seller is legally required to disclose any known defects of the property, what can a buyer expect when it comes to unusual characteristics, quirks or abnormal qualities?

March 3, 2019
Cash is king – what you need to know as a cash buyer
Contractual Matters

Cash is king – what you need to know as a cash buyer

The general sentiment is that a cash purchase is always a better option when buying property. However there are many factors to be considered before putting pen to paper.

March 3, 2019
The do’s and don’ts of running a guesthouse
Contractual Matters

The do’s and don’ts of running a guesthouse

Opening a guesthouse can be a lucrative endeavour, but before taking the plunge and converting a residence into a financially rewarding business, there are important steps to be followed and considerations to be taken into account.

February 2, 2019
Joint ownership is not all love and romance
Contractual Matters

Joint ownership is not all love and romance

There’s no denying that it’s tough to break into the property market and that doing this with your partner can be both a financial imperative and an exciting and romantic idea. While there are certainly benefits to jointly buying a property with your partner, it’s also important to go in with your eyes wide open for this endeavour to have the best possible chances of success.

February 2, 2019
Beetle free certificates
Contractual Matters

Beetle free certificates

There are a number of compliance certificates that a seller is required to submit to confirm that the property is in good condition, prior to concluding a sale. Some of these certificates are only required under specific circumstances, for example the borer beetle certificate.

February 2, 2019
Lost original title deeds and bonds
Legislative Guidelines

Lost original title deeds and bonds

Should an original title deed or bond get lost, here’s the process that needs to be followed as per the latest amendments to Regulation 68 of the Deeds Registries Act 47/1937, published on 25 January 2019.

January 29, 2019
Your bond application: A key ingredient to the property transfer
Property Finance

Your bond application: A key ingredient to the property transfer

Buying a new property is simultaneously an exciting and stressful experience. One of the important processes that can be quite overwhelming for buyers is the bond application process which is a key element of most property purchases which is why you should get your ducks in a row to have the best chance of success.

January 8, 2019
This is your year for a successful property sale
Contractual Matters

This is your year for a successful property sale

A new year always brings with it endless opportunity and is the perfect time to forge ahead with new plans and make the first move to achieve goals. If your aim is to sell your property, then follow these keys steps in helping to make sure it’s a successful and lucrative process.

January 8, 2019
Immovable property and inheritance
Contractual Matters

Immovable property and inheritance

According to South African law, an individual has the right to dispose of his or her estate as he or she wishes by stipulating this in a will. However, this right may be limited when in the public interest.

January 8, 2019
2018 – A Year in Review
Market News

2018 – A Year in Review

As another year draws to a close, we find ourselves with the opportunity to reflect on what 2018 has brought with it: the challenges faced and the successes we have enjoyed personally, professionally and as a country.

December 2, 2018
Beware of scams
Contractual Matters

Beware of scams

Fraudulent scams affect all industries and can be hugely detrimental and costly. The best way in which consumers can protect themselves from falling victim to such a scam is being able to identify the warning signs.

December 2, 2018
Buying a property off-plan
Contractual Matters

Buying a property off-plan

Buying off-plan can seem daunting for purchasers as you are buying a property that is yet to be completed. On the upside, this has become a profitable approach to the property market and indeed, the proverbial early bird does then catch the worm. There are of course many factors to consider before such a decision is made.

December 2, 2018
Regulating Client Engagement: The Legal Practice Act
Legislative Guidelines

Regulating Client Engagement: The Legal Practice Act

The process regulating client engagement has been amended in terms of the Legal Practice Act, 28 of 2014 (LPA), effective as of 1 November 2018.

November 2, 2018
Fining a member in a sectional title scheme
Sectional Title Governance

Fining a member in a sectional title scheme

Sectional title schemes rely heavily on its members to ensure the effective functioning and operation of the scheme. While often not the first port of call, should other avenues have already been explored, there are situations in which a member of the sectional title scheme may be fined for contravening management or conduct rules.

September 28, 2018