Buying Property as an Investment – Some Strategies for Success
“The only bad time to buy property is later.” (Steve Bolton) Buying property – whether to live/work in or on a buy-to-let basis – could be one of the most important investments you make. Here are some strategies to help you on your way. Twelve strategies for success Map out your investment goals: Do you plan […]
Installing Home Solar – How to Comply with the Regulatory Requirements
“We have this handy fusion reactor in the sky called the sun; you don’t have to do anything, it just works. It shows up every day” (Elon Musk) Eskom’s no-end-in-sight loadshedding, rising electricity costs, South Africa’s abundance of sunshine, and the global move to sustainable energy solutions have all contributed to the current boom in […]
Neighbours Behaving Badly: Illegal Buildings and Demolition Orders
“The approval of building plans is not a mere formality in town planning and compliance with building standards promote public safety … The courts should not permit landowners to erect illegal structures on their land and then present the authorities with a fait accompli created by their illegal actions” (Extracts from judgment below) What do […]
Check All Emailed Bank Details for BEC (“Business Email Compromise”) Frauds
“…sending bank details by email is inherently dangerous, and so must either be avoided in favour of, for example, a secure portal or it must be accompanied by other precautionary measures like telephonic confirmation or appropriate warnings which are securely communicated.” (Extract from judgment below) Before you make any payment to a supplier’s bank account […]
When Your Buyer Can’t Get Finance, Might a Kustingsbrief Save the Sale?
“A kustingbrief … has long been recognised as a superior front-ranking form of security.” (Extract from judgment referred to in the article) You accept a great offer on your property, the sale agreement is signed and the buyer pays the deposit. You put the champagne on ice. But before you can pop it open, the […]
Websites of the Month: Community Schemes – “CSOS Connect” Services Going Live
If you are in a Community Scheme such as a Sectional Title development or a residential complex with a Homeowners Association (HOA), keep an eye on the “Shared Living” magazine from the CSOS (Community Schemes Ombud Service) on its Newsletter page. Most of the articles are clearly aimed at Bodies Corporate, HOAs and Managing Agents, but […]
Selling Property this Festive Season: The Tax Angle
December and January have always been prime months for selling residential property in South Africa, and if you are a “Festive Season Seller”, here are two really important tips for you. How does CGT on a property sale work? This is a complex topic, so what follows is of necessity a summary of general principles […]
Bond Clauses: Beware the Deadlines!
“I love deadlines. I love the whooshing noise they make as they go by.” (Douglas Adams) Here’s yet another reminder from our courts on the danger of not complying strictly with every provision in a property sale agreement. Don’t be like Douglas Adams and listen to the deadlines go whooshing by – missing a property […]
If the Municipality Rejects Your Building Plans, Consider PAJA
“The Constitution guarantees that administrative action will be reasonable, lawful and procedurally fair. It also makes sure that you have the right to request reasons for administrative action that negatively affects you.” (Department of Justice and Constitutional Development) Bureaucratic decisions can and do have far-reaching consequences for us, both financially and in our personal lives. […]
Building in Security Estates: The ‘Persuasive Sting’ of Penalty Levies
“… had the respondent imposed more moderate penalties, it would likely not have had the desired effect, or put differently, the same persuasive sting for individuals of substantial means.” (Extract from judgment below) Buying “plot and plan” in a residential complex allows you the freedom to build your own dream house in a secure environment, […]