New Property Developments

Please be aware of the following do's and dont's with this company when you use their services to build you a house, or if you are planning to buy one of their houses in a new development. They are in Vredenburg, Western Cape. Always have all discussions in writing. Never accept their promises that you must wait a few seasons for the house to settle and they will then address your issues. This will not happen as the developer then turns his back on you as you have missed the deadlines for certain issues to be addressed, which he is very much aware of and this is his modus operandi. Make sure you are aware of ALL documents you require BEFORE you pay your final payment, and ensure you have all the relevant documents in hand. Check with your Attorneys of all required documents as the developer will not share this information with you. When you then take up issues with the NHBRC they are not willing/cannot assist you because of having missed deadlines, or you do not have the papertrail as proof of your issues with the developer, or you have not received your occupation certificate that you should have received BEFORE taking occupation. We followed the advice of the developer in good faith, only to be let down by promises made by the developer that is not kept. At the end of the "few seasons" you have waited as per the developer, your building issues now becomes your problem as the developer now states that all your building issues are 'DAY TO DAY MAINTENANCE". As a first time NEW home owner, we do not have the knowledge of what is required regarding documents. Find out from the NHBRC the deadline dates for all relevant building procedures. In the cost of your house, is also your payment to the NHBRC so they should be able to assist if all paperwork and timelines in order. We unfortunately trusted this developer but his word is not that of an honest person. There are many homeowners in our development with the same experiences and we now are considering legal action which will be very costly but to get this developer to treat all his prospective buyers with respect in future may be worth the cost, effort and unpleasant experiences we have had with him over the last couple of months. This is also perhaps some good advice for all new developments you are looking to buy into as one does not know who one can trust and who not. This is a sad but true reality.