Property Advice Articles in South Africa

What are Occupancy Certificates, and do you need one to buy/sell a home?

Occupancy Certificates are legal documents certifying that a property complies with all relevant building regulations and by-laws, and is safe to occupy. They are typically received after an official inspection of completed renovations, ticking...

8 costs that landlords often underestimate when setting expectations

The following costs are those which are most commonly underestimated or even overlooked by landlords.

Tips for handling late rental payments

For those who are relying on rental income, it is important to be prepared and to know what to do should there be a late payment over this time.

How to risk-proof your new property: Tips for first-time homeowners

To manage risks effectively, homeowners need to implement a variety of safety measures and responsible living practices. Insurance is a vital component of this mix.

Understanding long-distance moving costs and logistics

It is important to understand the possible charges and logistics involved in a long-distance move.

14 interior design secrets, maximum impact, minimal fuss 

These simple yet artful interior design tricks don’t necessarily require a large budget or extensive renovations to create a beautiful and harmonious space.

Simple tips for moving to a smaller home

Going small will allow you to buy in a better area. And if you are downscaling, you’ll have more for little luxuries like travelling, and to put towards other investments.

Here's how to stay covered when moving house

It's easy to forget about the insurance implications during the stress of moving house, but keeping your insurance up to date should be at the top of your to-do list.

Seller discovers breach: Can they cancel property sale contract without liability?

Can the seller cancel the contract without incurring costs due to the agent's attorney breaching the agreement by handling the property transfer, which should have been done by the seller's attorney as per the contract?

Safeguard your family from electrical hazards

Electrical safety is a serious issue that requires constant attention. Understanding the potential hazards and following practical tips will help protect your family from electrical dangers.

Sustainable building trends boost property values

More homeowners, real estate investors, and developers are recognising the importance of incorporating sustainable features into residential properties. 

Don’t forget to protect your home over the holidays

With the Easter holiday season approaching, homeowners and tenants are reminded to take steps to protect their properties.

Debunking common misperceptions: 7 factors that don't affect your home's value

Many people mistakenly believe that certain factors have a substantial impact on their home's worth when, in reality, these factors have little to no bearing and by including them in the calculations, they are likely to end up with an inaccurate...

Responsibilities of trustees for sectional title schemes

To fully understand what the responsibilities of a trustee are, as well as to understand the regulations for this type of property ownership, homeowners are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Sectional Title Schemes Management Act,...

7 surprising homeowner insights

We all think we know our homes pretty well, but there are a number of interesting and unexpected facts about them that would astonish most people.

The importance of home inspections and checklists

Home inspections guide buyers, sellers, and agents in property transactions, each using their own checklist to assess potential issues pre-market or pre-sale.

Is dual occupancy right for you?

Homeowners are advised to carefully consider whether dual occupancy is the correct move for them, as these will become legally binding agreements that are tricky to get out of if a homeowner suddenly realises that this is not what they want.

A four-point guide on insurance for first-time buyers

Buying a home is one of the biggest investments. There are so many things to consider before signing on the dotted line: home loans, transfer duties, bond registration and of course insurance too.

Do's and don'ts of first-time home ownership

Buying property, while it is an amazing experience, it can be quite daunting. Here are a few tips to help make the process a little bit easier for first-time buyers.

How paint colour choice impacts home saleability and liveability

To provide homeowners with some inspiration, here are a few insights into the popular colour choices for 2024.