Take Precaution When Buying Property in The City
When purchasing urban property, especially in a city like Manzini, there are several crucial factors to consider in order to ensure a smooth and secure transaction. The following are some of the key points to look out for;
- CHECK FOR ILLEGAL STRUCTURES
Ensure all structures on the property are legal and approved by the Municipality. Illegal structures, such as those not meeting urban standards, can lead to denied building applications and complications in financing. If you are unsure, verify with the Municipality.
- ASCERTAIN THERE IS NO ENCROACHMENT
Have the property surveyed by professional land surveyors to confirm that it does not encroach onto neighbouring properties. Encroachment can lead to legal disputes with neighbours and additional costs.
- VERIFY OWNERSHIP
Confirm the property’s ownership with the Deeds Office. If the seller is not in possession of a valid title deed for the property, consider it a red flag. Furthermore, ensure that the property is free of debt and that the property taxes (rates) are up-to-date.
- CONFIRM LAND USE AND ZONING COMPLIANCE
Ensure that your intended use for the property is permitted under the Town Planning Scheme. This is crucial for both residential and commercial uses. Often times people purchase property with an intention to use it for a specific purpose such as a church building, motor mechanic workshop, etc, only to find that the zoning requirements in the Town Planning Scheme do not allow such land use in that particular area. It is always advisable to confirm the permitted land use with the Municipality before buying the property.
- DO NOT BUY PROPERTY IN INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS
Informal settlements such as Mangwaneni, Old Zakhele and Murray Camp are unplanned dwelling places. The occupiers of such areas do not own the land, therefore, they do not have title deeds for the pieces of land they occupy. There is also a building ban in such areas. The building ban forbids building of permanent structures in such areas.
…QUICK CHECKLIST
- Title Documents: Verify the ownership and status (e.g, leasehold or freehold).
- Approved Drawings: Check for any illegal alterations.
- Land Use Rights: Confirm what activities are permitted on the land.
- Occupation Certificates: Ensure all structures have valid occupation certificates.
- Rates Payment: Check if the property owes any municipal rates.
- Encroachment Status: Ensure there are no encroachment issues.
- Subdivisions: Verify if the property has been subdivided legally.
- Size and Adequacy: Ensure the property size fits your intended use, such as parking requirements.
- Floodplain Status: Check if the property is not in a flood-prone area.
- Health Inspection: For commercial properties, confirm there are no health inspection issues.
- Neighbourhood Suitability: Assess if the area meets your needs, such as proximity to schools for residential properties.
…RATES GRACE PERIOD ENDS TODAY. LETTERS OF DEMAND TO BE ISSUED
The Municipal Council of Manzini extends appreciation to all property owners who have paid their rates for the current financial year and are not in arrears. The Municipality values their loyalty and commitment to fulfilling this legal obligation; which enables continued provision of essential municipal services to the City of Manzini. The Municipality has been lenient, extending the deadline for payment of outstanding rates to the end of July 2024. However, with effect from tomorrow, the Municipality will issue letters of demand to property owners who have neglected their rates payment obligations and failed to make payment arrangements with the Collector of Rates (Director Finance). To assist with the collection of overdue payments, the Municipality has enlisted the services of three law firms: SV Mdladla and Associates, SST Matsebula Attorneys, and Madzinane Attorneys. On another note, property owners are reminded to keep their records up-to-date. According to the Rating Act,1995 if you have acquired property in the city, you are required to present the title deed to the Municipality within two weeks of acquisition thereof. This ensures the property’s details are timely updated in our records and that it is easy for communication to take place. Property owners are also encouraged to visit the Municipality to update their personal and property information, especially in cases of changes such as subdivisions or consolidations.
…DESTITUTE ELDERLIES RECEIVE BLANKETS, FOOD PARCELS
Over 70 destitute elderly citizens from the city and Manzini North Inkhundla were last Saturday gifted with blankets and food parcels, thanks to the Municipal Council of Manzini and her charity partner, the Hyena Motorcycle Club. The event, which was dubbed the Hyena Blanket Run, was held at the Manzini Club and attended by, amongst others, Manzini North Member of Parliament Mashayinkonjane Nhlengetfwa, His Worship the Mayor of the City of Manzini, Councillor Goodwill Dlamini, Honourable Councillors, management and staff of the Municipality. The Mayor commended the Hyena Motorcycle Club for the initiative and emphasised the significance of such community-driven efforts. He stated that the event was a wonderful example of how partnerships can positively impact the lives of elderly citizens. Meanwhile, MP Nhlengetfwa commended the collaboration between the Hyena Motorcycle Club and the Municipality; noting the vital role such events played in improving the lives of elderly citizens. The successful distribution of blankets and food parcels was met with gratitude from the elderly beneficiaries who expressed their appreciation for the support.
…FLEA MARKET: FULFIL YOUR SHOPPING DESIRES THIS SATURDAY
Members of the public are invited to indulge in their shopping desires at the upcoming inner-city flea market which is scheduled for this Saturday at its regular location; Louw Street, between Bhunu Mall and Eswatini Bank. Events like the flea market offer citizens a chance to earn an income, support the economy and purchase items at reasonable prices. Due to the flea market occupying part of the street, motorists are requested to use alternative routes to their destinations. The flea market will be open from 7am to 5pm.