“Look before you leap” (wise old proverb) Don’t let the excitement of buying a property blind you to the necessity of doing your homework before you agree to anything. Look before you leap! It’s not just a matter of buying the right property at the right price – make sure that your finances (and particularly your cash […]
Property Buyers: The Danger of Not Doing Your Financial Homework Read More »
“… a person shall by prescription become the owner of a thing which he has possessed openly and as if he were the owner thereof for an uninterrupted period of 35 Years or for a period which, together with any periods for which such thing was so possessed by his predecessors in title, constitutes an
Losing Your Property to Acquisitive Prescription Read More »
The only bad time to buy property is later. (Steve Bolton) Buying property – whether to live/work in or on a buy-to-let basis – could be one of the most important investments you make. Here are some strategies to help you on your way. Twelve strategies for success Map out your investment goals: Do you plan
Buying Property as an Investment – Some Strategies for Success Read More »
“We have this handy fusion reactor in the sky called the sun; you don’t have to do anything, it just works. It shows up every day” (Elon Musk) Eskom’s no-end-in-sight loadshedding, rising electricity costs, South Africa’s abundance of sunshine, and the global move to sustainable energy solutions have all contributed to the current boom in
Installing Home Solar – How to Comply with the Regulatory Requirements Read More »
“The approval of building plans is not a mere formality in town planning and compliance with building standards promote public safety … The courts should not permit landowners to erect illegal structures on their land and then present the authorities with a fait accompli created by their illegal actions” (Extracts from judgment below) What do
Neighbours Behaving Badly: Illegal Buildings and Demolition Orders Read More »
“…sending bank details by email is inherently dangerous, and so must either be avoided in favour of, for example, a secure portal or it must be accompanied by other precautionary measures like telephonic confirmation or appropriate warnings which are securely communicated.” (Extract from judgment below) Before you make any payment to a supplier’s bank account
Check All Emailed Bank Details for BEC (“Business Email Compromise”) Frauds Read More »
“A kustingbrief … has long been recognised as a superior front-ranking form of security.” (Extract from judgment referred to in the article) You accept a great offer on your property, the sale agreement is signed and the buyer pays the deposit. You put the champagne on ice. But before you can pop it open, the
When Your Buyer Can’t Get Finance, Might a Kustingsbrief Save the Sale? Read More »
If you are in a Community Scheme such as a Sectional Title development or a residential complex with a Homeowners Association (HOA), keep an eye on the “Shared Living” magazine from the CSOS (Community Schemes Ombud Service) on its Newsletter page. Most of the articles are clearly aimed at Bodies Corporate, HOAs and Managing Agents, but
Websites of the Month: Community Schemes – “CSOS Connect” Services Going Live Read More »
December and January have always been prime months for selling residential property in South Africa, and if you are a “Festive Season Seller”, here are two really important tips for you. How does CGT on a property sale work? This is a complex topic, so what follows is of necessity a summary of general principles
Selling Property this Festive Season: The Tax Angle Read More »
“I love deadlines. I love the whooshing noise they make as they go by.” (Douglas Adams) Here’s yet another reminder from our courts on the danger of not complying strictly with every provision in a property sale agreement. Don’t be like Douglas Adams and listen to the deadlines go whooshing by – missing a property
