Category: Property

Neighbours’ Facebook Feud: Cats Pics, Karens & Keyboard Muppets
, Delict and Civil Claims, Property

Neighbours’ Facebook Feud: Cats Pics, Karens & Keyboard Muppets

“Dance like no one is watching, but text, post, and email like it will be read in court one day.” (Anon) When can the target of rude comments and insults on a…

Your House Burns to the Ground: Can You Hold the Seller Liable?
, Property

Your House Burns to the Ground: Can You Hold the Seller Liable?

“Time shall unfold what plighted cunning hides.” (William Shakespeare, in King Lear) A recent High Court judgment confirms, yet again, that if a property seller knows about a hidden defect and keeps…

A Bond Clause Deadline Whooshes by and a Sale Dies – Can You Revive it?
, Property

A Bond Clause Deadline Whooshes by and a Sale Dies – Can You Revive it?

“I love deadlines. I love the whooshing noise they make as they go by.” (Douglas Adams in The Salmon of Doubt) Contracts often contain suspensive conditions, a common example being the bond…

Private Prosecution: Neighbours at War

Private Prosecution: Neighbours at War

“I charge you by the law.” (William Shakespeare in The Merchant of Venice) Victims of crime are entitled to see the perpetrators brought to justice. Feeling that the justice system has failed…

A R4.25m Warning to Choose Your Conveyancer With Care
, Property

A R4.25m Warning to Choose Your Conveyancer With Care

“Trust me, I’m a lawyer.” (Popular T-shirt slogan) South African property buyers and sellers will have been cheered by news that we are now officially the most affordable country in the world…

How to Avoid Fighting Over the House – A Guide for Life Partners

How to Avoid Fighting Over the House – A Guide for Life Partners

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of bandages and adhesive tape.” (Groucho Marx) It’s a perennial topic of dispute in our courts. A couple lives together, sharing the same roof…

When Does a Property Defect Justify Cancellation? A Costly Case of Buyer’s Remorse
, Property

When Does a Property Defect Justify Cancellation? A Costly Case of Buyer’s Remorse

“Look before you leap.” (Wise old proverb) Imagine sealing the deal on your dream property, only to wake up at 3 a.m. beset by sudden doubts. Thoughts like “Can we really afford…

Can a Body Corporate Cut the Power? It’s Complicated
, Property

Can a Body Corporate Cut the Power? It’s Complicated

“A body corporate’s lot is not an easy one.” (With apologies to Gilbert and Sullivan) One of a body corporate’s core functions is to collect current and outstanding levies. When a section…

Budget 2.0: A Mixed Bag, With Good News for Property
, Personal Finance, Property, Tax

Budget 2.0: A Mixed Bag, With Good News for Property

“Good in parts” (Like the curate’s egg) Transfer duty threshold increased by 10% You pay no transfer duty if the property you are buying sells for less than the set threshold. The…

Why You Should Check That Your Estate Agent is Registered With the PPRA
, Property

Why You Should Check That Your Estate Agent is Registered With the PPRA

“All that glisters is not gold” (William Shakespeare in Merchant of Venice) Buying or selling a home could be one of the most important financial decisions you’ll ever make. It’s an exciting…