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 […]
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 […]
MUNICIPALITIES CANNOT HOLD YOU LIABLE FOR OLD PROPERTY DEBT
On Monday, 7 November 2016 the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria ruled that if someone buys a property that has an outstanding municipal-related debt to it – incurred by the previous owner(s) – the new owner cannot be held responsible for paying that debt. The court ruled that the practice by the City of […]
ALL “COMMUNITY SCHEMES”: NEW RULES AND A NEW OMBUD YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT
Note: As with the previous article, what follows is of necessity only a brief overview of some very complex new provisions and, particularly if you are a trustee/administrator/director or the like, it is essential that you familiarise yourself with all the changes. Contact us if you need any help. The Community Schemes Ombud Service Act […]
SELLING PROPERTY? CHECK FOR VAT BEFORE YOU SIGN
“There’s many a slip ‘twixt the cup and the lip” (very old and very wise proverb) You sell your property for a good price and, with the deal in the bag, you start daydreaming about how to spend the proceeds. Then – disaster of disasters – you realise that in the excitement of the sale […]
LOST VIEWS AND RISING DAMP: LESSONS FOR HOME BUYERS
“Learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself.” (Eleanor Roosevelt) Here’s the story of yet another bitter dispute between neighbours over the loss of a treasured view. The setting this time is a group housing development which was specifically designed to give each and every house views […]
RATES UP AFTER A PROPERTY REVALUATION? OBJECT, BUT DO IT PROPERLY!
“The mere lodging of an objection, however ill-founded, does not trigger an obligation to furnish detailed reasons for the underlying decision relating to the valuation of the property” (extract from judgment below) Your local municipality is entitled to revalue your property (with reference to recent sales of similar properties in your area) at regular intervals. […]
YOUR HOLIDAY SEASON GUIDE TO HOME BUYING AND SELLING
“Buy land – they’ve stopped making it” (Mark Twain) Selling or buying a house can seem like a complicated and confusing process but help is at hand! Have a look at this simple overview: “Buying or Selling a House – What You Need to Know” from the Law Society of South Africa on its website. […]