Buying a Home in South Africa: A Survival Handbook

by HAMPSHIRE DAVID

• ISBN13: 9781901130027
• ISBN10: 1901130029
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-02-01
• Publisher: Natl Book Network

Summary

The only book that is dedicated to buying property in SOuth Africa, an increasingly popular choice for second homes and property investment.

Table of Contents

1. MAJOR CONSIDERATIONS	17	(40)
Why South Africa?	18	(4)
Buying For Investment	22	(1)
Climate	23	(4)
Economy & Infrastructure	27	(2)
Cost Of Property	29	(1)
Cost Of Living	30	(1)
Visas	31	(5)
Work Permits	36	(1)
Residence	36	(5)
Working	41	(1)
Language	42	(2)
Health	44	(8)
Pets	52	(5)
2. THE BEST PLACE TO LIVE	57	(54)
Geography	58	(2)
Provinces	60	(20)
Where To Buy	80	(12)
Location	92	(7)
Getting There	99	(4)
Getting Around	103	(8)
3. YOUR DREAM HOME	111	(64)
Research	113	(1)
Avoiding Problems	114	(6)
Renting Before Buying	120	(4)
Home Exchange	124	(1)
Types Of Property	124	(3)
House Hunting	127	(1)
Estate Agents	128	(3)
Property Prices	131	(7)
Fees	138	(1)
Buying A New Home	139	(2)
Buying A Modern Resale Home	141	(1)
Buying An Old Home	142	(1)
Community Properties	143	(6)
Retirement Homes	149	(1)
Part-Ownership	150	(4)
Inspections & Surveys	154	(4)
Swimming Pools	158	(1)
Renovation & Restoration	159	(7)
Building Your Own Home	166	(1)
Selling Your Home	166	(9)
4. MONEY MATTERS	175	(14)
South African Currency	177	(1)
Importing & Exporting Money	177	(4)
Banks	181	(3)
Mortgages	184	(5)
5. THE PURCHASE PROCEDURE	189	(8)
Types Of Ownership	190	(1)
Agreement Of Sale	190	(2)
Legal Checks	192	(1)
Conveyancing	193	(4)
6. MOVING HOUSE	197	(14)
Shipping Your Belongings	198	(3)
Pre-Departure Health Check	201	(1)
Customs	202	(2)
Embassy Registration	204	(1)
Finding Help	204	(1)
Moving In	205	(1)
Checklists	206	(5)
7. TAXATION	211	(10)
Double-Taxation Treaties	212	(1)
Income Tax	213	(2)
Capital Gains Tax	215	(1)
Donations Tax	216	(1)
Estate Duty	216	(1)
Value Added Tax	217	(1)
Excise & Customs Duties	217	(1)
Stamp Duties	217	(1)
Transfer Duty	217	(1)
Property Taxes	217	(2)
Regional Levies	219	(1)
Unemployment Insurance	219	(2)
8. INSURANCE	221	(16)
Health Insurance	224	(5)
Travel Insurance	229	(2)
Household Insurance	231	(6)
9. LETTING	237	(16)
Rules & Regulations	238	(3)
Location	241	(1)
Swimming Pool	242	(1)
Letting Rates	242	(1)
Furnishings	243	(1)
Keys	244	(1)
Cleaning	244	(1)
Letting Agents	244	(1)
Doing Your Own Letting	245	(2)
Information Packs	247	(1)
Maintenance	248	(1)
Security	249	(1)
Increasing Rental Income	249	(4)
10. MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS	253	(40)
Crime	254	(2)
Heating & Air-Conditioning	256	(3)
Home Security	259	(3)
Postal Services	262	(2)
Shopping	264	(6)
Telephone Services	270	(6)
Television & Radio	276	(5)
Utilities	281	(8)
Wills	289	(4)
APPENDICES	293	(22)
Appendix A: Useful Addresses	294	(3)
Appendix B: Further Reading	297	(5)
Appendix C: Useful Websites	302	(6)
Appendix D: Weights & Measures	308	(4)
Appendix E: Maps	312	(3)
INDEX	315	(12)
ORDER FORMS	327	(2)
NOTES	329