Miscellaneous

Registering Property in the Name of a Minor

We are quite often asked for advice on the advisability of registering property in the name of minors (unmarried persons under the age of 18). Parents sometimes wish to invest in property and register the property in their minor child’s name. There can be any number...

Title to Property

The two most common types of title to immovable property are Sectional Title and Freehold Title. A freestanding house erected on a single erf in a residential suburb is normally held by freehold title whereas most flats, apartments and units in townhouse complexes are...

Neighbour Relations Part 2

As mentioned in Part 1, owners are entitled to use their land as they please provided that they do not infringe on their neighbour’s corresponding right to enjoy and use their own properties. “Neighbour law” accordingly places certain restrictions on the way in which...

Neighbour Relations Part 1

This is the first article in a two-part series on neighbour relations. It is an unfortunate fact of life that some people have little or no regard for the rights of others. This disregard has, over the years, led to the development of a sphere of law sometimes known...

Fixtures and Fittings

A buyer who purchases immovable property legally acquires the land together with all permanent improvements on the land. Permanent improvements include not only the physical structure but also items, which are permanently attached to the structure. These items are...

Cluster Housing

The lock-up and go lifestyle afforded by cluster housing developments, townhouses and apartments has become popular in South Africa. This lifestyle provides a number of advantages including convenience, relatively low maintenance and security. Sectional Title...

Capital Gains Tax

A reader addressed a letter to the Editor (Weekend Post August 2) regarding an article which appeared in the Property Post, July 26th, regarding Capital Gains Tax (CGT). In the letter the reader enquired whether it was necessary for the "ordinary houseowner" to have...