Lending to a friend or selling property on credit – Must you register as a credit provider?
“Neither a borrower nor a lender be for loan oft loses both itself and friend” (Shakespeare) It seems logical that the very strong consumer protections in the NCA (National Credit Act) are designed for commercial situations in which credit is advanced by “credit provider” businesses to “credit consumers”. But does the NCA also apply to […]
Plot-and-Plan: Great option, just beware the building deadline
“Buy land, they’re not making it anymore” (Mark Twain) Buying a house is an important and exciting experience. One of the first decisions you must make is whether to buy an existing house (the “turnkey” option) or to buy from a developer on a “plot-and-plan” (“off-plan”) basis. Which option is best for you only you […]
WILL YOUR ANC PROTECT TRUST ASSETS ON DIVORCE?
A recent Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) decision illustrates once again how essential it is, before getting married, to have your lawyer structure your antenuptial contract (ANC) correctly, and with as much detail as is needed for certainty. A multi-million Rand fight over trust assets A divorcing couple had married and divorced three times. They […]
THE SIMPLE MISTAKE THAT COST A 10% COMMISSION
There’s many a slip “twixt the cup and the lip” (very wise old proverb) A recent Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) case shows yet again how essential it is to double-check that your Fidelity Fund Certificate (FFC) is both current and valid. Remember that you must hold FFCs not only for your trading entity […]
NEIGHBOURS BEHAVING BADLY: NIP ILLEGAL BUILDING IN THE BUD!
Bad neighbours don’t just impinge on your enjoyment of your property; they can also cause serious harm to its value. So if you notice illegal building activity next door, move quickly to nip the problem in the bud. Your hand in this regard has just been strengthened. An important new decision by the Supreme Court […]