Advice & News

Browse all of our latest blog posts and get the best information for all of your property enquiries.

Deadline for Building on Vacant Land
Sectional Title Governance

Deadline for Building on Vacant Land

Community Schemes, like sectional title complexes and homeowners' associations, have shared property rules. Buyers should review these before purchase.

July 10, 2023
The validity of written sales agreements
Contractual Matters

The validity of written sales agreements

This case and the Alienation of Land Act emphasise the need for written and signed sale agreements, as informal oral agreements lack legal validity.

July 10, 2023
What to do when a loved one dies
Contractual Matters

What to do when a loved one dies

If you're the executor of a loved one's estate, there are crucial tasks to handle before involving an attorney when they pass away.

July 10, 2023
A crucial victory for water rights
Contractual Matters

A crucial victory for water rights

Agriculture is one of the most important sectors of the global economy, and it relies heavily on water resources for crop production.

May 26, 2023
Caveats and endorsements noted against a property
Legislative Guidelines

Caveats and endorsements noted against a property

Conveyancers play a crucial role in verifying property titles and investigating title caveats. They are also expected to provide clarity on the concept of an interdict.

May 26, 2023
South African Law and the landlord’s right to rental income
Legislative Guidelines

South African Law and the landlord’s right to rental income

Under South African Law, the rights of the landlord/lessor to receive rent from their tenants is adequately protected.

April 26, 2023
Court ruling: Vacant possession
Legislative Guidelines

Court ruling: Vacant possession

This article highlights the voetstoots clause and the importance of prudent legal decisions and attorney selection, with a case illustrating the consequences of poor legal advice and strategy.

April 26, 2023
Sectional Title Governance Refund: Post-Registration
Sectional Title Governance

Sectional Title Governance Refund: Post-Registration

Will I get a refund from the Local Authority after registration and how does it work?

April 12, 2023
The agent’s responsibility when selling a tenanted property
Contractual Matters

The agent’s responsibility when selling a tenanted property

When selling a property with a tenant, the agent must disclose the tenant and lease agreement to the buyer to avoid disputes or the tenant becoming a squatter. The lease agreement takes precedence over the agreement of sale during its duration.

March 29, 2023
Hear me roar: The use of generators in Sectional Title Schemes
Sectional Title Governance

Hear me roar: The use of generators in Sectional Title Schemes

There is no sound that pierces a fellow South Africans heart quite like the mighty roar of their neighbour’s generator in the early hours of the morning. While residents in Sectional Title Schemes dream of a day that they too can use a generator to mitigate the detrimental effects of loadshedding, they are awakened to a reality that does not allow for this.

March 29, 2023
Who moved my deeds?
Legislative Guidelines

Who moved my deeds?

The e-DRSA will improve deed registration in South Africa by increasing efficiency and accuracy. However, involving key stakeholders, such as the Law Society of South Africa, South African Deeds Registries, and Department of Rural Development and Land Reform, is crucial. The cost and impact on the current paper-based system must also be considered.

March 29, 2023
The Validity of Wills – a Look at Formalities
Contractual Matters

The Validity of Wills – a Look at Formalities

A Testament/Will is a document where a person states their last wishes and what must happen with their estate after their death. If a person dies without leaving a Will, his/her estate will be administered in terms of the “Intestate Succession Act”. This Act provides for rules by which assets are distributed to relatives.

February 27, 2023
Environmental Law: Water Rights & Water Pollution in South Africa
Legislative Guidelines

Environmental Law: Water Rights & Water Pollution in South Africa

South Africa is a relatively water-scarce country. The regulation and implementation of water use is therefore very important.

February 27, 2023
The distinction between movable and immovable property
Sectional Title Governance

The distinction between movable and immovable property

It is important to clearly distinguish between movable and immovable property when buying or selling a house. Movable property consists mainly of the owners’ personal belongings that can be moved freely and are not affixed to the property itself.

February 27, 2023
Inheritance of surviving opposite sex life partners
Contractual Matters

Inheritance of surviving opposite sex life partners

In light of the recent development in Bwanya v Master of the High Court, opposite-sex life partners are now entitled to inherit in terms of the Intestate Succession Act, which was once a benefit exclusively awarded to partners in a same-sex life partnership.

February 2, 2023