Responsibility for payments in the age of cybercrime
Phishing scams have become a part of our everyday digital lives, but even though the risks have become ever-present, awareness hasn’t increased in equal measure. The worst part is that even when you were the victim of a phishing scam, the onus of payment still falls squarely into your lap. Phishing is the blanket term […]
A closer look at verbal agreements
Believe it or not, verbal agreements are still valid, enforceable, and legally binding contracts that can be relied on to govern legal relationships. Though there may be a few exceptions and key aspects that must be covered for the agreement to be legal, the biggest hindrance in verbal agreements may simply be human memory. Your […]
Understanding conveyancing fees and what you’re paying for
Buying your first home is one of the benchmarks in every person’s life. Whether it’s a small apartment to rest in after a day’s work, a home to raise a family in, or a studio apartment that allows you to tap into your creativity, your first home is a landmark from which the rest of […]
Are your heirs disqualifying themselves?
We all know that the will forms a vital part of the estate planning foundation. It is unfortunate then that the foundation of a deceased estate is so often left crumbling due to simple oversights in the drafting of the will. Just as with any piece of legal writing, the wording of your will matters. […]
Repo rate and the real estate impact
Buying a home in an economy that is constantly shifting requires careful consideration and research. The greatest question to ask may very well be, “Will I be able to afford this investment no matter what happens next?” Unfortunately, this question may not have enjoyed the prevalence it deserved over the past few months. As the […]
To be(queath) or not to be(queath)
Some believe Shakespeare to have been a madman. Whether that is true or not, we cannot say, but we believe that he had no contemporary who wrote quite as much (or as well) about death and its implications. As certain as the fates of his protagonists and antagonists were, we don’t think leaving things up […]
The Actio de Pauperie: Liability in domestic animal attacks
Domestic animals are a source of joy to their owners across the world. But every so often, that joy is not shared with a person who suffers an injury caused by such an animal. In these cases, it is easy for the victim to lay full responsibility for the injury on the owner’s shoulders. But […]
Can neighbours object to building plans?
We all know the saying, “Strong fences make good neighbours.” But what if your neighbour is kicking up a complete raucous while erecting that fence? Or erecting a structure that is sure to bring down the value of the neighbouring properties? There must be a way to do the neighbourly thing and stop them, right? […]
How will the property practitioner’s act affect you?
The Property Practitioner’s Act is finally here. Signed into law by Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa in 2019, the PPA finally came into effect on 1 February 2022, replacing the Estate Agency Affairs Act of 1976. The PPA is aimed at the further transformation of the property sector and increased consumer protection. Henceforth, the PPA’s regulations will […]
Preparing your budget for your dream home
Purchasing a new home is undoubtedly an exciting decision, but it is also an extremely emotional one. A home is where family traditions are brought to life and where lifelong memories are made. However, in addition to the immense pride that comes with having a place to call your own, comes the heavy costs that […]