Monthly Archives: October 2023

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A Costly Case of Buyer’s Remorse

“Caveat subscriptor” – old legal maxim meaning “Let the signer beware!’ A recent High Court decision once again highlights the dangers of signing anything without reading, understanding and fully considering it. A “Renovator’s Dream” and a case of buyer’s remorse A couple viewed a house advertised as “a renovator’s dream” and they immediately decided to sign an offer to purchase for R550,000 (R20,000 under asking price). The seller accepted the offer that afternoon (after the agent agreed to reduce her commission to R40,000) and

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Buying a Used Car – Your Rights

“The buyer needs a hundred eyes, the seller but one” (Old proverb) You buy a “pre-loved” vehicle which turns out to be a complete dud. You go back to the dealership which says “sorry, you bought it as is, not our problem”. What are your rights? Buying from a private seller When we discuss the CPA (Consumer Protection Act)’s consumer protections below, note that the CPA only applies to dealerships and to other sellers acting “in the ordinary course of business”. Private sales

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Selling Your House to a Non-Resident

“Oh, I’m an alien, I’m a legal alien” (Sting’s ‘Englishman in New York’) South Africa is attractive to overseas property buyers with our world-class lifestyle, depreciated Rand, strong property registration and legal systems, and minimal restrictions against non-resident property ownership. Which is of course great news for property sellers in any area popular with foreign investors. Coastal and other tourist-friendly areas will appeal particularly to buyers wanting a holiday or retirement destination, whilst those buying purely for investment or business reasons will

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How Does the New Divorce Act Ruling Affect You?

Media reports of the recent Constitutional Court decision holding a section of the Divorce Act unconstitutional and giving Parliament 24 months to remedy that haven’t always been clear about who needs to be aware of this, and who doesn’t. Firstly, understand the three “marital regimes” available to you Legally, marriage amounts to a binding contract, and you have the right to choose between three possible “regimes” – Marriage in community of property: All of your assets and liabilities are merged into one “joint estate”

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