Have you finally found the perfect fixer-upper?
Fixer-upper properties. We all know and love them. There’s something about finding the perfect property that might be a little dated or run down and fixing it up to reach its full potential. If you find the perfect fixer-upper, you can maximise your return on investment, but first thing’s first, finding the right property. If […]
Selling your property? How to stage your home
If you want to ensure that your property sells quickly, staging your home could help. If you stage your home, you are presenting it in the best possible light and condition, which will make it easier for potential purchasers to imagine themselves living there. So, how do you stage your home? Declutter your home When […]
What is a title deed?
If you are planning to buy a new property, you will need to get the title deed transferred into your name to prove that you are the owner of the property. You will need the assistance of a lawyer specialising in property transfers (also known as a conveyancer) to help you transfer the title deed […]
How does inheritance work?
When someone dies they normally have what is called a ‘will’. The people who benefit from this ‘will’ are known as the heirs. Upon someone death, the heirs receive an ‘inheritance’. The person who administers the will of the deceased is called an ‘executor’. What legislation affects inheritances? . South Africa’s inheritance laws apply to […]
Maintenance in Sectional Title Schemes
The requirements now necessary with regards to sectional title maintenance of major capital items as per the Sectional Title Schemes Management Act (STSMA) are there to create a more formalised and long term view with regards to maintenance, which in turn will create a need for better budgeting and financial management, says Michael Bauer, general […]
Vacant gardens and property rates
The purpose of this article is to explain the laws and policies that determine how property rates and other services are charged to erven that do not have residential homes on, but form part of the garden of a person’s residence. Typical Example The problem discussed in this article most commonly arises where a person’s […]
Engineering contribution figures
Sections 20(2)(c)(i), 48, 63 and Chapter 5 of the Town Planning and Townships Ordinance 15 of 1986 (“the Ordinance”) deal with the levying and payment of engineering contribution figures. These are essentially amounts payable by a person who has applied for rights to change the use of a property, in order to facilitate the upgrading […]
Is the tenant or landlord responsible for the water leaks?
Questions, and sometimes disputes, often arise between landlords and tenants regarding where the responsibility lies with the maintenance of a property. The simple answer is that tenants can generally only be held responsible for repairs/replacement on the property if the damage was caused by the tenant’s actions, or items that have a short life span, […]
What does the Deeds Office do?
The Deeds Office is responsible for the registration, management and maintenance of the property registry of South Africa. If you are planning on buying a house, it can be useful knowing about the Deeds Office. However, you would use the services of a conveyancer when buying or selling a house. Your estate agent should be […]
Co-owning property with someone else: The ups and downs
What is co-ownership? Co-ownership is when one or more people jointly own the same property. In essence, it is when they legally share ownership without dividing the property into physical portions for their exclusive use. It is thus commonly referred to as co-ownership in undivided shares. It is possible to agree that owners acquire the […]