Buying a home is one of life’s big milestones, and for many, it’s a journey best taken with someone by your side. Whether it’s with a partner, a family member, or a trusted friend, entering into a joint bond in South Africa can be a great way to get your foot in the door of the property market. But while the idea of sharing the financial load is appealing, it’s important to go into this commitment with your eyes wide open. Let’s break down everything you need to know about joint bonds so you can make informed decisions and feel confident in your choices.

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that almost everyone has had an issue with a noisy neighbour at some point in life, whether it’s a one-time occurrence, like a bit of drilling in the early hours of the morning or a consistent ordeal, like loud parties that persist all night. It’s almost unavoidable as the houses and apartment blocks in most residential areas are closely packed. And with that kind of proximity, the walls or fencing separating you and your neighbours aren’t always enough to keep the peace. So, if you find yourself in this kind of situation, and wonder what the

There’s no denying that braaing in South Africa is a favourite pastime for all citizens, and with the warmer seasons approaching, people across the country will be gathering to fire up the coals, grill some meat and have a merry time. Of course, not everyone has a sprawling backyard that can accommodate a large group of friends and open fire; many South Africans live in apartment complexes that have their own rules and regulations. Because of this, we decided to give some legal insight on braaing in a sectional title scheme in South Africa. Along with

It’s hard to believe it wasn’t too long ago that the idea of women having the right to own property or inherit land in South Africa was seen as absurd by the patriarchal society and oppressive Government. Not only is it now a very different story – thankfully -but women property owners in South Africa are on the rise, and single women are now the biggest group of property owners in the country. Forget the sexist “homemakers” label; women are quickly becoming homeowners! Yes, sisters are doing it for themselves! Women property owners

It’s 5 pm, and you are getting ready to say goodbye to the stressful workday, wind down and catch up on your favourite series. By some miracle, traffic is flowing freely, and you reach your apartment complex at a reasonable time. Then, something tells you to check your post box. And there, under the seemingly endless property brochures, is an ominous envelope. It tells you you’ve broken the rules of the complex, and you must pay up. You might be in disbelief, but receiving fines in a sectional title in South Africa is entirely legitimate. Still, certain processes must be followed

In 2018, Johanna Mamaila’s story made headlines across South Africa: the 50-year-old, who was living in an informal settlement in Mamelodi, was excited to move into her new RDP house. However, her dream soon turned into a nightmare when she discovered the house had also been bought by two other people. It soon came to light that Mamaila was scammed by a fraudulent property company, and it cost her R185 000. Sadly, RDP housing scams are a growing trend in South Africa, and Mamaila is

Young professionals looking to purchase their first property often lean towards apartments or homes in a complex – also called sectional titles. Not only are these properties the more affordable option, but they usually come with other benefits, such as added security and amenities. Of course, there are some drawbacks, specifically for current or prospective pet owners. However, keeping pets in a sectional title scheme is possible, but, as with most things, some terms and conditions apply. What exactly is a

For many young professionals, renting a house or an apartment is one of the first big steps in their lives. Of course, it can be a lengthy and complicated process: from searching for and viewing properties, to signing lease agreements and other documents. It’s always best to conduct thorough research and ensure all the legal boxes are ticked. Good news for prospective tenants is that the law protects their rights in the form of The Rental Housing Act, which regulates the relationship between landlords (people who own property) and

Few things are as exciting as being handed the keys to your new home! It’s a space that you not only can transform to express who you are; it’s also a worthy investment that you can keep in the family for generations. Not to mention, if you are a home flipper in the making, you will be more than thrilled to have acquired a new asset to spruce up and sell for a profit. But, the hidden costs of buying a house in South Africa can take many potential homeowners by surprise, and often thwart the entire purchase. So, doing additional research and gaining knowledge is vital before putting