Monthly Archives: Aug 2021

Top Property Questions you need to be asking before your moving in day

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Property Questions

“Moving in to a new home is one of the most exciting things you’ll ever do, but it can also be incredibly stressful” says 2020 Planning Group, John Russel .  Before you pick up the keys to your new property and say goodbye to the previous seller (or agent) there are a few things you’ll need to be clear on to save any last minute dramas:

  • Where’s the stopcock (you’ll be glad you know this if there are ever any plumbing problems!)
  • Where are the electricity and gas meters, and how do I pay for the supply? (some properties have pay as you go meters installed so you’ll need to know this in advance to save being caught out without any heating or lights.)
  • When’s bin day? You’ll probably have lots of rubbish to deal with when you move in, so it’s good to know how long you’ll have to live with it.
  • Is there any leftover paint anywhere? “If you’re keeping the colour scheme the same as the previous occupants you might still want to add a fresh lick of paint here and there. It’s much easier to get a perfect match if you can use leftovers” suggests You Choose Windows.
  • Where did you buy the tiles and light fittings? Again, you might want to put your own stamp on the property and start afresh, but if you’re happy with the status quo it’s good to know where things came from so you can replace any damaged items easily.
  • Where do the kitchen cabinets and handles come from? See above.
  • Do the electrical items have warranties and instruction manuals? There won’t always be cookers and white goods left over, but if they are it helps if they’re in good order and you know how to operate them!
  • Who are the phone, energy and internet providers? As the new bill payer you’ll need to make sure everything is in your name and you will have coverage when you move in.
  • Where’s the thermostat? Few things are worse than moving into an empty house in the dead of winter and not being able to turn up the heating, so make sure you know where to find this important little dial.
  • Can I buy the freehold? If you’re buying a leasehold flat you might actually be entitled to buy a freehold at a reasonable cost. Ask your agent for full details before you move in.

You’ll also have to ask yourself some questions too, such as “Can I make any savings elsewhere?”

“The cost of living is high, so this could be a great time to save money on household bills. Before you move in, go online and visit some comparison sites to check whether you’re getting the best deal for your money. By spending an hour or so comparing quotes you could end up saving yourself thousands on gas, electricity, home insurance and broadband” says RS Construction.

Landlords and Town Planners Notices

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Nightmare Legislation Causes Landlords and Town Planners Sleepless Nights

If you’re a property owner or town planner in Gauteng then listen up. You might not know it yet, but there’s a new ‘hidden danger’ that has gone unseen and unnoticed by many. It’s a ‘Time-Bomb’ and it’s about to explode. If you’d like to know how to protect yourself and your family then please read this message very, very carefully…

You’ve probably seen the adverts on TV from companies like Kopano Planning or Mokone Planners Offering “Free Legal help” to anyone and everyone. Well, this is a multi-Billion pound mega growth industry and is set to explode here in the South Africa…

Have you ever wondered what would happen if something were to go wrong. What would happen if one of your tenants were to get injured, while living in one of your properties?

The number of accident claims being filed in the South Africa is growing at an alarming rate. In many cases the defendant is being targeted because of his or her ability to pay. It isn’t about whose to blame. It’s about who can pay. If you’ve got ANYTHING to lose you’re at risk. As a landlord or town planner your assets are obvious and reachable…

The launch of the Housing act 2021 marked the introduction of the new Housing Health and Safety Rating System. This puts increased responsibility on all landlords to prove “Due Diligence” towards the health and safety of their properties. Especially if the landowner did not rezone their property to the relevant property zone. Failure to provide “Due Diligence” could be just the ammunition any greedy lawyer needs…

Appoint Town Planner to Avoid Lawsuits

The best way to avoid law suits is by making sure that your property is following all the by-laws and municipal legislation. First, appoint a Town Planner to help rezone your property from residential 1 to business 2. The town planner will help you appoint a team of an engineer, environmental assessment practitioner, geologist and other involved specialists. They will ensure that the property is following all the municipal by-laws and housing legislation.