Can You Back Out of a Property Purchase? Legal Consequences Explained
Purchasing property is one of the most significant financial commitments a person can make. It often involves high financial stakes, emotional investments and a legally binding contract. But what happens if you need to back out of a sale after signing an offer to purchase? Whether due to a change in financial circumstances, buyer’s remorse, […]
Seller Appoints the Conveyancer; Purchaser Pays the Fees
There is currently no legal framework in South Africa that mandates the common practice where the seller appoints the conveyancer, and the purchaser pays the transfer fees. However, this arrangement has become deeply embedded in South African conveyancing practice over many years, if not decades, due to a range of practical and legal reasons outlined […]
Can an HOA Block Access for Foreign Domestic Workers?
Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs) are legal entities responsible for managing and regulating housing development schemes. They oversee maintenance of communal infrastructures such as roads, security systems, and other shared amenities. An HOA can legally implement access restrictions as part of its security procedures, but sometimes the extent of these procedures is questioned. HOA’s authority to regulate […]
Do Actions Speak Louder Than Words in the Business World?
It’s one thing to claim your company is customer-orientated, but talk can be cheap regarding what matters most to your business. The businesses that serve their customers effectively don’t proclaim it on bold billboards; they prove it through offering efficient advice, paying consistent attention to detail, and delivering long-term quality results. These tangible actions create […]
Long-Term Goals, or Short-Term Gains?
More than a million applications have already been lodged with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) to pull funds out of their savings. Given that this amounts to R21.4 billion, that’s a frightening amount of money for a country that doesn’t have a savings culture. What with more people withdrawing cash under the Two Pot […]
What buyers and sellers should know about conveyancing in South Africa.
If you’re buying or selling property for the first time, the transfer process might seem a little overwhelming. We’ve compiled a list of common questions to help you understand the key steps and make the experience a bit less daunting. 1 . What does a conveyancer actually do? A conveyancer is a specialised attorney who […]
What Does Being a Trustee of a Body Corporate Entail? (Part 1)
When all the trustees of a body corporate resign, the options available to the owners include the appointment of: replacement trustees at a special general meeting. an executive managing agent at a special general meeting or approaching the Community Schemes Ombud service to do so. appointment of an administrator by way of an application to […]
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 […]
Demotion as a Disciplinary Measure
When an employee is found guilty of serious misconduct, the first thing that comes to mind is dismissal. But is firing someone always the only, or the best option? In South African Labour Law, demotion is a lesser known but important alternative to dismissal that can offer a fair solution for both employer and employee. […]
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 […]