Property Transactions

Peace of Mind (POM) treats property transactions as high-stakes “Big Money Decisions” that require a shift from emotional “gut feelings” to realistic financial and legal planning. Their goal is to ensure that a “dream home” does not transform into a “financial millstone”.

Expertise and Comprehensive Support

The property services are led by Bronwyn Boyd, who has over 20 years of experience as an admitted attorney, conveyancer, and Property Practitioner. This professional background allows POM to:

Bridge the gap between the client and complex property laws and rules.
Brief associate attorneys if court or regulated representation is required, which saves the client time and money.
Review Insurance: They emphasize that property owners, especially those with solar panels, are often inadequately covered by their current policies.

Ultimately, POM advocates for “prevention over cure” in property deals, encouraging clients to seek guidance before signing any documents because, as they frequently note, “there’s more to it than meets the good reader’s eye”.

Buying Property

Balancing the Equation

POM highlights that while estate agents are professionals, they primarily represent the interests of the seller, leaving the buyer without dedicated representation during a major decision. To address this, they help buyers evaluate:

Total Costs: This includes rates, levies, ongoing expenses, conveyancing fees, and transfer costs.

Property Health: They investigate hidden defects, the structural health of the building, and conduct bond comparisons.

Environmental Factors: They look into the surrounding environment, including planned developments, local zoning, and whether current views will be protected in the future.

Contractual Protection: They review complicated or “questionable” contracts and help draft personalized conditions to protect the buyer.

Selling Property

Managing the “Shrinking” Price

When selling, many focus solely on the selling price, but POM warns that this number can shrink rapidly due to overlooked expenses. They advise budgeting for:

Mandatory Fees: This includes agent commissions plus VAT and compliance certificates, which can cost anywhere from a few thousand to tens of thousands of rand.

Penalties and Delays: Sellers must provide banks with proper notice for bond cancellations to avoid penalties and consider occupational interest if they move before the registration of the transfer.

Market Realities: If a quick sale is necessary, a seller might have to accept 20–30% less than their original expectation.

Relocation Costs: Moving trucks and storage expenses must be accounted for, as they often require payment before the sale proceeds are received.

Professional Guidance

When conflict cannot be resolved amicably through mediation, POM uses their expertise to brief associated attorneys and handle legal preparations. This saves the client time and money while furthering the outcome. Their consistent advice across all areas of conflict is to act “sooner rather than later”.

Why do I need representation when buying property?

While many estate agents are professional, they primarily represent the interests of the seller. Having your own representation ensures that major “Big Money Decisions” are balanced and that your interests are protected throughout the transaction.

How can I avoid buying a “financial millstone”?

We help translate initial excitement into realistic expectations by evaluating the structural health of the property and identifying hidden defects. Our network of professionals can guide you on what repairs are needed and what they will actually cost.

What “hidden” factors should I evaluate before I buy?

Beyond the property itself, you should evaluate rates, levies, ongoing expenses, and transfer costs. It is also vital to investigate the surrounding environment, including local zoning and planned developments that could affect your property’s value or your view in the future.

What hidden costs will “shrink” my selling price?

When selling, you must budget for more than just the agent’s commission (plus VAT). You should also expect costs for compliance certificates (which can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of rand), bond cancellation penalties if you didn’t give the bank enough notice, and moving or storage expenses.

What if I need to move before the sale is officially registered?

If you move before the registration of the transfer, you may incur occupational interest costs. Additionally, remember that moving companies typically require payment before the sale proceeds land in your account, so you must have cash on hand for these delays.

Not sure where you fit in?

That’s fine. The first conversation is free, and we’ll tell you honestly whether we can help.

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