Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, Adrian Goslett, says the CPA will not have an effect on the voetstoots clause used in agreements of sale in an ordinary property transaction.
This means that unless a property buyer is purchasing a home from a developer or speculator whose ordinary course of business is to sell properties, the CPA does not come into play, and buyers will not fall under its protection. An ordinary property sale is seen as a transaction between two consumers, the seller and the buyer.
Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, Adrian Goslett, says the CPA will not have an effect on the voetstoots clause used in agreements of sale in an ordinary property transaction. “This is why it is so important for buyers to have property thoroughly inspected before they submit their offer to purchase,” says Goslett.
“There are instances where the buyer is protected if severe defects are found after the transfer has taken place. However, it is difficult to determine whether the seller deliberately concealed the defect or genuinely wasn’t aware of it.”
He says there are two kinds of defects:
A patent defect is clearly visible on inspection of the property, such as broken window or cracks in the wall. All patent defects should be listed in the offer to purchase, along with who is responsible for fixing them. Depending on the circumstances, if a latent defect is found the buyer will be able to cancel the contract or claim a portion of the purchase price. “Because patent defects are visible or obvious without professional inspection, the buyer has no recourse against these types of defects. It is up to the buyer to spot patent defects and then decide whether they would still like to proceed with purchasing the property,” says Goslett.
The other type of defect is a latent defect, which is not easily picked up by a superficial inspection. Examples of latent defects include a leaking roof or faulty geyser. Common law states that the seller is responsible for all latent defects in the property for three years from the date of discovery of the defect.
“Most sellers are aware that they are responsible for latent defects, which is why they include the voetstoots clause in the sale agreement. The clause protects the seller against all defects - including latent defects that are unknown to them,” says Goslett.
“However, if the seller was aware of a latent defect and deliberately concealed it from the buyer, the buyer has recourse against the seller. It is important to bear in mind that the onus will be on the buyer to prove that the seller was aware of the defect, but deliberately hid it.”
Depending on the circumstances, if a latent defect is found, the buyer will be able to cancel the contract or claim a portion of the purchase price. The law prescribes that the buyer will not be allowed to simply obtain a quote for the repair and then deduct it from the purchase price, paying a lesser amount. The buyer can also not refuse to pay occupational rent or a portion unless the defect seriously impairs the use and occupation of the property.
Who pays?
A patent defect is clearly visible on inspection of the property, such as broken windows or cracks in the wall. All patent defects should be listed in the offer to purchase, along with who is responsible for fixing them. Goslett says any defects that are discovered after the sale of the property but before the property is transferred into buyer’s name will be for the seller’s account, unless those defects are caused by the buyer during their occupation of the property.
“For buyers to ensure that they are fully protected against any latent defects, they should enlist the services of a professional home inspection company to check the home thoroughly,” says Goslett.
“The price of paying a professional to do the job properly will be far less than the time and hassle caused by dealing with hidden defects.”