Property Advice Articles in South Africa

Post-Divorce issues: Does a different surname affect bond registration?

A Property24 reader, recently divorced and with a changed surname, is concerned if it will delay bond registration due to their property's title deed being in their married surname.

Tenant challenges painting costs: Dispute over property condition

Tenant disputes painting charges after leaving apartment clean.

Fine Print: Navigating misrepresentation in lease agreements

The purpose of the contract is to capture the details and formalise them, so everyone understands their responsibilities and expectations.

Divorced property owner seeks advice on transferring 50% share to children

A Property24 reader, currently owning a property with a remaining bond, seeks advice on transferring her 50% share to her children or a trust, as per the agreement with her ex-spouse.

Divorce and property: Navigating house ownership post-split

A Property24 reader wants to sell her jointly owned house, but her ex-husband, who's abroad and not contributing to the mortgage, is unreachable. She wants to know how she can obtain sole ownership.

What happens when you wish to cancel a lease agreement before occupation?

A Property24 Reader wants to cancel a lease agreement before occupation. The agency informed him that he must give 20 business days’ notice and that a penalty of 50% of rental must be paid and that the landlord can ask for 3 months rental.

Most burning questions Property24 readers had in 2023, answered!

Here we take a look at a few questions our readers had for legal experts in the property field during 2023- from sale agreement deadlines to cancelling a bond and much more.

How can I remove my name from a mortgage bond I signed with my partner?

A Property24 reader wants her name to be removed from the mortgage bond that she signed with her partner, but isn't sure how to go about it.

Paid and ready to move in, but an occupied property prevents new tenants from moving in. What now?

Is this legal for a landlord to charge new tenants for rental, deposit and damage fee upfront when they have not moved into the rental , and when we have a contract in place signed by both parties?

7 burning questions Property24 readers had in the last 3 months, answered!

Get answers to property questions from legal experts who offer valuable insights to help you understand and navigate these important questions. 

Property owner faces unexpected balcony waterproofing costs not covered by levies, what now?

A Property24 reader who owns a sectional title unit learned that she's responsible for waterproofing her balcony, a cost she thought was covered by levies. She does not have insurance for this unexpected expense and is seeking advice on what to...

Rights and responsibilities in rental housing – know where you stand

Evictions are complex processes that require a careful balance between the rights of tenants and the responsibilities of landlords.

The validity of forfeiture clauses in South African law

The validity of forfeiture clauses in South African law: Balancing buyer and seller interests in agreement cancellations

Subdivision or sectional title - which option should you as a landowner choose?

Here is brief explanation of the processes involved in subdividing and sectionalising properties for landowners who are considering their options with an eye to developing their property.

Buyer seeks compensation after failed purchase due to undeclared property in deceased estate

A Property24 reader signed an offer to purchase a property that was part of a deceased estate. The estate was closed by the Masters Office and the property was not declared. The reader wants to cancel the purchase and claim their money from the...

Landlord's R500 daily storage charge: Unjust notice for tenant's property?

Property24 reader's question: "Is my former landlord within his rights to charge me a daily storage fee, although the new tenants have agreed to store my belongings at no cost?"

Unsure if your property valuation is accurate? Have a supplementary valuation performed

Property owners can still request a review of their valuation if found to be totally incorrect. Whether it be business, commercial, residential, etc. your rights remain to having a Supplementary Valuation performed.

10 of the most popular questions readers had in the first half of 2023

Get answers to the most popular asked property questions about tenants and landlords rights, joint liability, and more. Legal experts provide valuable insights to help you understand and navigate these important questions.

Effective strategies for resolving disputes in homeowner's estates

Resolving disputes promptly and amicably is crucial to maintaining a harmonious living environment. Here are some of the best ways to resolve disputes in homeowner's estates.

Landlord vs Tenant: Can someone live in my house for free?

Evictions in South Africa, worsened by the pandemic, impact many due to rent non-payment and limited affordable housing. Approximately 10,000 people are evicted weekly, straining landlords and highlighting the need for balanced solutions.