Van Deventer Dowlath & Marx Inc

Van Deventer Dowlath & Marx Inc South African law firm established in 1989, with over 35 years of professionalism, accountability, customised service and solutions.
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Sandton-based property attorneys specialising in conveyancing, developments, sectional title & community scheme compliance, litigation, public sector consulting, and real estate education.

🏠 🏘️ 🏢 ☑️ ⚖️ 📋 📈 📉 🧑‍🏫 🎓 The form specialises in property transfers, bond registrations and property law - with a strong and experienced litigation team to support. We are a B-BBEE Level 2 Contributor and on the bond registration panels of ABSA, FNB and Standard Bank.

South Africa’s property sector is entering a far more aggressive era of FIC enforcement, and estate agencies that still ...
11/06/2026

South Africa’s property sector is entering a far more aggressive era of FIC enforcement, and estate agencies that still rely on “paper compliance” are exposing themselves to serious financial, operational and reputational risk.

At Van Deventer Dowlath & Marx Incorporated, we are seeing regulators move beyond education and into active enforcement. Templates, policies and promises are no longer enough. Regulators are demanding operational proof that compliance systems are actively functioning within estate agencies on a daily basis.

With FIC penalties now reportedly reaching as high as R7.8 million, the consequences of non-compliance can extend far beyond fines. Agencies may face risks relating to their FFC status, banking relationships, professional standing and overall ability to operate legally.

Could your current systems survive a detailed inspection tomorrow?

Read the full article in the comment section to understand what regulators are now expecting from property practitioners and why compliance has become a critical business survival issue.

11/06/2026

The green and gold are out at Van Deventer Dowlath & Marx Incorporated today.

Our team is backing Bafana Bafana ahead of tonight's clash against Mexico and showing that South African spirit is alive and well in the office.

Good luck, Bafana Bafana! We'll be cheering you on. 💪⚽

A single mistake in your will could leave your family in court for years.Your will is one of the most important document...
10/06/2026

A single mistake in your will could leave your family in court for years.

Your will is one of the most important documents you will ever sign. Yet many South Africans either do not have one or have one that may not hold up when it matters most.

At Van Deventer Dowlath & Marx, we regularly assist families through the loss of a loved one, the administration of estates, and, unfortunately, the disputes that arise when a will was not properly prepared.

Many people are surprised to learn that:
• Beneficiaries and their spouses cannot act as witnesses
• Commissioners of oaths are excluded as witnesses
• Witnesses can legally be as young as 14
• A thumbprint may be accepted if properly recorded

Witnesses are not merely a formality. If a will is challenged, they may be required to testify about the signing and the testator’s state of mind.

We have seen how unclear wording can create conflict within families. In one matter, two sisters became involved in a painful dispute after their mother passed away because her will did not clearly address financial contributions made during her lifetime. The matter eventually required mediation before it could be resolved.

We have also worked on estates where people passed away without valid wills. In one case, a young man’s estranged father inherited his entire estate under the Intestate Succession Act, despite having had no meaningful relationship with him.

Without a valid will, the law decides who inherits. The law does not know your wishes, your relationships, or your family dynamics.

If you are unsure whether your will is valid, up to date, or properly drafted, seek professional advice sooner rather than later.

📩 Contact Van Deventer Dowlath & Marx to arrange a consultation and ensure your wishes and those of your loved ones are properly protected.

Property Professionals run on coffee... and now we've upgraded the fuel source. ☕Our new coffee machine has officially a...
09/06/2026

Property Professionals run on coffee... and now we've upgraded the fuel source. ☕

Our new coffee machine has officially arrived at VDM Attorneys, which means no more queues during training sessions, no more waiting for the kettle, and a whole lot more choice at the touch of a button.

From cappuccinos and lattes to hot chocolate and everything in between, productivity just got a little more caffeinated.

Now the only difficult decision is what to order first 😎🤩

09/06/2026

In Johannesburg, property transactions with missing building plans are no longer the exception. They’ve become part of the process.

As discussed by Cor Van Deventer and Ash from Ask Ash, property owners are increasingly facing the financial burden of replacing municipal plans that have been lost or damaged and are lodged in the Braamfontein offices.

With banks tightening compliance around approved structures, servitudes, and municipal requirements, updated plans have become essential for successful property transfers and financing approvals.

For many sellers, this now means:

• Appointing an architect or draftsman
• Redrawing plans from scratch
• Paying additional municipal submission costs
• Delays in concluding transactions

Preparation and compliance have never been more important in the current property landscape.

If you're experiencing a similar stumbling block, send us a direct message, and we will let you know the best way forward.

A wonderful review for our conveyancing team at VDM Law.Congratulations to the entire team, led by Cor van Deventer. Eve...
09/06/2026

A wonderful review for our conveyancing team at VDM Law.

Congratulations to the entire team, led by Cor van Deventer. Every property transfer involves multiple people working behind the scenes, from opening the file to registration, ensuring that each matter is handled efficiently, professionally, and always in the best interests of our clients.

Thank you as well to the estate agents who trust us with their transactions and allow us to be part of their clients' property journeys. We appreciate your continued support and partnership.

It's a team effort, and we're proud of the service our people deliver every day.

Water security is becoming a priority for South African homeowners, but drilling a borehole without proper compliance ca...
08/06/2026

Water security is becoming a priority for South African homeowners, but drilling a borehole without proper compliance can lead to serious legal and financial consequences.

At Van Deventer Dowlath & Marx Incorporated, we are seeing municipalities tighten enforcement as more homeowners turn to private water solutions. From municipal approvals and servitudes to SANS compliance and property transfer implications, the legal responsibilities ultimately rest with the property owner.

A compliant borehole can add significant value to a property, but a non-compliant one can result in costly disputes, liability claims, delays in property transfers, and even bond approval issues.

Read the full article in the comment section to understand what every homeowner, buyer, seller, and property investor needs to know before drilling a borehole.

Today we're celebrating the energy, smiles and teamwork from our bonds team. Behind every process is a team that shows u...
05/06/2026

Today we're celebrating the energy, smiles and teamwork from our bonds team.

Behind every process is a team that shows up with focus, care and a whole lot of Friday spirit.

Thank you to our bonds teams for bringing the good vibes and great work into the week.

Here's to teamwork, happy moments and ending the week on a positive note.

05/06/2026

Buying into a sectional title scheme? Most buyers skip the most important step...

Before you sign, always request:

✅ The title deed
✅ The conduct rules
✅ The sectional title plan
✅ The financials (levies, arrears, reserve fund health)

At Van Deventer Dowlath & Marx, we know that informed buyers make empowered decisions. Whether it's your first apartment or your next investment, due diligence isn't optional; it forms the foundation of every decision that you will make.

Got questions before your next purchase? DM us, and someone from our team will assist.

A recent Western Cape High Court ruling has reinforced a critical reality in South African eviction law: once unlawful o...
05/06/2026

A recent Western Cape High Court ruling has reinforced a critical reality in South African eviction law: once unlawful occupation becomes a “home”, the legal framework changes completely.

At Van Deventer Dowlath & Marx, we regularly advise landlords, property owners, and managing agents on the complexities of PIE legislation and constitutional protections that can dramatically alter eviction proceedings, even after a lawful eviction order has been obtained and executed.

This judgment highlights why eviction matters are rarely as straightforward as ownership rights alone would suggest. Courts will ultimately assess whether the occupier has established a home and whether homelessness may result before deciding what is just and equitable.

Understanding where ownership rights end and constitutional protections begin is essential for every property owner.

Read the full article in the comments to understand the legal implications of this important ruling.

Address

2 Cullinan Close
Johannesburg
2191

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 04:30
Tuesday 08:00 - 16:30
Wednesday 08:00 - 16:30
Thursday 08:00 - 16:30
Friday 08:00 - 16:30

Telephone

+27113941606

Website

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