Blog
  • Posted July 16, 2021

HOME OWNERS ASSOCIATIONS AND COMMUNITY LIVING

With modern lifestyle in a post-Covid society top of mind with most property purchasers, the popularity of Security Estates and Community Living remain on the increase. Many such Estates and Communities are governed by a Homeowners’ Association (HOA) and this article discusses the role that HOA’s play in the world of property ownership. HOA’s are […]
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  • Posted May 7, 2021

RATES REFUND FROM THE CITY OF CAPE TOWN…, WILL I EVER GET IT?

So, you’ve sold your property and are aware that the Purchaser pays all the costs of transfer. Then your Conveyancer asks you for roughly 3 times your monthly rates and utilities account to be paid to him upfront! There is the promise of a refund in respect of any over-payment made, but will this ever […]
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  • Posted March 29, 2021

HOW DO I CANCEL MY BOND WITH THE BANK?

“After nearly 20 years I’m finally at the point where I’ve just about repaid my home loan in full. This got me thinking though, what happens or what I should do when I pay the final instalment?” We’re often approached by clients for advice on how to go about cancelling a paid-up bond, or even […]
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  • Posted January 22, 2021

WHY CAN I SCAN MY SALE AGREEMENT BUT I HAVE TO COURIER MY POWER OF ATTORNEY?

So you were able to sign, scan & email your Sale Agreement back and forth from your laptop on your pool lounger in the south of France when negotiating the sale of your property but now that the deal is done your Conveyancing Attorneys are saying you can’t use the same process for your transfer […]
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  • Posted November 27, 2020

IT’S A BUYERS MARKET FOR SURE – BUT CHECK THE TITLE DEED BEFORE YOU SUBMIT THAT OFFER!

The festive season is upon us, and now ‘tis the time to buy property. But you would be well advised to check the provisions of the Title Deed to the property you’re interested in before you sign on the dotted line. Broadly speaking, a “Title Deed” (also called a “Deed of Transfer” – they’re interchangeable […]
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  • Posted September 11, 2020

A CANDID REPORT ON A MORNING AT THE CAPE TOWN DEEDS OFFICE IN THE TIME OF COVID-19

Much has changed at the Deeds Office as protocols to curb the spread of Covid-19 have been adopted and adapted (some more carefully thought through than others!). It is wise to arrive early to try and get a fair spot in the sometimes-unavoidable queue to enter on the ground floor.  Conveyancers must sign in, answer […]
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  • Posted July 17, 2020

THE STORY BEHIND THE SIGNATURE REAL ESTATE JUDGEMENT

You will no doubt all by now have heard of the important judgement handed down by the Supreme Court of Appeal on 10 June 2020. In the matter of Signature Real Estate (Pty) Ltd v Charles Edwards Properties and Others it was decided that, in certain instances, an estate agent will not be precluded from […]
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  • Posted June 11, 2020

CORONA: A BEAUTIFUL NAME FOR A VILE VIRUS

I was so excited as the transition from lockdown level 4 to level 3 loomed, with the prospect of the property industry kicking back into action after its lockdown slumber now real – and then,  that Thursday morning, I felt my body temperature rise just that little bit above where it should have been… “Oh […]
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