General

Conveyancer's responsibility

For many years uncertainty prevailed as to whether the conveyancer, appointed by the seller to effect transfer of immovable property, has any duty to safeguard the interest of the purchaser.

In the case of Basson v Renini and Another 1992 (2) SA 322 N it was held that the conveyancer acts for both the seller and the purchaser. However, in the case of Manna v Lotter and Another 2007 (4) SA 315 C the converse opinion was held. Similarly, in the Namibian case of Vaalz v Registrar of Deeds, Namibia : In re Nockel’s Estate 1993 (4) SA 353 (NmHC) it was held that the “conveyancer is nothing but the agent of the person wishing to effect the transfer of his property”.

Judge H R Erasmus, in the unreported case of Johan Willem Bruwer and Another v Pocock and Bailey Incorporated and Another (Case No. H 22/2009), considered the above two judgments and concluded that there rests an onus on conveyancers to ensure that the purchasers rights are protected in the conveyancing process. It was further held that conveyancers have a legal responsibility in accordance with the professional code of conduct which the community at large expect from persons holding such capacity, to protect their interests. It was also held that the negligent omission on the part of a conveyancer to protect the interests of a purchaser is unjust (onregmatig).

It is trusted that the above has now shed more light on the question: “For whom does the Conveyancer Act?”

Allen West
Deeds Training
Pretoria

Reader Comments:

Tarryn 02/09/2014:

Ah, court decisions. In a truly acrimonious position not reaching consensus, at what point do you/would you advise that a party obtains separate legal advice? And which party do you advise. Both? And if one of the parties on their own accord appoints an attorney, do you immediately 'represent' the other?

Allen West 03/09/2014:

It has always been my contention that the conveyancer is acting for the seller as he/she has to procure transfer of the land. Thus the seller is the conveyancers client, but the conveyancer must procure an indisputable title for the purchaser and therefore also acts in the best interest of the purchaser. In the case of a dispute, it would be wise to request the purchaser to seek alternate advice The above is mutatis mutandis applicable to a Notary, in instances of attesting a notarial deed.

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