– Yes, solar panels can be installed on an older roof, but it’s essential to ensure that the roof is structurally sound and in good condition before installation.

Before installing solar panels on an older roof, a professional contractor should assess the roof’s condition and determine if any repairs or maintenance are necessary. The roof should be able to support the weight of the solar panels and withstand the added stress from wind and weather.

If the roof needs repairs or maintenance, it’s recommended to complete those tasks before installing solar panels to avoid any issues with the installation or the long-term performance of the panels. Additionally, the type of roofing material used may affect the installation process, so it’s important to consider this when planning for solar panel installation.

– It depends on your energy needs and goals. A solar panel system without battery storage will generate electricity during the day, and any excess energy may be sent back to the grid. In the evening or when there is no sunlight, you will need to rely on grid electricity to power your home.

If you’re interested in becoming more energy-independent and reducing your reliance on the grid, then adding battery storage to your solar panel system can be a good option. With battery storage, any excess energy generated during the day can be stored for use in the evening or when there is no sunlight, allowing you to use more of the electricity you generate and further reduce your dependence on the grid. Battery storage can also provide backup power during power outages and load-shedding.

However, it’s important to note that adding battery storage to a solar panel system can increase the initial installation cost. The cost of batteries and their installation can be significant, and it’s important to weigh the potential benefits against the added cost before making a decision. Additionally, not all solar panel systems are compatible with battery storage, so it’s important to consult with a professional solar installer to determine if your system is suitable for battery storage.

– The size of a residential solar panel system can vary depending on factors such as the homeowner’s energy needs, the available roof space, and the amount of sunlight the property receives. A typical residential solar panel system can range from 3kW to 10kW.

– The cost of a residential solar panel system can also vary depending on factors such as the size of the system, the quality of the equipment, and the cost of installation. However, the cost has been decreasing in recent years due to technology advancements and market competition.

– The installation time can vary depending on the size of the system, the complexity of the installation, and the weather conditions. On average, a residential solar panel system can be installed within one to three days.

– You can check if a property practitioner is registered with the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (PPRA) in South Africa by following these steps:

• Visit the PPRA website .

• Click on the “Search for a Property Practitioner” link on the homepage.

• Enter the name or registration number of the property practitioner you wish to search for in the search box.

• Click on the “Search” button.

The search results will display the registration status, registration number, and contact details of the property practitioner if they are registered with the PPRA.

– Grid-tied solar systems

A grid-tied solar system consists of a solar system only. This will offer savings on your monthly utility bill but not benefit you during load-shedding. You will still be connected to the grid.

Smart Hybrid systems

This fully integrated smart energy system includes a UPS (battery system) along with your solar system. You can enjoy monthly savings and be protected during load shedding.

– Private property refers to a type of ownership in which an individual or entity, such as a person, family, corporation, or legal organization, has exclusive rights to possess, use, transfer, and dispose of an asset or resources. In the context of real estate, private property typically includes land, buildings, and other immovable assets such as a house, apartment, or commercial space.

The concept of private property is based on the idea that individuals can have legal ownership and control over their possessions, allowing them to make decisions about the use and management of these assets. This is in contrast to public property, which is owned and managed by government entities for the benefit of the general public.

Private property rights are protected by the legal system, and these rights can be enforced through legal means if necessary. The specifics of private property laws and regulations vary from country to country and are often determined by factors such as local customs, cultural norms, and the prevailing economic system.

In general, private property owners have the following rights:

Possession: The right to occupy and use the property as they see fit, within the boundaries of applicable laws and regulations.

Exclusion: The right to prevent others from entering or using the property without permission.

Transfer: The right to sell, lease, or give away the property to another party.

Profit: The right to derive income or other benefits from the property, such as rent or appreciation in value.

Understanding the concept of private property is essential when navigating the real estate market, whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or lease property. It’s crucial to be aware of local laws and regulations governing private property rights and to work with a knowledgeable real estate professional who can guide you through the process.

– A buyers market is a market in which there is a surplus of available homes for sale, giving buyers more options and bargaining power. In a buyers market, prices are typically lower and there is less competition among buyers for available properties.

In contrast, a sellers market is a market in which there is a shortage of available homes for sale, giving sellers more leverage in negotiations and a higher chance of selling their home at a higher price. In a sellers market, prices are typically higher and there is more competition among buyers for available properties.

In general, the housing market is considered to be a sellers market when there is a low inventory of homes for sale, and a buyers market when there is a high inventory of homes for sale.

– Kerb appeal refers to the qualities of a home that makes it attractive to a buyer when it is first seen on the street – that first impression it makes on a potential buyer.

– Overcapitalisation is a situation where you make renovations or additions to a property that ensures your property’s value extends well beyond what buyers would pay to live in your suburb.

How to avoid overcapitalisation

One of the first and best things to do is to talk to your local real estate agent. They know the local market, and understand what will effectively add value. For example, there could be strong demand for homes with two living areas, necessitating a bedroom renovation rather than focusing on, say, a landscaping project.

Also conduct market research on your suburb and neighbouring areas, to avoid overcapitalising beyond what buyers generally pay.

– If you are buying a freestanding property you will be charged monthly for municipal rates and taxes.

This charge covers the services provided by your local municipality such as sewerage facilities, roads maintenance, street light maintenance and refuse collection.

– The National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) is a regulatory body of the home building industry.

It was established in 1998 in accordance with the provisions of the Housing Consumers Protection Measures Act, 1998 (Act No. 95 of 1998).

Their mandate is to protect the interests of housing consumers and to ensure that builders comply with the prescribed building industry standards as contained in the Home Building Manual.

Any person who is involved in the business of building homes is required by law to register with them and failure to do so constitutes a criminal offence punishable by law. The NHBRC certifies builders who meet the prescribed industry standards criteria in terms of technical competence, construction experience and financial capability.

The Act also requires all new homes to be enrolled with the NHBRC at least 15 days prior to construction. Enrolling your home building project with the NHBRC protects you against poor building practices. Their building quality inspectors will inspect the construction of your home to ensure that it is not exposed to structural failure.

– A real estate agent is a certified professional that not only helps sellers and buyers throughout property transactions, they are also able to manage rental properties on behalf of landlords.

Real estate agents usually are compensated completely by a commission—a percentage of the property’s purchase price—so their income depends on their ability to close a deal.

In order for a real estate agent to legally work in South Africa, they need to have a valid Fidelity Fund Certificate that is issued on a yearly basis by the Estate Agency’s Affairs Board.

– A floor plan is a drawing or visual rendering of a house from above. It is mainly used to show the layout of a house and showcase key elements of the house like doors, windows, and stairs.

They are therefore useful for:

• Presenting the overall house layout with the walls and partitions.
• Understanding the project with the room articulation.
• Giving detailed information about each room area and dimensions.

Types of floorplans

With advances in technology, floorplans can now either be done in the traditional 2D format or the more advanced 3D format.

The 2D floor plan is a flat representation of the home layout without perspective, showing technical information and measurements of the spaces. With a 3D perspective, it is much easier for the clients to read as it is usually fully-furnished and decorated. It can also include the deck and garden design. It is the most appealing and efficient way to showcase a home project in order to sell it.

– Property liquidation happens when real property is seized either through estate liquidation or bankruptcy proceedings.

In most property liquidations, all assets in the home are cataloged, priced and sold in an effort to get the most money to fulfill remaining debts along with the actual real estate property.

– If you are buying a sectional title property such as a property in a complex or a flat, you will be charged levies.

These are the costs involved in running the complex, and include municipal rates and taxes, limited building insurance coverage, as well as repairs and maintenance.

Levies should be placed into two separate funds, namely an administrative fund and a reserve fund (every Scheme should have both of these funds in place). The funds, collected through levies that are placed in the administrative fund, are intended for the day-to-day administration of the Scheme. The funds, collected through levies and which are placed in the reserve fund, are intended to be used for future maintenance requirements of the Scheme.

In addition, it must be noted that Schemes may raise special levies in order to cover unforeseen, but necessary, costs that cannot be delayed.

Find out what the difference is between rates & taxes and levies

Defaulting on levy payments

Levies are dealt with in terms of the Sectional Titles Scheme Management Act (“STSMA”). Section 3(1)(c) of the STSMA, provides:

“A body corporate must perform the functions entrusted to it by or under this Act or the rules, and such functions include requiring the owners, whenever necessary, to make contributions to such funds.”

When a member fails, refuses or neglects to pay levies to the Body Corporate, a Body Corporate may invoke means to collect the levies owed to it.

In addition to the STSMA, the Prescribed Management Rules (“PMR”) make mention of payment of levies/contributions by members. According to PMR 20, one of the sanctions a member can face for their inability to pay levies is that such member will be precluded from voting on ordinary resolutions.

There are two main methods of collecting arrear levies from non-paying members, namely: –

• Community Scheme Ombud Services (CSOS) process; and
• Ordinary Courts process

Cadastral surveying is that branch of surveying which is concerned with the survey and demarcation of land for the purpose of defining parcels of land for registration in a land registry.

Cadastral surveying in South Africa is undertaken exclusively by or under the control of professional land surveyors, and in this article the terms professional land surveyor, land surveyor, and cadastral surveyor are synonymous. First of all cadastral surveying is used to define the land to be granted. Later, should the owner then wish to sell off part of that land, the cadastral surveyor is again called to partition the land to be sold.

Furthermore, the services of the cadastral surveyor is required whenever a boundary beacon must be found or replaced. Once the positions of the boundaries have been marked and recorded, the cadastral surveyor and the conveyancer work together to record ownership in a public register. This action ensures that the rights of the owner can be upheld against false claims and that all persons may know who owns what.