Monday, March 5, 2018
The use of every privately owned property in South Africa is subject to certain control measures, which may restrict you from making the changes you would like to make to your new home. If you are able to check the Title Deed before you buy a property, it may be beneficial in order to familiarise yourself with any restrictive condition on the property. These control measures are governed by:
Common Law is the law which applies if the parties to a contract have not reached agreement on a specific legal issue in their contract, or if legislation does not specifically deal with a matter. Statutory Law is the written law of the country which is enacted by parliament.
These plans show how a town is laid out, i.e. residential-, commercial- and industrial development areas, open spaces, recreational areas and so on. A property may not be used for purposes conflicting with this guide plan. An example of such a guide plan is the "Greater Pretoria Guide Plan". One can also refer to the Spatial Development Framework.
These local authority plans lay down certain rules pertaining to where, for example, shops may be built or where the area may be developed for residential use.
An example is where parents have stipulated in their will, that the property they left to their son/daughter may not be sold until he/she reaches a certain age. This type of information is registered against the Title Deed.
The aim of imposing restrictive conditions is to create a property or neighbourhood with specific characteristics, appealing to certain types of inhabitants. Examples of such restrictions are:
This document is created for the general welfare and convenience of the community and attractiveness of the environment. The Town planning scheme consists of a scheme map and scheme clauses. The map shows the Zoning of the land, which must be read in conjunction with the clauses. Each local authority has its own town-planning scheme, which is available for public viewing.
Development controls contained in a town plan:
When there is a restriction on the Title Deed of a property you intend to buy, that you would like to be lifted, it is essential that you stipulate in the Offer to Purchase agreement that the sale of the property is subject to this restrictive condition being lifted. A restriction can be lifted by applying to the High Court for an order authorising the lifting, if there is a good enough reason in the eyes of the High Court.