STBB | Legally Speaking

Divorce is never simple – and when property is involved, it can become particularly complex. In this month’s instructive podcast, Senior Associate and Claremont-based conveyancer, Maryke Hennig, unpacks how property is divided following divorce, whether such transactions are exempt from transfer duty, and the legal options available to a property owner whose ex-spouse refuses to consent to transfe...

What happens when a family commitment turns into a legal showdown? In this month’s enlightening podcast episode, Cape Town-based family law attorneys, Shirne Grobler and Samantha Leite, unpack how maintenance claims work in South Africa, when legal duties between siblings might arise, and why our courts draw a narrower circle of responsibility when adjudicating such claims. For practical legal ins...

When a spouse passes away, the emotional toll is immediate – but the legal consequences are often less understood. In our latest episode, STBB KZN Director and skilled conveyancer, Renelle Moodley, unpacks the legal implications of the death of a spouse on the inheritance of immovable property – and why one’s marital regime and the existence of a valid will are central to property distribution. Fo...

With 2026 in full swing and the property market showing few signs of slowing down, it is imperative for sellers, prospective purchasers, and estate agents to have a workable understanding of the legal requirements underpinning property sales. In our latest podcast, STBB Cape Town Director, Liezl Solomon, capably tackles common questions conveyancing attorneys receive from clients during property t...

In our latest episode, STBB Director and experienced litigator, David Martin Ogilvie Thompson, unpacks the legal framework regulating estate agents’ commission in South Africa. Emphasising the critical importance of implementing best practices, David explains the requirements to successfully enforce a claim for commission, identifies common pitfalls, and explores what it means to be the ‘effective...

In our first episode of 2026, Director and experienced conveyancer, Zane du Randt, adeptly discusses the legal and practical implications of discovering property defects post-signature. Why does the distinction between patent and latent defects matter? Will an estate agent be penalised for failing to obtain an immovable property condition report? Does the voetstoots clause safeguard sellers for no...

In our final and highly informative podcast of 2025, Dr Samantha Smith explores key transfer duty-related questions. With the aim of keeping prospective purchasers and property professionals informed, Samantha carefully explains the conceptual basis of transfer duty, outlines applicable exemptions, and notes the importance of this year’s threshold adjustment for first-time homeowners. With propert...

In this month’s practical and engaging podcast, STBB Director and conveyancing attorney, Liezl Solomon, answers key questions concerning compliance certificates in property transactions. Who bears the responsibility to obtain these certificates? What is the statutory – or contractual – purpose underpinning compliance certificates? Do validity periods differ? And are there any exclusions? Tune in t...

Contemplating marriage or preparing for your wedding? In this month’s informative podcast, STBB Director and family law expert, Shirne Grobler, demystifies common misconceptions surrounding antenuptial contracts. Carefully clarifying couples’ concerns about ANCs, Shirne briefly explains the purpose of concluding an ANC, outlines the legal framework regulating matrimonial property systems, and high...

In this month’s inspiring and reflective episode, five STBB attorneys share their personal journeys navigating the unique challenges and benefits of being women in the legal profession. In a candid discussion about gender biases, demanding workloads, the importance of mentorship, and more, our special panel of guests offer honest insights and key tips for the next generation of young women enterin...

In the second of this month’s property-focused episodes, experienced conveyancer and STBB Claremont Associate, Inge Johnson, explores the impact of listed invasive plant species on property transfers. Briefly outlining the legal framework governing invasive species, Inge explains the importance of identifying and expressly declaring the presence of such vegetation, the consequences of non-complian...

In the first of this month’s property-themed episodes, Senior Associates and experienced conveyancers, Olwethu Ndungane-Gonya and Amaal Levy, provide a clear and informative overview of mortgage bonds. Which documentation does a prospective purchaser require to apply for a bond? Is there a benefit to using a mortgage originator? What function does a bond attorney fulfill in facilitating the bond r...

In this month’s informative and commercially-focused episode, STBB’s chief Content Writer and Legal Editor, Dr Samantha Smith, explains the meaning, purpose, and value of boilerplate clauses. Incorporated in a wide range of commercial, property, and finance-related contracts, boilerplate clauses are central to interpreting and defining the scope of agreements. If you’re a budding entrepreneur, bus...

While estate-related costs are something few of us may want to think about, understanding estate duty is essential to ensuring your affairs are in order and your loved ones are protected from unnecessary financial strain. Join Director and estate law specialist, Refqah Ho-Yee, in this month's illuminating episode as she explains the significance of estate duty, how it is calculated, when it is pay...

In this month’s concise but highly informative episode, Director, family law specialist, and litigator, Shirné Grobler, explores pertinent trust-related enquiries in the context of divorce. In a bid to preserve one’s wealth, can a spouse transfer funds into a family trust prior to instituting divorce proceedings? In which instances will a trust be deemed to be operating as a spouse’s ‘alter ego’?...

In this month’s special episode, Director and family law specialist, Shirné Grobler, and Senior Associate and estate law professional, Caryn Avenant, explore how different matrimonial property regimes shape the proprietary consequences of divorce and death. Outlining South Africa’s distinct matrimonial property systems, Caryn and Shirné explain the various legal requirements to conclude an antenup...

In the final instalment of our estate-focused two-part series, Senior Associate and estate law expert, Caryn Avenant, explores the vital necessity of having separate wills in each territory in which one holds assets. Noting the cumbersome nature of administering an estate across multiple jurisdictions, Caryn discusses the potential delays and unwanted costs of holding a single ‘worldwide will’. In...

In part one of this month’s engaging two-part series, estate law specialist and Senior Associate, Caryn Avenant, discusses the challenges and practicalities of administering an estate in instances where an individual resides in another country and retains assets in South Africa or where an heir lives abroad. Additionally, she provides practical guidance in scenarios where a South African resident...

In our first episode of 2025, Senior Associate and experienced conveyancer, Anusha Pitamber, joins us to discuss the legal and financial consequences of losing or misplacing your property’s title deed and the process of applying for a ‘VA copy’, which serves as a replacement copy. She further explains the application for replacing a damaged title deed. Whether you’re a homeowner with a non-bonded...

In this month’s enlightening episode, Maryna Botha considers the implications of non-compliance with the requirements of the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (‘FICA’). Against the backdrop of the recent levying of hefty penalties on non-compliant accountable institutions, Maryna emphasises that the Financial Intelligence Centre’s intention is not to punish banks, law firms, estate agencies, and o...

In this month’s informative episode, Senior Associate and property law specialist, Joshua Schumacher sheds light on the impact of the installation of solar-powered systems on the sale of immovable property. As more homeowners turn to solar-powered energy, understanding the legal aspects of these systems is increasingly important for sellers, prospective purchasers, and estate agents alike. Tune in...

In this month’s engaging episode, Director and family law expert, Shereen Volks, explores STBB’s burgeoning sustainability initiatives. Cognisant of the growing significance of corporate accountability, Shereen discusses the firm’s recycling programmes, its shift to electronic documentation, and commitment to sustainable solutions in light of the climate crisis. To that end, she provides helpful g...

In the final instalment of our engaging five-part series, Refqah Ho-Yee considers ownership of certain business interests, including shares in a company, and the importance of concluding formal agreements that explicitly record shareholding, capital investment, insurance policies in place, and the procedures to be followed in the event of a business partner's death.

In the fourth instalment of our five-part series, Refqah Ho-Yee discusses the implications of new technology on estate planning. Are downloadable templates for wills reliable? Can generative AI tools truly replace the skill and expertise of an experienced attorney in drafting a will? Further, have you made provision for the secure storage of your essential documents? Refqah thoughtfully explores t...

In the travel-focused third episode of our five-part series, Refqah Ho-Yee considers the impact of settling abroad, marrying a foreigner abroad, or persuading your foreign spouse to relocate to South Africa on estate planning requirements.