This process is called conveyancing and only attorneys who are qualified conveyancers are allowed to handle this process. To qualify as a conveyancer, an attorney is required to pass additional exams in order to be admitted by the High Court as a conveyancer.

The process of transferring the property into your name starts with a completed Deed of Sale. This is the Offer to Purchase (example in Addendum “Al signed by both the seller and accepted by the purchaser (and their spouses, if applicable). (more…)

The buyer of an older unit has to accept the layout of the building and can only change it with alterations and additions at current prices. Such alterations will be limited by the existing layout and position of the house on the stand.

No guarantee in structural defects exists, while the stove, geyser and other appliances carry no guarantee and has to be tested by the new owners. (Open the hot water taps when inspecting the house and test all the functions of the stove if it is supplied with the house. Check the pool and pool pump for defects.) (more…)

Newly built house

If you build a new house, you could choose the design. This way the house should fit all your specific requirements and satisfy all your needs (within the limitations of your budget), while being in the neighbourhood of your choice. By designing the house according to modern trends, the property could also be more appealing to future buyers. (more…)

6 to 8 weeks before

• Confirm moving dates and arrange movers or transport.
• Make sure you know about all insurance coverage needs.

Arrange for accounts (telephone, electricity and water) to be transferred. (more…)

Make a checklist to ensure that you remember what needs to be done. Don’t forget the small things: defrost the fridge in time and arrange for pets to be transported. Are the keys for all the doors in the house accounted for? Did you have the telephone disconnected and have you cancelled the newspaper? This is very important as it is often the little things that are easily forgotten. (more…)

The most important elements of home maintenance are regular repairs and continual general maintenance. These will prevent safety hazards and large unexpected costs, help you maintain the value of the property and make your own living space more comfortable. (more…)

This is an entire complex (flats and townhouses) divided into individual units which are then sold separately

Sole mandate

A signed agreement between the seller and the estate agent to market a property exclusively. Once the agent is allowed to market the property, he has sole rights. (more…)

The National Home Builders Registration Council ensures that builders extend their commitment to customers by providing a five-year warranty.

Null and void

A legal expression emphasising a final cancellation or lapse of a sales agreement. It puts both parties in the position they were in before the agreement was signed and leaves each without any obligation to the other. (more…)

Written undertakings issued by registered banks guaranteeing payment of part or all of the purchase price on registration of transfer. Guarantees are furnished to the transferring attorney.

Installment amount (Monthly repayment)

This is the basic monthly installment amount payable on the home loan, excluding insurance or assurance premiums, where applicable. (more…)

A supplementary agreement to an original “Offer to Purchase” covering points agreed to afterwards. It is a separate agreement in its own right and, if it contradicts the original in any way, it is presumed to overrule it.

Agreement of sale (offer to Purchase)

The basic contract of sale and purchase between a willing seller and buyer. No matter what the parties have agreed to verbally, no contract exists until an agreement of sale is completed and signed by both parties. Also known as an Offer to Purchase. (more…)