Legal Articles

A contract is only enforceable under South African law if it meets certain essential requirements. At its core, a legally binding contract is an agreement between two or more parties with the intention to create enforceable obligations.

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In most cases, South African banks require 90 days’ written notice before a bond can be cancelled. If this notice is not given, or if the bond is cancelled before the notice period expires, the bank is entitled to charge early termination fees. These costs are in addition to the standard legal and administrative fees involved in bond cancellation.

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A property compliance inspection is a formal assessment carried out by a qualified inspector to determine whether certain features of a home meet South Africa’s safety regulations. These inspections focus on systems that pose a risk if they’re not correctly installed or maintained — such as electrical wiring, gas appliances, water systems, or electric fences.

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Estate agent commission in South Africa is not fixed by law. It varies widely based on the agent, the mandate agreement, the market conditions, and, crucially, what the seller agrees to upfront. This creates both an opportunity and a risk: sellers can often negotiate better terms, but they can also find themselves locked into unfavourable commission arrangements.

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The building at 101 Rissik Street, which has housed the Johannesburg Deeds Office for years, has been in a state of disrepair for some time. The situation escalated in April 2024 when a sewage leak flooded the basement, prompting widespread outcry and renewed pressure from the legal profession for decisive action.

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Company liquidation is a formal legal process used to wind up a business. It involves selling off the company’s assets, using the proceeds to pay off creditors, and ultimately deregistering the company.

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The results of the Altron FinTech Household Resilience Index (AFHRI) for the fourth quarter of 2024 confirm a modest improvement in the financial disposition of South African households, mainly due to three cuts of 25 basis points each in the repo rate between September 2024 and January 2025. 

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For many couples, the family home represents far more than bricks and mortar. It holds memories, a sense of security, and emotional significance — especially when children are involved.

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When parents separate or divorce, decisions about where a child will live, who will care for them, and how they will be supported are among the most difficult and emotionally charged.

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Divorce is one of the most emotionally and legally significant events a person can experience. Beyond the personal and family upheaval, it also involves a structured legal process that must be carefully followed to formally end a marriage in South Africa.

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