Remission of rent in the case of sub-leases
With the onset of the Covid pandemic, commercial rental properties saw a staggering increase in remission claims of lessees who could no longer actively enjoy the use of their rental spaces. But can a lessee claim for remission if it was a sub-lessee that was deprived of their property use? In a recent Western Cape […]
Recovering arrear maintenance: How far is too far?
In a recent judgement of the Johannesburg High Court, the court proved that it was willing to go to extreme lengths to help recover maintenance that had fallen in arrears. The applicant in the case was a mother of two minor children who brought an urgent application against the father for maintenance that had been […]
Frozen bank accounts and deceased estates
During the administration of a deceased estate, the bank accounts of the deceased are frozen to establish the solvency of the deceased’s estate. This is a lengthy process even if a valid will is left behind, but can become unbearably long (more than two years in some cases) when intestate succession comes into play. The […]
Are you ready to enter the letting world?
Letting real estate seems like a sure-fire way to make an income as a real estate owner, but the possibilities come with certain considerations. The simple fact is that not every property (or every owner) is cut out for the letting world, at least not at present. Timing Unfortunately, the biggest obstacle to property letting […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]