Obtain information

Whether you are planning to buy a new stand or an existing building, it is important to obtain and study all the information relevant to the property, from the owner, agent, developer or local municipality, before making any commitments.

• The correct full property description – Erf description. Without this it will be difficult to obtain further documents.
• The Zoning Certificate – This stipulates the use for which the property is zoned (according to the current Town Planning Scheme of the area), as well as applicable building lines and possible consent uses that may be granted on application.
• Surveyor General Diagram (SGD) – This indicates the precise size of the property, the orientation (north point), position of corners and boundaries as well as major servitudes registered on the property.
• The registered Title Deeds of the property. This may stipulate further restrictions regarding use, building lines and servitudes on the property.
• If development on the property or alterations to existing structures are planned it will be necessary to obtain the Drainage Connection Diagram. This indicates the position and depth of the municipal drainage connection to the site, if one exists.
• If the property is inside an estate or an area subject to rules laid down by a Community Forum, then make sure you obtain the Estate Rules and Architectural Guidelines, or conditions laid down by the Community Forum and study them.
• If buildings exist on the property, obtain copies of approved building plans of all the structures on the property and confirm that these structures correspond with the approved drawings. If not, consider the implications – financial institutions may not approve a loan for the value of a structure that was not approved by the local authorities and insurance companies may not insure such structures.
• When further development or alterations are planned, all structures not previously approved, must be indicated on the drawings and approved in accordance with current by-laws.