Tag: Grant Smee

South Africa’s family law is set for a significant shift. The proposed amendments could impact how property and other assets are divided in the event of divorce or death, even when there is an antenuptial agreement in place. This is one of the most substantial adjustments seen in matrimonial property law in some time.

For most landlords, tenant evictions are a last resort, due to the substantial expense, lengthy time and emotionally taxing nature of this complex process. However, with the Q2 2023 PayProp Rental Index revealing that the number of tenants in arrears has risen to an alarming 18.4% - the highest figure recorded since 2021 - many have found themselves with no choice but to seek legal recourse.

The COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to significant shifts in the residential property market. In the beginning, many were scaling back to clamber back on costs, however, as interest rates continued to dip between 2020 and 2021, many started to upgrade their homes and invest in bigger spaces.

While South Africans continue to grapple with the economic pressure of ongoing lockdown restrictions combined with the aftermath of looting and riots, residents of Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg are also feeling the impact of municipal rate hikes.

A bout of recent heavy power outages had both South Africans and foreign investors rethinking their investments on home soil. While the economic instability has been felt predominately by the business sector, much hesitation has been experienced in the property sector too.