The ABCs of lease agreements in South Africa
Navigating the world of lease agreements can be complex and fraught with potential pitfalls. In South Africa, these agreements are an essential tool for establishing clear expectations and protecting the interests of both landlords and tenants. Whether you’re a seasoned property manager, a first-time landlord, or a prospective tenant, understanding the nuances of these contracts […]
Navigating the Amendments to the Trust Property Control Act: Beneficial Ownerships in South Africa
The Trust Property Control Act, a key piece of legislation governing South Africa’s trusts, recently underwent a substantial transformation with the passage of the General Laws (Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Terrorism Financing) Amendment Act. This regulatory overhaul was aimed at strengthening the country’s trust governance, a direct response to its greylisting status, and has significant […]
Eviction order prior to removal of unlawful informal settlement structures on private property: Is it necessary?
Should a land owner obtain an eviction order prior to the removal of informal settlement structures erected unlawfully, and without the land owner’s consent, on his or her private property? When living in South Africa, the sighting of informal settlement structures being erected on vacant land is quite common. Unfortunately, these informal settlements are sometimes […]
Compliance certificates required when selling a property
There is a duty on the Seller when selling an immovable property to provide certain certificates of compliance to the Purchaser. There are five compliance certificates that the Seller is required to obtain at his/her own cost before the transfer of the property takes place. The following are the necessary certificates: Electrical Compliance Certificate The […]
When your tenant ‘does a duck’
Tips for landlords when their tenant does a disappearing act. Everyone who has let out property knows that sickening feeling when you find out that your tenant has disappeared. Most of the time there are signs—usually unpaid or late paid rental. Some tenants plan to go without paying, while others just cannot pay. What should […]
Will solar power increase the value of your home?
The upfront investment is high, which you’ll want to recover when you sell. Stage 6 loadshedding is now firmly in effect, many South Africans are without power for up to 12 hours each day, and the threat of Stage 8 blackouts looms large on the horizon. It’s no wonder then that many households are turning […]
Reduce the pain of downscaling: Investing in a holiday home as a retiree
The decision to move out of a large residence in favour of a smaller or less expensive property, also known as down-scaling, is often viewed as a last resort in the face of mounting financial pressure. However, for many retirees, the decision to downscale is driven by the prospect of greater freedom. As one gets […]
How to obtain a home loan: things to consider before you apply
With most of the major interest rate hikes now out of the way, 2023 is set to provide a more stable environment for financially savvy, would-be home-buyers to enter the property market. While the economic outlook is set to be less turbulent than during the previous year, it’s still vitally important to take charge of […]
Having ‘skin’ in the property game
Bigger deposits mean a smaller loan and a better interest rate. Rising inflation and several interest rate hikes have many South Africans trying their best to keep their costs down where possible, and this has also translated into their homebuying behaviour. The Q2 ’22 oobarometer statistics, released by ooba, reveal lower-than-expected home price inflation from […]
How much home can you get for your money
Analysing the affordability of SA’s residential property market. South Africans continue to tighten their belts as the pressure of rising interest rates, inflation, and other varying economic factors put household income under strain. This puts the affordability of national residential property under the spotlight. However, while (in nominal terms) national house price inflation remains positive […]