Chris Fick & Associates

ATTORNEYS SELLING PROPERTIES: WHAT’S NEW?

Attorneys selling properties has become a big topic for discussion in the property industry. However, this is nothing new. Attorneys have been selling properties for and on behalf of their clients since time immemorial. What is new is the way in which attorneys are now doing it and the extent of their involvement in the […]

THE MY BOND FITNESS APP AND WEB PORTAL

My Bond Fitness is an online portal and App through which prospective purchasers can become pre-qualified purchasers. This is a game changer in the property market and is of great assistance to attorneys who are helping their clients with the sale of their properties. Meyer de Waal, a property lawyer, developed www.mybondfitness.co.za more than a […]

PROPERTY: WHAT ARE YOUR RIGHTS TO VIEWS AND PRIVACY?

“Diligence is the mother of good fortune” (Miguel de Cervantes) Another warning to do your homework before you buy or develop property comes from a recent High Court decision to set aside a municipality’s approval of building plans. From sea-view balconies to walled-in courtyards A 17-storey inner city building incorporated residential apartments on its higher […]

WHEN YOU CHOOSE TO SELL YOUR OWN PROPERTY

For property owners it has become much easier and more lucrative to sell their own properties, without the involvement of any estate agent and without the obligation to pay agents commission. With the information and assistance which are available through the internet, social media and the support of property lawyers, more and more owners are […]

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 […]

RENTING PROPERTY TO FOREIGNERS

Renting property in South Africa is a straightforward process. The country has a vast selection of rental accommodation including bachelor flats in apartment blocks, Victorian cottages, stand-alone houses with big gardens, and semi-detached units in modern townhouse complexes. In South Africa, the right of a foreigner to purchase immovable property was restricted in the past […]

OORWEEG JY DIT OM IN ‘N ONTWIKKELING TE KOOP?

Die argitek Robert Stern is van mening dat wanneer jy praat oor ‘n huis wat jy wil bou, dan praat jy oor jou drome. Dit hou besliste voordele in indien jy ‘n leë erf in ‘n eiendomsontwikkeling kan koop waarop jy dan jou droomhuis kan bou. Daar is egter ook risiko’s wat jy moet bestuur. […]

BUYING TO BUILD IN A DEVELOPMENT?

“When you’re talking about building a house, you’re talking about dreams” (Architect Robert Stern) There are many advantages to buying a vacant plot on which to build your dream house in a property development, but there are also potential risks to be managed. Discuss the pros and cons with your lawyer before you agree to anything. […]

BUY THAT HOUSE! YOU’RE OFF THE HOOK FOR THE SELLER’S MUNICIPAL DEBTS

“Why should a municipality be entitled to visit the sins of a predecessor in title upon innocent third parties when there is no relationship or connection between that party and the debts in question?” (Extract from judgment below) A recent Pretoria High Court judgment has come to the rescue of property buyers being pressured by […]