Downsizing for Retirement: Making the Move That Makes Sense
Less space. More freedom. As retirement approaches or the kids move out, many homeowners start to rethink their living space. Downsizing isn’t just about getting a smaller home—it’s about choosing a space that suits your new lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to simplify maintenance, cut costs, or enjoy a slower pace in a more comfortable setting, […]
How the New Expropriation Act Shapes Land Acquisition in South Africa
President Cyril Ramaphosa recently signed the Expropriation Act into law, replacing a 50-year-old statute and providing a clearer framework for expropriating property in South Africa. This Act, which aligns with Section 25 of the Constitution, outlines how the government can acquire land for public purposes, with an emphasis on fair compensation for property owners. While […]
Protecting Your Home
Top tips for choosing the right security company. Crime is a pressing concern in South Africa, and securing your home adequately is crucial. A robust security system, backed up by reliable response and maintenance teams, is a strong deterrent against criminal activity. It reduces the likelihood of break-ins, theft, and violent crime, giving you greater […]
Subdivision and Consolidation of Land
Do you have a big piece of land that is becoming expensive and labour-intensive to maintain? Or perhaps you have two adjacent properties you’d like to combine into a larger erf? Subdividing or consolidating could be the ideal solution for you. Subdivision of your property has many benefits for you as the owner. Subdividing can […]
Is bond switching the key to lower mortgage payments?
In recent years, bond switching has become an increasingly popular choice among homeowners looking to reduce their monthly payments, access better loan terms, or take advantage of improved interest rates. But is switching your home loan the right move for you? Before making any decisions, it’s important to understand what bond switching entails, the potential […]
Does a settlement agreement constitute a credit agreement?
In a recent legal dispute, the court’s ruling brought to the forefront a perplexing issue that has long plagued the legal landscape: the classification of settlement agreements under the National Credit Act (NCA). The court’s decision, which emphasised the importance of preserving the amicable resolution of disputes, shed light on the intricate interplay between settlement […]
Property ownership transfer and the abstract theory
South African courts have adopted the abstract theory, which means that the validity of transferring ownership is not affected by whether the original transaction is valid. In the case of Legator McKenna Inc. v Shea [2009] 2 All SA 45 (SCA), McKenna, an attorney, was appointed as the curator of Mrs Shea’s estate because she […]
Planning to renovate your home?
Your insurer or broker should be the first to know. Many South African homeowners are investing in renovating their homes to increase its value. However, whether you’re planning to revamp your kitchen, bathroom or do some landscaping, anything that affects the replacement cost of your home can affect the amount of short-term insurance cover and, […]
Claiming ownership through acquisitive prescription
One way to acquire property in South Africa is through acquisitive prescription. This method does not rely on the transfer of rights from a predecessor in title; instead, it acknowledges specific factual criteria that, when met, grant legal rights and title to ownership. This article will outline the requirements necessary for successfully claiming ownership through […]
Why a home loan prequalification matters
So you’ve been looking to buy your dream home, and you’ve seen something for sale that grabs your fancy. Now imagine yourself walking through the front door carrying a suitcase filled with cash. You’ll certainly get the buyer’s attention, won’t you? Of course, not many people are in the fortunate position of being able to […]