James Phillipson is a director based at STBB's Cape Town office. He specialises in residential and commercial property. James joined STBB in 2005 after working in the Insolvency arena in the UK for several years. James serves on the firm's Executive Committee.

Thought of the Week | Restrictive Property Conditions

Whether as the buyer or seller of a property, one is seldom aware of all the conditions contained in that property’s registered Title Deed. This is usually because, where a property is bonded, prospective purchasers never see the Title Deed, as the original is retained by the mortgage bank.

Purchasers are often disappointed when they wish to improve, alter or renovate their properties, and they find that the Title Deed restrictions and conditions prohibit them from doing so, or they can do so but only after lengthy further applications. Zoning and other provisions may also further limit development options.

To avoid such frustration, contact your STBB conveyancer before submitting an Offer to Purchase to a seller. The conveyancer will be able to obtain a copy of the Title Deed from the Deeds Office and advise you on any restrictive conditions that may affect your future plans.

For more information, contact your STBB conveyancer.

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