Do your homework, find the right property for you:
Choose the right area
Understand the value of the property
House, townhouse or unit
Building and maintenance
Obtain a Vendor Statement, or Section 32 Statement. The vendor is required by law to provide the Section 32 to the purchaser before contract of sale is signed. Usually the Section 32 is prepared by the vendor’s lawyer, and delivered to the real estate agent. The estate agent then makes the Section 32 available to intending purchasers. Section 32 contains information about the property being sold. For example; title details, particulars of any mortgage or charges over the land, services connected to the property, statutory warnings to the purchaser, and vendor’s details are just a few of the things that must be disclosed in a section 32 statement.
Have a solicitor examine the contract and Section 32 Statement.
Measure the property.
Check the position and dimensions of the property to ensure that they correspond with the position and dimensions as appears on the plan of the title.
Contact your solicitor if there is any discrepancy.
Determine the availability of services.
Examine the property for illegal structures.
If necessary, ensure that your contract is conditional upon finance approval.