Renovate to sell? Sell Voetstoets?

[Po0gsie]

Hi
So my Dad is a pensioner living totally alone on a smallholding in northern Gauteng. The house has not had any maintenance done for the best part of 10 years. Aside from a few wall cracks, roof leaks (naked corrugated sheet roof) and plumbing issues, the house is not in bad shape. I'm adamant he must sell so that he can live out his retirement somewhere safe, secure and simple. Farm life is no joke if you aren't invested in actually farming, which he isn't. Any animal on this plot is a wild visitor.
After speaking to a few estate agents, I've been told the following:

You MUST repair roof leaks, and plumbing.
You MUST get the borehole and ground water tested.
You MUST get the electrics up to par and a certificate of compliance issued.

I've accepted the plumbing and electrics, but is it true the roof needs to be fixed? Upon inspection, it has been suggested I completely replace the roof which is going to cost a bomb, where I could rather just disclose the leaks and lower the asking price.
Please help... What are the actual rules here?
Thanks in advance...

 

[jezzad]

In my mind you could sell as is. I know you need Elec certificate before selling, dont think you need one for the roof.

I would however declare it to any new perspective buyers in writing so that they both know what they are getting into and cannot come back to you

 

[Toxxyc]

I would however declare it to any new perspective buyers in writing so that they both know what they are getting into and cannot come back to you

To clarify, you HAVE to declare it to the buyers. You can sell voetstoots, but you HAVE to tell them everything you know is wrong. Otherwise you can get sued to bits.

 

[deweyzeph]

To clarify, you HAVE to declare it to the buyers. You can sell voetstoots, but you HAVE to tell them everything you know is wrong. Otherwise you can get sued to bits.

Only if they can prove you knew something was wrong, which is very difficult to do.

 

[Toxxyc]

Only if they can prove you knew something was wrong, which is very difficult to do.

Ah, so like murder in South Africa, making it totally OK.

 

[isie]

Hi
So my Dad is a pensioner living totally alone on a smallholding in northern Gauteng. The house has not had any maintenance done for the best part of 10 years. Aside from a few wall cracks, roof leaks (naked corrugated sheet roof) and plumbing issues, the house is not in bad shape. I'm adamant he must sell so that he can live out his retirement somewhere safe, secure and simple. Farm life is no joke if you aren't invested in actually farming, which he isn't. Any animal on this plot is a wild visitor.
After speaking to a few estate agents, I've been told the following:

You MUST repair roof leaks, and plumbing.
You MUST get the borehole and ground water tested.
You MUST get the electrics up to par and a certificate of compliance issued.

I've accepted the plumbing and electrics, but is it true the roof needs to be fixed? Upon inspection, it has been suggested I completely replace the roof which is going to cost a bomb, where I could rather just disclose the leaks and lower the asking price.
Please help... What are the actual rules here?
Thanks in advance...

The only thing you must do is get the electrical up to code for the COC -
The plumbing depends on area some places this isn't even needed
Basically just note it in the sale all the issues so that the new owner is aware, this will however lesson the total sale amount The agent probably insisting you fix all this because you will be getting so you will probably only be able to sell to someone who Likes a fixer upper or will want to fix it and flip it for profit - sp you pool of prospective buyers is very low.

 

[pinball wizard]

Only if they can prove you knew something was wrong, which is very difficult to do.

They might find this thread.

 

[deweyzeph]

Ah, so like murder in South Africa, making it totally OK.

I'm not saying you should hide anything, just pointing out that it's incredibly difficult for the buyer to sue the seller for some random unknown defect.

 

[Pho3nix]

Roofs are rarely unknown nor degrade over the 3 months a transfer takes.

 

[Po0gsie]

Thanks. I'm definitely thinking of rather disclosing issues, than forking out to fix it and walk away disappointed.
As for PROVING I knew about the leaks - besides the existence of this thread - the knotty pine ceiling is discoloured where the leaks are so its obvious.
Just needed clarity on if its LAW to fix the roof. The agent appeared to think it was.

 

[Creag]

They might find this thread.

Yup. @Po0gsie found this forum today. Seems it is a thing

 

[deweyzeph]

Just needed clarity on if its LAW to fix the roof. The agent appeared to think it was.

As far as I know you're only obliged to fix anything that prevents you from getting the necessary compliance certificates. Generally this only means plumbing and electrical wiring issues. If I was you and I wanted to get rid of the property quickly I would only fix the bare minimum and make everything else the buyers problem, obviously with full disclosure. There are plenty of buyers out there who would be more than happy to buy a property that needs fixing up if it's priced correctly.

 

[TheMightyQuinn]

Thanks. I'm definitely thinking of rather disclosing issues, than forking out to fix it and walk away disappointed.
As for PROVING I knew about the leaks - besides the existence of this thread - the knotty pine ceiling is discoloured where the leaks are so its obvious.
Just needed clarity on if its LAW to fix the roof. The agent appeared to think it was.

Don't use an agent...sell privately and sell voetstoots.

 

[GMAN03]

Don't use an agent...sell privately and sell voetstoots.

Bloody agent. They probably just want it to fetch a higher price for a higher commission.

 

[Lupus]

Only if they can prove you knew something was wrong, which is very difficult to do.

A leaking roof is hard to cover up unless you change the damaged ceiling boards.

 

[saturnz]

Don't use an agent...sell privately and sell voetstoots.

yeah, this

you don't need an agent in this day and age to sell a property

if you are happy with a discounted market price taking account of the issues, the sale should be pretty easy

 

[Pho3nix]

Pics?

 

[RedViking]

Ah, so like murder in South Africa, making it totally OK.

And people not paying their TV Licenses, like @Pineapple Smurf

 

[neoprema]

I'/m in the process of buying a house, and the estate agent had the sellers sign the offer to purchase AND another new document where they had to sign that they are disclosing issues in the house regarding plumbing, structure, electrical etc etc. It says that they're not aware or have been told by a professional of any defects or maintenance currently required and that they were not informed in the last 6 months that there would be critical maintenance due on those things.

How much of that would actually stand up in court if something does happen I don't know. But I imagine its for really major major problems - considering an insurance company will be taking the risk for this house for my building insurance.

 

[Pineapple Smurf]

And people not paying their TV Licenses, like @Pineapple Smurf

You're clearly mistaking me for @Ninja'd who is in arrears.
My account is up to date I owe SABC zero rands