Advice &amp; News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Property Finance

Your bond settlement amount – a brief guide

The sale of a property can often bring with it unforeseen expenses, but this needn’t be the case. To take the mystery out of bond settlement costs, we have put together this brief overview so that sellers can plan appropriately and avoid being caught off guard.

Different forms of ownership of immovable property

We have put together the basics on each of the 3 most common types of ownership: full title ownership, sectional title ownership and long-term lease.

The right of first refusal

A right of first refusal is a mechanism in a contract that affords the holder of such right the preference to buy a particular property, should the owner ever choose to sell it.