Blog

Imagine this – you buy your dream home, pay for it, take transfer into your name, and move in. But then disaster strikes. The Municipality tells you no occupancy certificate was ever issued for the property and that you must vacate. Now.

A good offer comes in for your property, so you accept it. But you’re not happy with a few of the terms, so before you sign you make a few changes to the offer. Maybe they are big changes, maybe they seem inconsequential.

Here’s a nightmare scenario for a buyer – you move into your new dream home, and only then find out that your lovely little office/spare bedroom extension has no approved building plans. The municipality says the seller’s building works were unapproved and unlawful – you must demolish the extension.

“If you don’t like where you are, move. You are not a tree” (Jim Rohn) It’s that time of year again – summer sunshine, happy holidaymakers in festive mode, and an upsurge in property sales. Whether seller or buyer, be aware of the various compliance certificates that may be required for your transfer to goRead more

This October marks the 20th anniversary of the globally observed “Cyber Security Awareness Month”, and with cybercrime continuing to surge, here’s a cautionary tale to bear in mind.

You And Your Family Move Into Your New Dream Home Full Of Happy Anticipation But Then It Rains, And Your Roof Leaks. Badly. As You Run Around With Buckets And Towels While Trying To Find A Roof Repairer Available At Short Notice, You Wonder Whether You Can Sue The Seller. We’ll Address That Question With Reference To A Recent Supreme Court Of Appeal Judgment Concerning A Flooded-Out Guest House And A Seller Who Denied Fraudulent Non-Disclosure Of Roof Defects.

Ensure that all the important terms of your sale agreement are recorded in writing and signed. Leave out anything “material” and, as we shall see from the Supreme Court of Appeal case discussed below, your entire sale could well collapse. At the very least, you face significant legal consequences, delay and cost.

Don’t let the excitement of buying a property blind you to the necessity of doing your homework before you agree to anything. Look before you leap!

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.

What do you do if your neighbour starts building next door without municipal plans? A recent High Court decision confirms your right to apply for demolition.