Honesty is key when selling
Category Selling
The Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (PPRA) expects Property Professionals, and therefore sellers in particular, to be explicit about the exact condition of their properties.
According to the PPRPA, a comprehensive checklist must accompany every Offer to Purchase (OTP) to protect the buyer. Property to Link has compiled a detailed list in this regard:
The seller confirms that whichever of the following items are to be included in the sale are all in proper order and that the seller is not aware of any specific latent or patent defect in any of them, which he/she has failed to disclose to the Estate Agency, save those where the Seller has marked a cross in the appropriate block.
The seller authorises the Estate Agency to disclose these defects to any potential buyer.
- Stove.
- Geyser/s.
- Eye level oven and hob.
- Swimming pool pump.
- Borehole pump and motor.
- Underfloor heating.
- Security gates.
- Alarm system.
- Ceiling fans.
- Air conditioner.
- Garage doors and motors.
- Sprinkler system.
- Security lights.
- Door bells.
- Electrical systems circuits.
- Electrical fittings.
- Spa motor.
- Electrical distribution board.
- Extraction fans.
The seller further confirms on the same terms that there are no latent defects in any of the following items unless likewise disclosed by placing a cross in the relevant blocks:
- Gutters.
- Walls (hidden cracks).
- Dampness in walls/floors.
- Roof and roof leaks.
- Other leaks.
- Clay/Ground subsidence.
- Insect damage.
- Windows.
- Swimming pool and pool leaks.
- Water drains.
- Roof/wall/floor tiles.
- Water and sewerage pipes (plumbing).
- Electric fence.
- Septic system or other sanitary disposal system.
- Gas installation.
- Heating and/or air-conditioning system, including air filters.
- Basement or foundation of the property, include cracks, seepage and bulges. Other defects include, but are not limited to, flooding, dampness or wet walls and unsafe concentrations of mould or defects in sump pumps.
- Any power generating system installation.
- Irrigation system.
- I am aware of any listed invasive vegetation species on the property.
- I am aware of boundary line disputes, encroachments or encumbrances, including joint driveway or other encumbrances in connection with the property.
- I am aware that any additions and/or improvements made to and/or any erections made on the property have been done or were made only after obtaining the required consents and/or permission and permits to do so.
- I am aware of structural defects to the property.
- I am aware that remodelling or refurbishment has affected the structure of the property.
- I am aware that the structure on the property has been designated as a historic building or qualifies to be classified as a historic building or heritage site.
- I am aware of authoritative issues such as building/sectional plan approvals or zoning, which have not been complied with.
The seller also hereby discloses any other restrictions/defects or other facts of which the buyer should be made aware of which might affect the value of the property such as servitudes, extensions without proper documentation.
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Author: Machelene Joubert