Michelle Bartlett - Harris Property & Finance

03/10/2026

How to Read a Body Corporate Financial Statement

Body corporate financial statements reveal the health of a sectional title scheme. Healthy reserves, manageable maintenance costs, and transparent budgeting indicate stable management.

Reviewing these documents before purchasing protects buyers from unexpected special levies.

Contact me your professional property practitioner.

03/10/2026

Rates Clearance Figures vs Final Accounts

Municipal clearance figures are estimates issued to secure transfer approval. Final accounts are later reconciled after transfer.

Sellers sometimes misunderstand this difference and are surprised when small adjustments occur post-registration. Knowing the distinction ensures realistic expectations around final proceeds.

Contact me your professional property practitioner.

03/10/2026

02/10/2026

Should You Buy Before You Sell?

Buying before selling offers convenience but may create financial pressure if your existing property does not sell quickly. Selling first may provide certainty but requires careful planning around occupation dates.

Structuring timelines properly protects cash flow and reduces risk.

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02/10/2026

The Voetstoots Clause Explained

Most resale properties are sold voetstoots — meaning “as is.” This protects the seller from liability for defects unless they knowingly concealed a latent defect.

Buyers must conduct thorough inspections before signing. The voetstoots clause does not remove the seller’s duty to disclose known hidden defects, but it does shift responsibility for visible issues to the buyer.

Clear understanding prevents unrealistic expectations after transfer.

Contact me your professional property practitioner.

01/10/2026

The Real Cost of Delaying a Sale

Holding onto a property longer than necessary can mean ongoing rates, levies, bond repayments, and maintenance expenses. In some markets, waiting for a higher price may result in reduced buyer demand.

Strategic timing often protects net proceeds more effectively than waiting indefinitely.

Contact me your professional property practitioner.

01/10/2026

Servitudes: Hidden Rights Over Your Property

A servitude is a registered right that allows someone else limited use of your property — for example, a right of way, municipal sewer line access, or electrical infrastructure. These rights are recorded on the title deed and remain binding on future owners.

Buyers often overlook servitudes until they attempt to build, extend, or install boundary walls. A servitude can restrict where structures may be placed and may require access to be maintained at all times.

Understanding exactly what is registered against a property protects future development plans and prevents costly redesigns.

Contact me your professional property practitioner.

30/09/2026

When a Sale Is Subject to the Sale of Another Property

An offer subject to the sale of another property introduces additional risk and timing complexity. The success of the purchase depends entirely on the buyer successfully selling their current home within a defined period.

Sellers must weigh the strength of this condition against market activity. Buyers should ensure their existing property is realistically priced and actively marketed to reduce the risk of losing the new opportunity.

Clear structuring of timelines protects all parties involved.

Contact me your professional property practitioner.