Five Residential Property Trends No One Saw Coming

Experts have already predicted the top property trends of 2024, ranging from the impact of looming interest rate cuts to co-buying, solar power financing, sectional title demand and the resurgence of first-time homebuyers. However, several emerging (and sometimes overlooked) trends are set to come into play, creating notable shifts in the landscape. The top five […]

Property Advice in an Election Year

Buy now, sell later. This year, almost half of the world’s inhabitants will head to the polls to elect their new governments, including eight of the world’s 10 most populous countries. In South Africa, we can expect our own election to put the property market into a temporary holding pattern, dragging on the subtle buyer’s […]

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 […]

The increasing importance of Fidelity Fund Certificates

Property Practitioners who now need to hold a Fidelity Fund Certificate, unless excluded, to practice in terms of the Property Practitioners Act, 22 of 2019, may have certain questions regarding the application process to obtain the Certificate, its issuing from the Authority and any disqualifications from issuing, its amendment, withdrawal, and lapse thereof. A Property […]

Is a seller held liable to repair a leaking roof after the property is sold?

The Purchaser signs an agreement of sale with the Seller. The property is transferred into the Purchaser’s name. A month later, there were heavy rainfalls and the roof leaks. Is the Seller liable to repair the roof or the Purchaser, as the new owner? To understand which party is liable, one must appreciate the difference […]

Deciphering the dilemma: To sell or not to sell your property amid financial strain

Given the current economic climate, many homeowners in South Africa might find themselves facing the challenge of keeping up with their monthly bond repayments. In such instances, it may be tempting to consider selling the property to relieve financial pressure. However, before you make a hasty decision, it is crucial to understand all the factors […]

Rate hikes: Are buyers over-reacting?

Historically, interest rate hikes have had a dampening effect on the South African residential property market, with homeowners reassessing their affordability in anticipation of higher monthly loan repayments. The resultant reduction in home loan applications immediately following an interest rate hike is a reaction from buyers who are hesitant to make a long-term commitment until […]

Compliance certificates required when selling a property

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 Electrical Installation Regulations under Section 43 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, sets out the requirements for obtaining a valid […]

Protect your dream holiday: An overview of the Property Time-Sharing Act

In 2018 the National Consumer Commission (NCC) investigated the vacation ownership and time-share industry after various consumer complaints were submitted to the Consumer Protection Tribunal. The majority of the complaints received and raised during the enquiry related to the inability to cancel these so-called “life-long” contracts with clubs, the forfeiture of points on cancellation or […]

Transfer Duty. No Surprises. Part 2

The Transfer Duty Act 40/1949 (“the Act”) states that transfer duty (duty) is to be levied on any property acquired by any person by way of a transaction. The Act is clear as to whom and by when the duty is to be paid. It states that the duty shall be payable by the person […]