STBB

Recently, the Department of Home Affairs published revised requirements for obtaining a remote work visitor visa, and introduced a new and innovative points-based system for issuing work visas under the Third Amendment of the Immigration Regulations. Read our article for a review of these key changes: https://lnkd.in/dwiM_YCj #STBB #TheBigSmallFirm #visa #immigration #digitalnomad #labourlaw #HomeAffairs #article #news #law

With the demand for affordable rental property often outstripping supply, securing accommodation can be difficult. It is thus crucial to be equipped with essential information to increase your chances of success. To that end, here are a few tips to help you secure your perfect pad. Assess your credit score: In addition to evaluating your budget to ensure you can afford a particular rental property, it is vital to assess your credit score. Before submitting your application, obtain a free credit score from a credit bureau to confirm that you’re in good standing and rectify any inaccuracies. Collate and prepare your documents: Upon application, you’ll need to submit various documents to a rental agent or landlord, along with a completed application form. These documents include, but are not limited to, a certified copy of your identity document (or passport), three months’ bank statements, payslip, and references from previous landlords. Secure a deposit: Depending on the terms of the lease, a security deposit, which protects a landlord against damages to the property beyond fair wear and tear, typically equates to one or two months’ rental. It is advisable to save for the deposit prior to viewing potential properties. Carefully review your lease agreement: Before entering into a lease agreement, it is essential to carefully review the terms and conditions. Pay particular attention to the rental amount, date on which rental is due, extent of your obligations to maintain the property, duration of the lease, early termination policy, and whether you’re permitted to keep animal companions. Ideally, your lease should be drafted or reviewed by a competent attorney. Contact us at info@stbb.co.za to speak to a property law specialist today. #STBB #TheBigSmallFirm #tenant #rental #lease #tips #property #propertylaw #attorney #law #lawfirm

STBB CAPE TOWN IS HIRING! As our Bond Centre continues to grow, we’re seeking detail-oriented and dedicated assistants with experience in dealing with financial institutions to support our expanding practice. In this fast-paced environment, your responsibilities will include liaising with various parties in bond-related matters and managing essential tasks to ensure the smooth operation of all transactions. Apply now by sending your CV to LuthfeyaC@stbb.co.za and MarianneM@stbb.co.za. We look forward to hearing from you! #STBB #TheBigSmallFirm #BondCentre #vacancy #assistant #conveyancing #bonds #propertylaw #applynow #CapeTown

This month, we’re focusing on an important sector of the property market: rental property. To that end, we’ll address various legal queries concerning property rentals throughout the month of November. For instance, which clauses should a lease agreement always incorporate? How does the law conceptualise ‘fair wear and tear’? What options does a landlord have when their tenant refuses to vacate the premises? Can either party terminate the lease absent an early termination clause? Stay tuned for these answers and more. Interested in receiving expertly composed articles and legal updates on all things property? Subscribe to our newsletter: https://lnkd.in/dmZRFvEa #STBB #TheBigSmallFirm #rental #leasing #property #landlord #tenant #propertylaw #lawfirm #legalservices #subscribe #newsletter #AllAboutProperty

Yesterday afternoon, the Minister of Finance tabled the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (‘the MTBPS’). Re-emphasising the need for inclusive economic growth, the Minister outlined government’s four-pillar strategy to advance the economy and preserve public finances. These pillars are: 1. Maintain macroeconomic stability to foster an environment that encourages businesses and households to save, spend, and invest; 2. Implement structural reforms to enhance productivity, increase international competitiveness, and accelerate job creation; 3. Support growth-enhancing infrastructure projects to stimulate economic activity and augment limited public sector capability; and 4. Build an ethical and developmental state. For further insights on the MTBPS, read our article: https://lnkd.in/dmQbmgGz #STBB #TheBigSmallFirm #lawfirm #MTBPS #finance #mediumterm #budget #speech #fiscus #newsflash #law

Last month, government promulgated the Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment Legal Sector Code of Good Practice (‘the Code’). Underpinned by the objectives of the Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment Act, the Code establishes a policy framework to accelerate the transformation of the legal fraternity. Whereas the legal profession previously relied on generic codes, the Code is industry-focused and introduces indicators to assess B-BBEE compliance, delineates qualifying criteria for procurement purposes, and provides helpful guidance to stakeholders to establish transformation charters. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dykEgjKT #STBB #TheBigSmallFirm #BBBEE #LegalSectorCode #law #BBBEEAct #transformation

Negotiating an OTP: Tips for first-time purchasers Finalising the purchase of immovable property is an exciting occasion for first-time purchasers and seasoned property investors alike. To that end, here are a few tips to help you seal the deal. Conduct thorough research: Before submitting an offer, thoroughly research the property’s location, age, history, current condition, past problems, and estimated market value to gain a clear understanding of the property and avoid disappointment and needless complications. Understand your affordability: Ensure that you have a clear idea of what you can afford prior to making an offer. With clear boundaries in mind, you’ll be in a better position to negotiate – and to avoid entering into a financially unfavourable deal. Obtain professional legal advice: An Offer to Purchase (‘OTP’) forms the basis of the sale of immovable property. Given the important legal components of these transactions, it is imperative that an OTP is drafted or assessed by a skilled attorney specialising in property law. Negotiate any special conditions: It is essential to modify the OTP to accommodate special conditions. For instance, discuss any required repairs with the seller upfront. If they agree to finance the repairs prior to the transfer of the property, this must be expressly stipulated in the OTP – along with a description of the repairs. Incorporate suspensive conditions, if needed: Ensure that you include and understand the implications of any suspensive conditions on the legal effect of the sale, namely obtaining mortgage bond approval or selling your property to finance the transaction. Specific timeframes – and a clause enabling the parties to agree to any extensions – must be incorporated for legal certainty. For further legal advice, contact us at info@stbb.co.za to consult with a conveyancer today. #STBB #TheBigSmallFirm #OTP #tips #negotiation #property #investment #law #propertylaw #conveyancing #sealingthedeal #legaltips #legaladvice

With the formal incorporation of STBB KZN in early July, we recently celebrated the re-launch of our office in vibrant Durban with some of our valued clients and guests. As we’ve previously indicated, our re-launch signifies an important milestone in our commitment to growing our national footprint and providing excellent client service to the people of South Africa. With experienced Directors and property law specialists, Stavros Anthias and Renelle Moodley, at the helm of STBB KZN, we look forward to celebrating our continued success in the province and beyond. For expert legal assistance in property law, conveyancing, and estate administration, contact STBB KZN at 031 583 8060 or visit us at Cranbrook Park, 2 Cranbrook Crescent, La Lucia, Durban. We can’t wait to assist you! #STBB #TheBigSmallFirm #KZN #Durban #relaunch #office #propertylaw #conveyancing #estates #law #lawfirm #legalhelp #legalservices

Last month, Director and litigation specialist, Stefan Hougaard, presented an informative webinar on the intricacies of insolvency law, including the benefits of winding-up a debtor’s estate to collect outstanding amounts or resolve deadlocked disputes. Noting the interplay between the business creditors, liquidator, and Master of the High Court, Stefan considers whether liquidation proceedings are always in the interests of creditors, especially where they are unlikely to recover the monies owed to them. For further insights and to view the full webinar, watch our re-run now: https://lnkd.in/dN-AmaSd #STBB #TheBigSmallFirm #webinar #insolvency #law #liquidation #creditor #legalservices #legaladvice

The Supreme Court of Appeal (‘the SCA’) was recently tasked with determining whether a group of purchasers of life rights in a retirement scheme could claim repayment of the purchase price from the developer’s conveyancers, who disbursed the funds to the developer before the latter was declared insolvent. Relying on section 6(4) of the Housing Development Schemes for Retired Persons Act, the purchasers sought to reclaim the payment of the purchase price following the developer’s failure to provide them with the requisite occupancy and compliance certificates. On the facts of the case, however, the SCA held that there is no legal basis for a purchaser of a housing interest in a retirement development to claim a refund of the purchase price entrusted to a conveyancer in instances where the funds were released prior to the developer’s insolvency. For a more comprehensive summary, read our full article here: https://lnkd.in/duuWzqfb #STBB #TheBigSmalllFirm #SupremeCourtofAppeal #SCA #judgment #retirementscheme #development #purchasers #retirees #insolvency #caselaw #propertylaw #conveyancing #lawfirm #legalservices #legalknowledge #SouthAfrica