Deeds Office Cape Town Year End Arrangements: December 2014 to January 2015
The schedule in the link below sets out changes to the normal operations in the various sections
Unless otherwise stated herein, sections will operate normally
- All arrangements remain subject to change
- Last day for registration is Friday 19 Dec 2014.
- Average turn-around in December is usually 10 working days.
Cape Town Deeds Office Amended Year End 2014 Arrangements
Property transactions held up by rates clearance delays
IolProperty - South Africa
Cape Town's property economy is being "brought to its knees" because the City of Cape Town is unable to process rates clearance certificates in fewer than 30 days, says the Law Society of the Cape of Good Hope.
In a strongly worded letter sent to mayor Patricia de Lille and deputy mayor Ian Neilson, the Property Law Committee of the Law Society cautioned that the situation - reportedly caused by a hi-tech computer system - "has reached its zenith and credibility has been compromised".
The livelihoods of countless property buyers, sellers, estate agents and conveyancers were at risk as property transactions were held up pending rates clearances from the city, said the committee.
"We can't proceed without the rates clearance certificate," said Stephan le Roux of Herold Gie Attorneys. The problem, caused by the city's new electronic rates clearance system, was widespread, he said.
IolProperty
At this time of year, short term holiday rentals can be very profitable - but ensure that the tenant is kept in control
Rawson - South Africa
If you own a home anywhere along the South African coast or in the more attractive parts of the country, it is possible to make good money by renting it out at this time of year. This, in turn, means that you may be able to enjoy a longer and more expensive holiday yourself than you would normally be able to afford – or simply to be able to build up your own savings.
There are, however, a number of dangers attached to renting out a private home, says Bill Rawson, Chairman of the Rawson Property Group, and to avoid being hit by these, most home owners find it worth their while to employ a professional renting agent, even if this does mean that they will have to sacrifice 20% or 30% of the sum paid to them.
Whether you go it alone or use an agent, says Rawson, certain precautions should be taken and these are absolutely necessary.
1. Make certain that your home is insured and that the premiums are paid up to date. For some inexplicable reason the chances of severe damage occurring are always stronger when it is rented than when it is occupied by the owner. The owner therefore has to safeguard against this.
Rawson
Make your bonus really count
Betterbond - South Africa
Getting a bonus or “13th cheque” at this time of year (or a tax refund from SARS) may make you feel like a lottery winner, but if you want to stay in the pound seats, you’re going to have to resist the temptation to go on a holiday spending spree. Instead, consider the following alternatives for balancing your budget, and/ or improving the value of your home:
- Reduce your debt. Total up the interest you paid on credit cards and store cards this past year and see how much you could save over the next 12 months by using your bonus to reduce - or even eliminate - the balances due. Then restrict use of the cards to emergencies.
- Try to set part of your bonus aside for home maintenance and repairs. This will help you meet home ownership costs in the next 12 months without wrecking your household budget.
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