I am planning to buy an encumbered fixed property and would like to know how I can ensure it won't be attached by the bank due to possible outstanding mortgage payments. I am ready to negotiate the purchase but, after doing research, I have become aware of a similar situation and would like to understand the solution. Thank you, Encumbered Property Purchase See what the experts have to … [Read more...]
Encumbered property: How can buyers minimise risks?
A reader who is looking to buy an encumbered fixed property wants to know how he can ensure that it won't be attached by the bank due to possible outstanding mortgage payments. … [Read more...]
Leasing a property: Who is responsible for water and electricity costs?
I would like to know who is responsible for the payment of water and electricity charges during a lease. In addition, could you advise how I can force my former landlord to reimburse my deposit without delay? The lease expired eight days ago and I have not received any payment. Thank you, Financial Accountability See what the experts have to say. … [Read more...]
Is landlord or tenant responsible for water and electricity costs?
A reader wants to know who is responsible for the payment of water and electricity charges during a lease and how he can compel his former landlord to reimburse his deposit without delay. … [Read more...]
How do I prove that I’m married in community of property?
I live in a house bought by my late husband before we met and I would like to know how I can prove that I am married in community of property. There was no antenuptial contract signed and, in addition, the notary public has been scrapped from the roll. Thank you, Status of Marriage See what the experts have to say. … [Read more...]
Proof of being married in community of property
A reader, who lives in a house bought by her late husband before they met, wants to know how she can prove that she is married in community of property as she didn't sign an antenuptial contract. … [Read more...]
Can I sell my house for less than market value?
I own a three-bedroom house and would like to know whether I can sell it for less than market value. I don't want to spend any money on repairs and want to sell the property for about R250 000. The market value of the house, which I purchased in 2001 for R150 000, is between R600 000 and R1 000 000 as it is situated close to schools and in an area where properties are in demand. The … [Read more...]
Selling a house below market value
A reader who owns a three-bedroom house in a small town wants to know whether she can sell it below market value, given that it is in a state of disrepair. … [Read more...]
Selling a property in an estate not yet wound up
I would like to know how to go about selling a property that forms part of my deceased father's estate, which has not been wound up or administered in any way. Although he died some years ago, the property is still registered in his name and is occupied by my two brothers. I am concerned that one of them might attempt to sell the property or take out a loan against it without our knowledge … [Read more...]
How to sell a property where estate is not finalised
A reader would like to know how to go about selling a property that forms part of her deceased father's estate, which has not been wound up or administered in any way. … [Read more...]
Replacing window frames to freehold and sectional title units
I am considering purchasing one of two potential properties in different complexes and I would like to know whether I can replace wooden window frames with lower-maintenance aluminium ones. One unit forms part of a sectional title scheme while the other is a freehold property where a Homeowners' Association (HOA) is involved. Thank you Potential Alterations See what the experts have to … [Read more...]
Changing window frames in a freehold or sectional title complex
A reader, who is considering purchasing one of two potential properties in different complexes, wants to know whether she can replace wooden window frames with lower-maintenance aluminium ones. … [Read more...]
Buyer questions changes effected after signing of agreement
I took early occupation of a house, but would like to query a situation where changes were made to a property between the signing of the agreement of sale and me moving in. My question is where does the responsibility lie to remedy such a situation? The seller removed light fittings and electrical wiring inside the main dwelling and I assume this was done to satisfy the requirements for a … [Read more...]
Alterations made after signing of agreement of sale questioned
A purchaser, who has taken early occupation of a property, is questioning alterations made after the parties signed the agreement of sale and before registration of transfer. … [Read more...]
Sectional title complex fails to hold AGMs
I live in a sectional title complex and would like to know what can be done about the trustees and managing agent failing to call annual general meetings? Thank you, AGMs in Absentia See what the experts have to say. … [Read more...]
What to do when trustees fail to call AGMs?
A reader who lives in a sectional title complex wants to know what he can do about the trustees and managing agent failing to call annual general meetings. … [Read more...]
Disruptive trustees impact running of sectional title complex
I would like to know what can be done about the conduct of two trustees in our sectional title complex who are embroiled in a personal conflict that is negatively impacting administration. One of the trustees has instituted legal steps against the other for defamation of character and this has caused the meetings to take on a very unpleasant tone. The normal debates have now almost become a … [Read more...]
How to manage trustees who disrupt sectional title meetings
A reader wants to know what can be done about the conduct of two trustees in a sectional title scheme embroiled in a personal conflict that is negatively impacting on its administration. … [Read more...]
