SUN’S OUT, PANELS UP: AN OVERVIEW OF THE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK GOVERNING SOLAR POWER SYSTEMS IN THE CITY OF CAPE TOWN
Amid unpredictable load shedding and rising electricity tariffs, a growing number of homeowners have turned to solar power as an environmentally friendly and increasingly cost-effective alternative to coal-powered electricity. In addition to the long-term pecuniary and sustainability benefits of renewable energy, the installation of solar photovoltaic (‘PV’) systems, including rooftop panels, inverters, and battery storage systems, generally increases a property’s resale value. In the City of Cape Town’s defined area of electricity supply, solar-powered systems are subject to various regulatory requirements. As the weather heats up and more homeowners invest in solar installations, this article helpfully outlines these legal prerequisites.
LANDLORDS & TENANTS: TWELVE ESSENTIAL CLAUSES EVERY LEASE AGREEMENT NEEDS
Establishing the foundation for any leasing arrangement, a lease agreement is an important legal instrument that regulates the relationship between a landlord and tenant, delineating the parties’ rights and obligations and specifying the terms and conditions of tenancy. While the length and format of a lease agreement is not prescribed, certain key information must be included to secure both parties’ interests, ensure contractual certainty, and reduce the potential for future disputes.
A SELLER’S MARKET: NOORDHOEK PROPERTY PRICES SOAR AS PURCHASERS SEEK LAIDBACK LIVING
Located on Cape Town’s Southern Peninsula, the captivating seaside suburb of Noordhoek is well-known for its natural beauty, close-knit community, equestrian charm, and relaxed atmosphere. With its extensive amenities, proximity to the CBD, and access to nature trails, beaches, and birdwatching opportunities, Noordhoek is a popular choice for those seeking a laidback – yet accessible – lifestyle. It is little wonder, then, that these sought-after qualities are reflected in the suburb’s surging property prices.
PROPERTY STATS: GAUTENG BOASTS THE MOST FIRST-TIME PURCHASERS
Recent data indicates that Gauteng is the most popular province for first-time purchasers, with young professionals and families capitalising on abundant housing stock. According to reports, a significant portion of first-time purchaser activity is largely concentrated in Johannesburg’s South-Eastern suburbs, likely due to the area’s sizable offering of affordable properties that are located within close proximity to the city’s economic hub. In this geographic area, the average purchase price hovers around the R900 000 to R1.3 million mark. Given that transfer duty is not payable on properties valued below R1.1 million, this price bracket accordingly appeals to budget-conscious, first-time homeowners.
Interested in purchasing property in Gauteng? With four offices strategically located in Sandton, Bedfordview, Fourways, and Centurion, STBB’s Gauteng-based property law specialists are well-placed to handle your transfer and bond registration.
GOVERNMENT PLEASED WITH RESURGENT CONSTRUCTION SECTOR
Last week, the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dr Dean Macpherson, praised the construction sector’s recent addition of 176 000 jobs to the economy. According to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey, the sector witnessed the largest job increases across all sectors between the second and third quarters. Echoing President Ramaphosa’s message to convert South Africa into a ‘construction site’ to stimulate economic growth, the Minister highlighted government’s continued implementation of various strategic interventions to increase investment in infrastructure. These reforms include amending the regulatory requirements involving Public Private Partnerships, restructuring Infrastructure South Africa to operate as a single port of entry for all major infrastructure projects, and expanding the Infrastructure Fund’s role to enhance private sector investment.
STBB’s construction law specialists are skilled in handling construction-related disputes and the drafting and negotiation of standard forms of construction contracts, including JBCC, FIDIC, and NEC agreements.
THE SCA REJECTS APPEAL FOR LAND RESTITUTION AS COMMUNITY FAILS TO PROVE IT EXISTED AT THE DATE OF DISPOSSESSION
Earlier this month, the Supreme Court of Appeal (‘the SCA’) dismissed an appeal from the Land Claims Court for the restitution of land rights by the Mavundulu Community after it failed to establish that it qualified as a ‘community’ under the Restitution of Land Rights Act (‘the Act’).
EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE: REGISTER FOR OUR UPCOMING WEBINAR!
In this month’s informative webinar, Director and litigation specialist, David Thompson, provides practical advice on avoiding contractual disputes involving suspensive bond conditions. Highlighting the ubiquity of suspensive bond conditions in sale agreements, David will explain the conceptual basis of suspensive conditions, how these differ from resolutive conditions, and the important distinction between the fulfilment of a suspensive bond condition and the deemed fulfilment thereof. Providing further guidance, he’ll explore the withdrawal of a bond grant after the perfection of a suspensive condition by a purchaser or financial institution. Whether you’re a prospective purchaser, seasoned estate agent, or curious litigator-in-the-making, you won’t want to miss this engaging webinar.
