Get Started
All Posts

Every Van Deventer Dowlath & Marx Incorporated post in one place.

Browse the full library of legal insights, property updates, family-law guidance, and practical business articles.

Filters 175 articles
Category
All posts Conveyancing & Property Law Property Buyers Property Sellers Property Practitioners Community Schemes Litigation Family Law Commercial Law Press Releases News and Legal Articles
Archive

The Rezoning Process in South Africa

Rezoning property or land in South Africa isn't just a matter of ticking boxes. For developers, investors, and landowners looking to change how a property may legally be used, it's a process that requires strategic planning, expert input, and a clear understanding of local government systems. A misstep can result in mo

Read article ->

Enforcing Property Sale Contracts in South Africa

Selling property in South Africa is not a casual handshake—once a property sale agreement is signed, it sets in motion a legally binding process with real consequences. And yet, many sellers find themselves blindsided when a buyer suddenly backs out of the deal. Whether it's cold feet, financial uncertainty, or an atte

Read article ->

The CPA and Lease Agreements in South Africa

Lease agreements are often assumed to be governed only by the clauses written into them. But in South Africa, property leasing is shaped by more than just private contract. Because the right to housing and the right to property are constitutionally protected, several additional laws apply—and one of the most important

Read article ->

Long-Term Lease Agreement – When Does It Apply to You?

Long-term lease agreements don't just shape the relationship between landlord and tenant—they can create legally enforceable rights that follow the land itself. In South African property law, these agreements hold far more weight than short-term leases, especially when registered. They may even give the tenant a real r

Read article ->

What Happens to a Business During Divorce?

Divorce can upend more than your personal life—if you're a business owner, it can expose your company to financial and legal vulnerability you never saw coming. In South Africa, the way your marriage is structured plays a role in what happens to your business during a divorce. Under a community of property regime, even

Read article ->

Signing Suretyships When Married in Community of Property

Signing a suretyship can seem like a standard administrative step in business or finance—until you're married in community of property. In South Africa, this matrimonial regime comes with shared ownership of assets and a unique set of legal guardrails that apply when one spouse attempts to bind the estate through perso

Read article ->

A Note on the Budget and US Tariff War

One would be embarking on a fool's errand to try and gauge the full impact of the tensions within the government of national unity (GNU) and the 30% tariff slapped on South Africa by US President Donald Trump.

Read article ->

What is a Notarial Bond in South Africa?

Notarial bonds offer businesses and lenders a powerful legal tool for securing debt—especially in transactions where physical possession of the asset isn't practical or desirable. In South Africa, these instruments serve as an alternative to pledges, giving creditors a form of security over a debtor's movable property

Read article ->

Differences Between a Notary Public and a Commissioner of Oaths

In South Africa, legal documents often require official certification or verification. Two professionals who perform these duties are a Notary Public and a Commissioner of Oaths—but despite some similarities in their roles, they are not interchangeable. Many people incorrectly assume that either can do the other's job,

Read article ->

Asbestos Roof – Is this a Defect in Your Home?

Asbestos was once considered a miracle material: lightweight, durable, and fire-resistant. For decades, it was widely used across South African construction—especially in roofing. But what was once a selling point has become a source of serious concern. The health risks associated with asbestos are now well known, and

Read article ->

Independent Contractors and PAYE in South Africa

The tax treatment of independent contractors is a grey area for many South African businesses—especially when the contractor is closely tied to the company, such as a director or shareholder. It may seem easier (or even more tax-efficient) to have that individual invoice the business each month instead of drawing a for

Read article ->

What Happens If You Default on Your Mortgage Bond?

Buying a home is a long-term financial commitment, but life doesn't always go as planned. Job loss, medical emergencies, rising living costs - there are countless reasons homeowners may struggle to keep up with their bond repayments. Many assume they have time to fix the situation, but banks don't wait long before taking

Read article ->
WhatsAppProperty help