PJJ van Rensburg Attorneys | A Pretoria based law firm

Can You Back Out of a Property Purchase? Legal Consequences Explained

Purchasing property is one of the most significant financial commitments a person can make. It often involves high financial stakes, emotional investments and a legally binding contract. But what happens if you need to back out of a sale after signing an offer to purchase? Whether due to a change in financial circumstances, buyer’s remorse, […]

Seller Appoints the Conveyancer; Purchaser Pays the Fees

There is currently no legal framework in South Africa that mandates the common practice where the seller appoints the conveyancer, and the purchaser pays the transfer fees. However, this arrangement has become deeply embedded in South African conveyancing practice over many years, if not decades, due to a range of practical and legal reasons outlined […]

What buyers and sellers should know about conveyancing in South Africa.

If you’re buying or selling property for the first time, the transfer process might seem a little overwhelming. We’ve compiled a list of common questions to help you understand the key steps and make the experience a bit less daunting. 1 . What does a conveyancer actually do? A conveyancer is a specialised attorney who […]

Navigating Property Disputes: A Guide for Owners and Tenants

Property disagreements can be stressful and costly if not handled effectively. Whether you’re a homeowner, tenant, or landlord, understanding common disputes and how to prevent them can save you significant time and money. Common Property Disputes You Might Encounter Property disputes usually revolve around ownership, usage, or responsibility for a property. These can occur in […]

Renting vs buying: The pros and cons

In a lowering interest environment, tenants are reconsidering their priorities. Driven by reduced interest rates and more lenient loan criteria, tenants are starting to have their sights firmly set on owning a home. While many – particularly the ‘millennial generation’ – chose to travel and live more ‘freely’ in the past, priorities have since changed. […]

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 the […]

Five Residential Property Trends No One Saw Coming

Experts have already predicted the top property trends of 2024, ranging from the impact of looming interest rate cuts to co-buying, solar power financing, sectional title demand and the resurgence of first-time homebuyers. However, several emerging (and sometimes overlooked) trends are set to come into play, creating notable shifts in the landscape. The top five […]

Property Advice in an Election Year

Buy now, sell later. This year, almost half of the world’s inhabitants will head to the polls to elect their new governments, including eight of the world’s 10 most populous countries. In South Africa, we can expect our own election to put the property market into a temporary holding pattern, dragging on the subtle buyer’s […]