A Bond Clause Deadline Whooshes by and a Sale Dies – Can You Revive it?

Jun 25, 2025 | Property

“I love deadlines. I love the whooshing noise they make as they go by.” (Douglas Adams in The Salmon of Doubt) Contracts often contain suspensive conditions, a common example being the bond clause in a property sale agreement. The standard bond clause provides that...

Private Prosecution: Neighbours at War

Jun 25, 2025 | Criminal Law / Crime, General Interest, Property

“I charge you by the law.” (William Shakespeare in The Merchant of Venice) Victims of crime are entitled to see the perpetrators brought to justice. Feeling that the justice system has failed you can cause significant psychological harm and feelings of victimisation....

A R4.25m Warning to Choose Your Conveyancer With Care

May 27, 2025 | Property

“Trust me, I’m a lawyer.” (Popular T-shirt slogan) South African property buyers and sellers will have been cheered by news that we are now officially the most affordable country in the world in which to buy a home. We’re only a nose ahead of the USA and Bahrain in...

How to Avoid Fighting Over the House – A Guide for Life Partners

May 27, 2025 | Family Law, Property, Wills and Estate Planning

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of bandages and adhesive tape.” (Groucho Marx) It’s a perennial topic of dispute in our courts. A couple lives together, sharing the same roof and everything else in perfect happiness and harmony.  Until it all goes south....

When Does a Property Defect Justify Cancellation? A Costly Case of Buyer’s Remorse

Apr 23, 2025 | Property

“Look before you leap.” (Wise old proverb) Imagine sealing the deal on your dream property, only to wake up at 3 a.m. beset by sudden doubts. Thoughts like “Can we really afford it?” or “How on earth could we have fallen in love with that old dump?” haunt you. You may...

Can a Body Corporate Cut the Power? It’s Complicated

Apr 23, 2025 | Property

“A body corporate’s lot is not an easy one.” (With apologies to Gilbert and Sullivan) One of a body corporate’s core functions is to collect current and outstanding levies. When a section owner becomes uncooperative, recovery can turn into a difficult, costly and...