Off The Market Property Consulting

08/03/2026

https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/selling-your-home-new-sars-rule-could-save-you-thousands/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_campaign=TheSouthAfrican&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZnRzaAQa1ZtleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeCGpfbz8FgWdDPDnc4fzXB2tn9evL6zd-m-CuQYaYXAdc40FGjUf46XiUg4o_aem_mHePKbCUwShATC4ZzTNq4w =1772963263

SARS has raised the tax-free profit threshold on primary homes to R3m, allowing many South African homeowners to keep more when selling.

21/12/2025

22/10/2025

*Eskom Makes Solar Power Cheaper and Easier for South Africans*

From 1 October 2025, South African households looking to install rooftop solar will face fewer barriers and lower costs thanks to a major policy change from Eskom.

For years, one of the biggest obstacles for homeowners wanting to go solar was the costly and complicated approval process. Eskom previously required a professional engineer registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) to sign off on small-scale embedded generation (SSEG) systems. This meant additional expenses running into thousands of rand, plus long delays.

Now, Eskom has scrapped this requirement. Instead, solar systems can be certified by Department of Labour-registered electricians — such as an Installation Electrician or Master Installation Electrician — which dramatically simplifies compliance.

What’s Changing
• No more costly engineer sign-off: Certification can now be done by qualified electricians.
• Zero registration and connection fees for systems up to 50kVA: Valid until March 2026.
• Significant savings: A typical 16kVA household solar system could save more than R9,000 in upfront costs.
• Mandatory registration remains: All grid-tied systems under 100kVA must still be registered with Eskom (off-grid systems are exempt).

The Benefits

✅ Lower barriers to entry – Cutting unnecessary costs makes solar accessible to more South Africans.
✅ Simpler process – Faster certification reduces bottlenecks and delays.
✅ Supports clean energy goals – More households adopting solar means less pressure on the national grid and greater energy resilience.
✅ Encourages compliance – A simpler, cheaper system increases the likelihood that homeowners will register their solar installations legally and safely.

The Drawbacks

⚠️ Temporary incentives – The waiver on connection fees expires in March 2026, after which costs may return.
⚠️ Upfront costs remain high – While red-tape costs are reduced, the panels, batteries, and installation are still expensive.
⚠️ Grid rules still apply – Exporting excess electricity to the grid requires compliance with Eskom’s tariff structures (such as Homeflex).
⚠️ Safety concerns – Lowering the bar for sign-off means it’s crucial to ensure installations are done by reputable, qualified electricians.

The Bottom Line

This policy shift is a big win for South African households. By removing expensive engineering requirements and cutting connection fees, Eskom is making rooftop solar more affordable and accessible. While challenges remain — especially around the high cost of equipment and the temporary nature of incentives — this change could accelerate the country’s transition to clean, distributed energy.

For anyone considering solar, the next 18 months may be the perfect time to act.

24/09/2025

🏢 New Rules for Sectional Titles in South Africa – What You Need to Know

Big changes have recently come into effect for sectional title schemes and other community schemes in South Africa. The Community Schemes Ombud Service (CSOS) has published a new Consolidated Practice Directive (2025), which updates how schemes must be managed, how disputes are resolved, and what rules are considered valid.

Whether you’re a trustee, a property owner, or a tenant, here’s a breakdown of the most important updates that could affect you:

✅ The Major Changes

1. Out with “undesirable rules”
Rules that violate rights or are unfair will no longer be allowed. Examples include:
• Blanket bans on pets.
• Restricting or discriminating against domestic workers.
• Forcing owners to use a specific agency to sell or rent units.

2. Pets are welcome (within reason)
Schemes can still regulate pets, but they must be reasonable. You can’t be told “no pets allowed” across the board anymore. Instead, rules must be fair and allow for appeals.

3. Fines must follow due process
Trustees can’t hand out random fines. A clear disciplinary process must be followed, and fines can’t exceed the unit’s monthly levy.

4. Stronger compliance for trustees
Trustees and managing agents are under stricter rules for transparency, proper record-keeping, and fair decision-making. Mistakes in meetings or budgets could now trigger CSOS action.

5. Domestic workers’ rights
Rules that unreasonably limit domestic workers’ access or freedom are considered invalid. Workers must be treated with fairness and dignity.

6. Dispute resolution with CSOS
Disagreements (for example, about levies, pets, or access) should be taken to CSOS, which offers conciliation and adjudication – saving owners from expensive court battles.

7. Mandatory registration and levies
All sectional title schemes must be registered with CSOS and pay the required levy. Older, unregistered schemes need to get compliant.

🏠 What This Means for Sectional Title Owners

If you live in or own a unit in a sectional title scheme, these changes give you more protection against unfair rules and unfair treatment. They also mean trustees need to be more accountable and follow the law closely.

If you’re on a board of trustees, now is the time to:
• Review your scheme’s rules and scrap anything that could be “undesirable.”
• Make sure fines and penalties are applied lawfully.
• Keep proper records of meetings and budgets.
• Ensure your scheme is fully registered with CSOS.

📌 Final Word

The new CSOS directive is designed to protect owners and residents, uphold rights, and keep trustees accountable. It’s a shift towards fairness and transparency in how community schemes are run.

If you live in a sectional title property, make sure you know your rights – and if you’re a trustee, make sure your scheme is compliant.

15/09/2025

https://fastcompany.co.za/business/2025-08-30-how-divorce-law-changes-could-reshape-property-ownership-in-sa/

Proposed reforms in South African family law could drastically change how property and assets are divided during divorce or death, impacting homeowners and investors alike.

23/08/2024

A successful real estate journey hinges on a collaborative and transparent relationship between sellers and their chosen agents, ensuring that both parties work in tandem towards a common goal - selling the property for the best possible outcome.

04/08/2024

In South Africa, the housing market is evolving rapidly as younger generations demand affordable, secure, sustainable, and technologically advanced homes, reshaping the landscape of real estate.

03/08/2024

With the ease of online advertising and access to an ever-increasing pool of information, property scams and cybercrime have become prevalent and even more sophisticated than ever before.

31/07/2024

When selling your property, it is necessary for the conveyancer to obtain a rates clearance certificate (RCC) from the relevant local authority, or municipality, before transfer can be registered in the Deeds Office.

31/07/2024

Selling a property can be surprisingly expensive. Some costs can be deducted from the final sale price, while others must be paid upfront. Before listing your property for sale, it is recommended that you first do the calculations for all the associates costs so that you can budget accordingly.

27/07/2024

The house flipping game is one of high risks and high rewards. For those who do their research thoroughly and lean on the advice of industry experts, house flipping can be an incredible wealth generator, but it won’t come without its challenges.