20/06/2026
Buying property? A “voetstoots” clause can leave you carrying the risk.
A recent property dispute shows why buyers should investigate carefully before signing. The buyers purchased a home for R1.55 million, but months later, a wooden deck collapsed. Although expert evidence found that the deck had structural issues and no approved plans, the buyers’ claims against the seller and estate agent were dismissed.
The court found that words like “stunning” or “beautiful” were sales language, not a structural guarantee. The voetstoots clause also held because the buyers could not prove that the seller knew about the defect and deliberately hid it.
The key lesson: do your checks before signing. Hidden defects can become your problem, especially when the sale agreement protects the seller.
Speak to Conradie Inc before signing an Offer to Purchase.
Read the full article here:
https://conradieinc.co.za/dodgy-deck-when-a-property-defect-is-your-problem-not-the-sellers/