Legal Articles

Knowing How to Write a Will in South Africa- Part II

There are many areas of a will that, when not written correctly, can be misinterpreted. The result is your estate is not administered or distributed according to your wishes. This article is the final part of a two-part series that addresses how to write a will in South Africa and, most importantly, what mistakes to avoid.

Mistakes to Avoid When Drafting a Will in South Africa – Part I

The most important thing to keep in mind when drafting a will is to make sure there is no room for uncertainty or ambiguity. This is to ensure that there is no confusion among heirs or beneficiaries regarding their inheritance which may result in a contested will.

Buying a House in South Africa – Offer to Purchase Conditions Part I

Putting in an offer to purchase is just one of the steps of the process when buying property in South Africa. However, there are certain offer to purchase conditions and pitfalls that buyers should be aware of. This article is part one of two, which discusses common pitfalls in offers to purchase in South Africa.

Obtaining a Rates Clearance Certificate from a local authority

A rates clearance certificate is a certificate which is issued by the relevant local municipality on application by a conveyancer for the transfer of a property.

The purpose of this document is to prove that all the outstanding debt on the property has been paid by the seller.

Simultaneous Registrations - Registration of Deeds in South Africa

The timely registration of deeds such as bonds and transfers, in particular their simultaneous registration, is extremely important for financial reasons.

Why is it so hard for foreigners to apply for a bond?

Foreigners wishing to buy properties in South Africa are finding it difficult to obtain residency permits and home loans, even though they may have high level qualifications and skills that would make them an asset to the country.