Conveyancers and estate agents who celebrated the decision to allow the re-opening of deeds offices country-wide are disappointed as some have not opened a week later, Die Burger reports.

Department of Rural Development spokesperson Reggie Ncgobo says although these offices were set to open during lockdown level four, they can only do so once they implement health risk mitigating measures. Cape Town Deeds Office chief registrar Carlize Knoesen said she was unable to say when her office would be ready for business.

‘It will be announced in due course.’

Attorneys say the continued closure of offices has huge financial implications for clients.

In some cases, home buyers are now paying two mortgage bonds, having successfully registered a second before the first was cancelled. Other clients have to pay for new tax clearance certificates that expire after two months and sellers, estate agents and lawyers cannot receive money until registration is completed.

Dr Pam Golding says some job losses may be averted if all the deeds offices open as promised.

Estate agents have also asked the government to reconsider the determination that estate agents may only return to normal duty during level two, Re/Max’s Adrian Goslett says.

‘This decision does not only affect the thousands of people working in this sector, but has a big impact on the economy.’

He says the property sector contribute 5% to GDP while other professions such as lawyers and banks also rely heavily on a well-functioning property sector.

Full report in Die Burger (subscription needed)