Vanessa at Wilderness Properties

11/06/2026

Prepaid: pay for what you use, not what is estimated

As the cost of living rises, families seek ways to adjust their lifestyle more in fitting with their income and expenses. Alongside has been a growing dissatisfaction with the ‘estimated’ billing method by municipalities for water and power use. The latter often leads to stressful legal disputes between city councils and customers, and in some cases this can lead to the customer being ‘shut off’ before queries are settled.

This has led to the growing demand for prepaid meters, be those for power or water. Prepaid electricity meters were introduced in South Africa in 1990, and water meters were piloted in 2003. Since those years, much has changed with the models, and the technology will continue to evolve with the introduction of ‘smart’ meters (insert the link to the article on Smart meters submitted this month).

Being smarter means being more aware of how we use the country’s limited water supply and reduce our electricity consumption, and nothing works better for awareness than having to pay for what you need ahead of time rather than paying for what you’ve used after the fact when you have no control. Many studies confirm that there exists a positive and beneficial link between prepaid metering systems and customer satisfaction, as well as a reduction in usage as households better understand how consumption impacts their budgets.

Prepaid meters are also seen as a massive mitigator to global and local climate change and will lessen SA’s dependence on fossil fuel-generated electricity—which is a major contributor to carbon emissions—and our escalating water crisis.

Summarising the benefits of prepaid meters
Budgeting: Buying power and water upfront means consumers can avoid unexpected high bills and manage their household expenses better.
Flexibility: Users can choose when and how frequently they will buy credits, and across different platforms, be those online, through mobile devices, an arrangement with a prepaid provider, or at retail outlets.
Real-time monitoring: Consumers can track their consumption and adjust how they use the electricity and water, and when given the different pricing structures between peak and non-peak hours.
No threat of disconnection: Unpaid utilities with the service provider can result in disconnections.
Billing: The hassle of collecting and invoicing for water and power is completely removed.
Accountability: Encourages a more mindful approach to using resources, in line with climate-change agendas.
Landlord management: The threat of renters defaulting on utilities is minimised or removed completely.
Leak detection: Meters help in the early detection of water leaks.
Potential for levy savings: Residents in ST schemes using sub-meters throughout could enjoy a reduction or lower levy increases. Generally, electricity and power usage of common property is shared across all units, so there is more transparency in the billing.

Disadvantages of prepaid
Manual input: The current standard meters require users to manually top up their meters by purchasing tokens.
Offline vendors: Some vendors experience downtime of the service providing tokens, which can impact the purchaser if water and electricity are needed in an emergency.
No records: Standard meters do not record previous purchases, so the user will need to track their consumption manually.
Installation costs: Setting up prepaid may mean the consumer will have to pay for installation, although some municipalities offer the service at no charge.
Vulnerabilities: Unscrupulous vendors may charge inflated prices, especially to those who are in a desperate situation.

It is evident that individual metering is a better way to manage and monitor water and electricity supply. Households within a ST scheme should ask their Trustees to present this to the BC at either a special meeting or the next annual general meeting. Before doing so, however, it is best to contact a specialist who is able to field all questions and provide a quote.

09/06/2026

Spotting and preventing property-related financial fraud in South Africa

In South Africa, the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (F**A), 38 of 2001, mandates certain obligations for accountable institutions, including real estate agents, to help combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism.

Real estate agents must verify the identity of their clients before entering into a business relationship or concluding a single transaction above the prescribed threshold. To do so, Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of REMAX Southern Africa, says they will require the following from clients:

For Individual Clients:

Valid South African ID or passport (if a foreign national)
Proof of residential address (not older than 3 months)
Income tax number (where applicable)
For Legal Entities (e.g. companies, trusts):

Registration documents (e.g. CIPC certificate)
Proof of business address
Identity documents of directors/trustees/members
Proof of address for each beneficial owner
Resolution authorising the representative to act

F**A compliance is the legal baseline. It is the minimum standard that every estate agent operating in South Africa must meet, and meeting it is not optional. But in my experience, F**A compliance alone is not sufficient to protect clients from the full range of fraud risks that exist in the South African property market today, according to Morné Prinsloo | Local Real Estate Agent in Roodepoort and Krugersdorp | REMAX Town and Country.

South Africa was grey-listed by the Financial Action Task Force in 2023 due to identified weaknesses in the country's anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing framework. The property sector was specifically identified as a high-risk environment. Since then, compliance requirements have been strengthened and enforcement has increased, but the fraud risks have not diminished. If anything, they have become more sophisticated.
Estate agents are increasingly becoming the first line of defence against property related financial fraud in South Africa

South Africa’s property sector is facing growing exposure to sophisticated financial fraud, cybercrime and identity related scams, placing increasing pressure on estate agents to identify suspicious activity long before a transaction reaches registration stage.

According to Antonie Goosen, principal and founder of Meridian Realty, compliance with F**A requirements remains essential, but modern fraud risks now extend far beyond basic document verification. “F**A is the starting point, not the finish line. Fraudsters have become far more sophisticated and estate agents are often in the best position to spot unusual behaviour early in the process.”

He says property transactions remain attractive targets for criminals because of the large sums of money involved and the pressure buyers and sellers often face to move quickly. "We are seeing more attempts involving fake proof of payment, identity manipulation, intercepted emails, fraudulent banking details and even impersonation of buyers or sellers,” he says.

According to Goosen, experienced agents often detect problems through inconsistencies rather than obvious red flags. “It could be unusual urgency, reluctance to meet in person, conflicting information, pressure to change banking details at the last minute, or buyers trying to avoid normal processes,” he explains.

He says estate agents should never rely solely on emailed documentation without independent verification. “One phone call can prevent enormous losses. If banking details suddenly change during a transfer process, verification through trusted direct contact is absolutely critical.” He warns that cybercriminals increasingly target conveyancing transactions by intercepting communications between buyers, sellers, attorneys and agents. In many fraud cases the emails look legitimate,” he says. “The criminal may have been monitoring communication chains for weeks".

He believes regular client education has become part of an agent’s professional responsibility. “Buyers and sellers should be warned upfront never to transfer funds without independently confirming account details. Agencies should also invest in stronger internal controls, staff training and secure communication procedures. Fraud prevention cannot depend on one individual noticing something suspicious. There needs to be a culture of vigilance throughout the business".

He adds that property practitioners should not be afraid to pause a transaction if something appears irregular. “There is often pressure to keep deals moving, but slowing down for verification is far better than dealing with financial losses later. According to Goosen, trust remains one of the most valuable assets in the property industry, particularly as fraud risks continue to evolve. “People are making life changing financial decisions when they buy or sell property. Agents have a responsibility to protect not only the transaction, but also the people behind it".

05/06/2026

EARLY OCCUPATION: Protecting both sides before Deeds Office registration

In South Africa’s property market, buyers sometimes move into a property before registration at the Deeds Office has been finalised. While early occupation arrangements can help both parties practically, they can also expose buyers and sellers to significant legal and financial risks if the terms are not carefully managed.

According to Antonie Goosen, principal and founder of Meridian Realty, early occupation should never be treated as an informal arrangement or simple favour between parties. “Once somebody moves into a property before transfer, the dynamics of the transaction change considerably,” says Goosen. “Clear agreements and proper legal protection become essential.”

Early occupation often occurs when buyers need immediate accommodation, when sellers have already relocated, or when transfer delays arise due to finance approvals, municipal clearances or Deeds Office backlogs. Goosen says one of the biggest misconceptions is that occupation means ownership. “The property still legally belongs to the seller until registration takes place,” he explains. “That distinction is extremely important.”

He says properly drafted occupation clauses should clearly define occupation dates, occupational rent, maintenance responsibilities, insurance obligations and liability for damages.

“If those details are vague or missing, disputes can arise very quickly,” says Goosen.

According to Goosen, occupational rent is particularly important because it compensates the seller for the buyer using the property before transfer. “The amount should be fair and agreed upfront,” he says. “It should also be very clear when payment is due and what happens if transfer is delayed.”

"Before any buyer takes occupation before transfer on one of my listings, I make sure the OTP specifies the precise occupation date, the monthly occupational rent amount and payment terms, who is responsible for rates, water, electricity, and municipal accounts during the period, whether the buyer's household and contents insurance is in place before occupation, the specific condition the property must be in when occupation commences with a joint inspection documented and signed, and what happens to occupational rent if the transfer registers earlier or later than anticipated.

"These terms, vetted by the conveyancing attorney before the agreement is signed, are what transform an early occupation arrangement from a goodwill gesture into a properly protected legal position for both parties," he says.

This article is based on information provided by the Conveyancing and Property Law team at Abrahams & Gross. While care has been taken to ensure accuracy, the content is provided for general information purposes only and should not be regarded as legal advice. Always consult a qualified attorney for guidance on your specific circumstances.

28/05/2026

VACANT LAND FOR SALE in Hoekwil (Wilderness, Garden Route)

R 2 395 000

Level 1910m2 vacant land in the heart of the popular rural hamlet of Hoekwil, within a 5 minute walk of restaurants, shops, school and church

Contact Vanessa on 082 895 6317

18/05/2026

https://propertyprofessional.co.za/2026/05/18/south-africans-are-drilling-boreholes-illegally-heres-what-the-law-actually-requires/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=18-may-2026&utm_source=Property+Professional&utm_campaign=c997d93718-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2024_02_05_11_35_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-42f52e1e68-603059154

Boreholes are booming, but a growing number of homeowners are drilling illegally without knowing it. If your client is buying a property with a borehole, attorney Cor van Deventer says ask for the paperwork before they sign.

08/05/2026

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08/05/2026

Private Property’s crash course on becoming a PROPERTY INVESTOR

When buying your first investment property, it is always a good policy to start small. This allows you to test the market and determine whether this type of investment suits you. However, crossing your fingers and hoping for the best is not a good idea; you need some capabilities and understanding of the market, including demand for rentals in the area you wish to purchase.

The mindset shift
Buying an investment property requires a different energy than that of purchasing a home in which you will live. The latter is an emotional decision, and the former should be analytical. The investment is about securing reliable tenants who will help you to pay off the property’s home loan and ultimately earn you profits.

Your mindset must shift to the financial considerations, such as the return on investment (ROI) and the long-term appreciation and future value.

In South Africa the best choices, based on demand, for a rental property include:

One- to two-bedroom apartments with in-house amenities such as gyms, swimming pools, concierge, coffee cafes, and group working spaces: ideal for young professionals.

Two- to three-bedroom properties within well-managed and secure estates, especially those with a small garden. These are popular choices for single families, the empty-nester who is downsizing, and singles or retired couples.

Bachelor apartments that have a separate bathroom. Consideration must be given to the high turnover rate if these are rented to students and that the property may be vacant for two-to-three months of the year.

A small property near a popular coastal region. These may also experience slow occupation rates during colder months but generally fetch a high rental in peak holiday periods.

All the above require investigation into the location, including nearness to transport routes and parking, medical, educational, and retail facilities, office or manufacturing precincts, and social activities. The closer your property is to these amenities, the better your chances of securing a tenant, and hopefully one that intends to rent for the long term.

If you have time constraints and can’t spend time searching online nor viewing properties that may not be exactly specific to your requirements, it is beneficial to reach out to local agents. They have a wealth of connections and networks and often are aware of properties that are about to come on the market, which may give you an advantage in being one of the first to view a prime property.

An added advantage is that some agents also have a rental side to their business. For a fee, they will show the property to potential tenants, interview and undertake credit checks, facilitate the lease agreement, do property inspections, and navigate the legal compliances. This can be a lifesaver for the novice investor.

04/05/2026

HOUSE FOR SALE IN WILDERNESS

Spacious 3 bed, 2 bath house with granny flat, swimming pool and double garage.

R 5 100 000

Contact Vanessa on 082 895 6317

30/04/2026

https://propertyprofessional.co.za/2026/04/29/cold-calling-crackdown-new-cpa-regulations-put-estate-agents-on-notice/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRgQ_1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEekbeYelyM1ceimdt3POqvs-aEiwFLKUS0T3UEUJp5jbx8JdgUngjzBRCAe5Q_aem__ldZ7EY5bkRUYWJuqpklOg

If your agency is prospecting for mandates, cold-calling sellers, or sending unsolicited messages to potential clients, the rules have just changed. New regulations under the Consumer Protection Act are already in force. There are still some gaps in the implementation guidance, but agents cannot aff...

28/04/2026

ELECTRICAL COMPLIANCE CERTIF**ATE

The electrical Certificate of Compliance, or CoC, is not a suggestion. It is a legal requirement. In South Africa, a property transfer cannot be registered at the Deeds Office without a valid CoC issued by a registered electrician with a Wireman's License and registration with the Electrical Contracting Board of South Africa. The law governing this is the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993, read together with the Electrical Installation Regulations.

Morné Prinsloo, Residential Property Specialist RE/MAX Town and Country Roodepoort & Krugersdorp, explains that when a seller refuses to fix an electrical fault that is preventing the CoC from being issued, they are not simply being difficult. They are potentially in breach of their legal obligation and of their own sale agreement. "My job in this situation is to help the seller understand their position clearly, before the deal collapses and before either party has to involve lawyers," he says.

What the Sale Agreement Provides

He explains that in most standard South African agreements of sale, there is a clause stating that the seller is responsible for providing a valid CoC at their own cost before transfer. This is a contractual obligation the seller accepted when they signed the OTP. If the electrician has inspected the property, identified a fault, and cannot issue the CoC until it is remedied, the seller is obligated under their own sale agreement to have that fault fixed.

"The CoC must be issued by a properly registered electrician. It is valid for two years from date of issue, provided no alterations or additions have been made to the electrical installation in the interim. If any work was done after the last CoC was issued, a new certificate is required regardless of how minor the change was," he says.