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Foreign interest in South African immovable property
Legislative Guidelines

Foreign interest in South African immovable property

The South African property market’s continued growth in the last 10 years has proved to offer valuable investment opportunities, both for local buyers as well as for foreign investors. However, as with many transactions that reach cross international borders, a property purchase by an individual or company needs to comply with a specific set of regulations.

June 1, 2018
Demystifying the voetstoots clause
Contractual Matters

Demystifying the voetstoots clause

Because there is no specific wording that accompanies a voetstoots clause in the agreement of sale for immovable property, it is not always immediately apparent to non-property professionals what this clause really means.

June 1, 2018
Your sectional title unit and Airbnb
Sectional Title Governance

Your sectional title unit and Airbnb

Many people who own a second property are owners of a unit in a sectional title scheme for investment purposes. These units have largely been let to tenants for rental income, but more recently, Airbnb has changed the landscape of property rentals and how owners are able to derive an income from their investment properties.

April 28, 2018
Municipal valuations and disputes
Legislative Guidelines

Municipal valuations and disputes

Municipal property valuations can assist sellers in determining an appropriate asking price for a property, but property owners should also keep an eye on these figures so as to plan their monthly expenses properly…

April 28, 2018
Selling a property out of a deceased estate
Contractual Matters

Selling a property out of a deceased estate

There are two major differences between the sale of a property out of a deceased estate and a “normal” sale…

April 28, 2018
Approval in principle
Property Finance

Approval in principle

Buying a home can be a stressful process, particularly in a competitive market where you need to move quickly or run the risk of losing out on buying the property of your dreams. Being given an ‘approval in principle’ from a financial institution can play a significant role in moving ahead with the property agreement contract.

April 2, 2018
The do’s and don’ts of buying a property
Contractual Matters

The do’s and don’ts of buying a property

Every property agreement contract is slightly different, but with our years of experience as conveyancing attorneys, we have identified some key do’s and don’ts that can help make a property sale a success for all parties concerned.

April 2, 2018
Can I object to my neighbour’s renovations?
Contractual Matters

Can I object to my neighbour’s renovations?

Renovations have the potential to sour the best of neighbourly relationships, but what are the legal rights and obligations when it comes to an owner undertaking property renovations? Here are a few things to know…

April 2, 2018
Offer to Purchase: Part 1 - Terms of the Agreement
Contractual Matters

Offer to Purchase: Part 1 - Terms of the Agreement

There are three essential elements which must be included in order for the OTP to be valid and legally binding. In addition, here are more aspects to consider.

March 2, 2018
Offer to Purchase: Part 2 - Tips for Buyers and Sellers
Contractual Matters

Offer to Purchase: Part 2 - Tips for Buyers and Sellers

There are aspects relating to the basic sections within a contract of sale to consider, like suspensive conditions, agent commission, VAT & Transfer duty.

March 2, 2018
South Africa’s VAT increase for property transactions
Market News

South Africa’s VAT increase for property transactions

For the first time in 25 years, the Value Added Tax (VAT) rate in South Africa will be increased by 1% from 14% to 15%. Here’s what this means for property transactions…

February 23, 2018
Borehole regulations you need to know
Legislative Guidelines

Borehole regulations you need to know

Putting in a borehole on a property is often an attractive option for owners as it provides a convenient and cost-effective source of water. But before drilling for water, be sure to comply with all relevant regulations to avoid unpleasant penalties.

February 4, 2018
Rent-to-buy agreements
Contractual Matters

Rent-to-buy agreements

The reality of the current South African economic climate is such that a considerably large number of bond applicants are unsuccessful, while sellers often experience difficulties in selling their properties at a desirable price. The rent-to-buy option is one that addresses both the buyer and seller’s concerns.

February 4, 2018
Buying a property for someone else
Contractual Matters

Buying a property for someone else

While a less common scenario, it is possible for an individual to make an investment in or finance the purchase of a property with the intention of another becoming the owner, and although the transfer process remains largely unchanged, there are a few things to be aware of.

February 4, 2018
How to avoid special levy shock
Sectional Title Governance

How to avoid special levy shock

A special levy can come as a rather unpleasant shock to sectional title unit owners when the added expense was not expected. As such, property owners should make themselves aware of what to expect when such costs are incurred.

November 24, 2017