Lake Properties Lake Properties
Buying a property sight unseen in South Africa — meaning you purchase it without physically visiting — is risky but can be done safely if you take strategic precautions. Here's a detailed guide to help you avoid regret and protect your investment:
✅ 1. Use a Reputable Estate Agent or Attorney
- Work only with registered professionals. Ensure your estate agent is registered with the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (PPRA).
- Consider hiring a conveyancing attorney early to assist with due diligence, contract review, and protection of your rights.
✅ 2. Request a Virtual Tour (Not Just Photos)
- Ask for a live video walkthrough via Zoom, WhatsApp, or Teams. This can reveal flaws that static pictures hide.
- Ask the agent to show the surroundings — neighbourhood, street, noise levels, etc.
✅ 3. Hire a Property Inspector
- Appoint an independent home inspector (paid by you, not the seller or agent) to assess:
- Structural condition
- Roof, plumbing, electrics
- Damp, pests, or cracks
- Request a written report.
✅ 4. Check Title Deed & Zoning Info
- Get the title deed from the Deeds Office or through your attorney to confirm:
- The rightful owner
- Servitudes or restrictions
- Zoning compliance and size
- For sectional titles, review the body corporate financials and rules.
✅ 5. Use Google Maps and Street View
- Examine the location digitally:
- What’s nearby? (schools, highways, informal settlements)
- Check the property’s condition from the street
- Look at dates of last Google update
✅ 6. Assess the Neighbourhood Remotely
- Use Lightstone, TPN or Property24 reports to check:
- Property value trends
- Crime stats (check with local SAPS too)
- Surrounding amenities and growth potential
✅ 7. Insist on “Subject to” Clauses
Include protective clauses in the Offer to Purchase (OTP), such as:
- “Subject to satisfactory home inspection”
- “Subject to legal due diligence on title and zoning”
- “Subject to buyer’s final approval based on digital inspection”
✅ 8. Verify Occupancy Status
- Confirm if the property is tenanted or vacant. If tenanted, verify:
- Lease agreement terms
- Rental income
- Notice periods
✅ 9. Understand the Transfer & Payment Process
- All payments (deposit, fees, purchase price) should go through a trust account of a registered conveyancer.
- Avoid paying anyone directly. Never pay into a personal bank account.
✅ 10. Get Everything in Writing
- Keep a record of all correspondence, videos, inspection reports, and agreements.
- If promises are made (e.g., "renovation will be done before transfer"), get it written into the OTP.
✅ Bonus Tip: Have Someone You Trust View It
If possible, ask a friend, family member, or colleague in the area to view it on your behalf.
⚠️ Risks to Watch For
- Photoshopped images or outdated listings
- Misrepresented neighbourhood conditions
- Hidden structural issues or illegal alterationns
- Delays or issues with title transfer
Final Thought
Buying sight unseen in South Africa is not inherently bad — it’s increasingly common for investors — but you must approach it like a business transaction, not emotionally. With thorough due diligence, legal guidance, and remote verification, you can buy safely and confidently.
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