Is a Borehole Certificate Required When Selling Your Property?
Borehole certificates aren’t mandatory when selling property, but sale agreements may require them.
It is not a formal requirement that a seller provide a purchaser a “compliance certificate” concerning a borehole when a property is sold. The seller and the purchaser may determine in the sale agreement if any certificates in respect of the borehole will be required before registration and who will be liable for the costs. However, it is noted that most financial institutions will require certain certificates when approving a bond grant.
Certificates and / or tests which may be required (if agreed upon):
Yield test: The yield test measures how many litres the borehole delivers per hour.
Water quality test: The water quality test determines whether the water is hygienically safe for human consumption.
Even though the above-mentioned certificates are not always required in terms of the agreement of sale, it is still important for the registered owner to ensure that he/she complies with the Local Authority’s By-Laws dealing with boreholes aiming at a sustainable, safe and controlled manner of exploitation of underground water. Please also see our article dated 4 February 2018, “Borehole regulations you need to know”, in respect of Local Authority regulations.
Written by: Jean-Mari De Beer – Le Grange
Moderated and approved by: Glenda Nell
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