Township Property: An Untapped Market?
Much has been written about the residential property markets in South Africa’s iconic cities: Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. But what of the largest townships in or adjacent to each of these cities: Soweto, Umlazi, and Khayelitsha? While the glossy brochures and media headlines often focus on city skylines and prime real estate, there’s a […]
The Rental Housing Tribunal: The Unsung Hero of South Africa’s Rental Market
Renting or leasing a home should be simple, but when it turns into a headache, the Rental Housing Tribunal (RHT) steps in to help. Established under the Rental Housing Act No. 50 of 1999, the tribunal provides a free, fair, and accessible way for landlords and tenants to resolve disputes, without the stress or cost […]
SARS’ ‘Toll Fee’ on the Road to Home Ownership
Of all the costs involved in purchasing a home, transfer duty is one of the largest. Buying a property in South Africa involves more than just the purchase price. One of the additional costs that many buyers need to budget for is transfer duty, a tax levied by SARS. Understanding how this tax works is […]
Know Your Rental Rights
Renting a home should be straightforward: you pay your rent, you get a safe place to live, and both sides respect the agreement. Unfortunately, renting does not always go as planned. The Rental Housing Act was introduced to keep things fair and balanced between tenants and landlords. And when disputes do arise, the Rental Housing […]
A Step-by-Step Guide to Buying a House in South Africa
Purchasing a home is an exciting milestone, but without proper guidance, the process can be daunting. South Africa’s property market has unique legal and financial steps that buyers must follow. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced investor, this guide will walk you through each stage, from securing financing to transferring ownership, ensuring a […]
Navigating Property Disputes: A Guide for Owners and Tenants
Property disagreements can be stressful and costly if not handled effectively. Whether you’re a homeowner, tenant, or landlord, understanding common disputes and how to prevent them can save you significant time and money. Common Property Disputes You Might Encounter Property disputes usually revolve around ownership, usage, or responsibility for a property. These can occur in […]
Five home ownership costs you shouldn’t overlook
It’s not all about interest rates. With interest rates at a multi-year low, now is an opportune time for first-time homebuyers to step into the property market. However, when it comes time to budget, potential homebuyers are urged to account for several important, but often overlooked, costs. While home loan pre-approval gives homebuyers a clear […]
Empowering Homeowners: How the CSOSA Transforms Community Living in South Africa
Community living in South Africa, whether in homeowners’ associations (HOAs), sectional title schemes, or housing estates, comes with unique challenges. Disputes over governance, finances, and maintenance can disrupt harmony and strain relationships. Enter the Community Schemes Ombud Service Act 9 of 2011 (CSOSA), a groundbreaking law designed to address these issues and empower homeowners and […]
Divorce and Immovable Property: Understanding the Section 45bis(1)(a) Endorsement Application
When a person married in community of property is awarded their former spouse’s share in jointly owned property following a divorce, they can apply to the registrar of deeds for an endorsement of the title deed. This endorsement records that the applicant is now the sole owner of the property and can deal with it […]
Subdivision and Consolidation of Land
Do you have a big piece of land that is becoming expensive and labour-intensive to maintain? Or perhaps you have two adjacent properties you’d like to combine into a larger erf? Subdividing or consolidating could be the ideal solution for you. Subdivision of your property has many benefits for you as the owner. Subdividing can […]