The Hidden Water Damage
Cost: R85,000
Thabo bought his dream home in Johannesburg. The freshly painted walls looked perfect during viewing. Two months after moving in, heavy rains revealed extensive roof leaks and hidden damp. The previous owners had painted over water stains.
What it cost: R85,000 for roof repairs, ceiling replacement, and mould remediation
App guides you to check for fresh paint, inspect ceilings for stains, and ask about damp history
The Boundary Wall Collapse
Cost: R145,000
Michael bought a property with a beautiful high boundary wall. Six months later, after heavy rains, 20 meters of wall collapsed. His insurance claim was denied - the wall wasn't built to municipal standards and lacked proper drainage. The previous owner had built it without approved plans.
What it cost: R145,000 to demolish unsafe sections, obtain approval, and rebuild to code
Checklist prompts you to ask about building compliance certificates and approved plans
The Body Corporate Debt Trap
Cost: R250,000+
Mpho bought a sectional title apartment without researching the body corporate. She later discovered the complex owed R2.5 million for urgent repairs. Her levy immediately jumped from R1,500 to R4,200 monthly, plus a special levy of R45,000.
What it cost: R250,000+ in special levies and increased monthly costs
Assessment includes critical questions about body corporate finances and pending repairs
The Foundation Failure
Cost: R180,000
John noticed small cracks but was assured they were "just settlement." Six months after purchase, doors wouldn't close, floors sloped noticeably, and an engineer revealed serious foundation subsidence requiring underpinning.
What it cost: R180,000 for foundation repairs and structural work
App teaches you to identify serious vs. cosmetic cracks and when to get structural assessments
The Illegal Extension
Cost: R95,000 + Legal Risk
Lerato loved the extended living area during viewing. After purchase, she discovered the extension had no building plans approval. The municipality issued a compliance notice threatening demolition or requiring expensive retrospective approval.
What it cost: R95,000 for engineer reports, plans, and approval fees
Viewing checklist prompts you to ask about building approvals and alterations
The Geyser Disaster
Cost: R78,000
Nomsa moved into her new home in Pretoria. Three months later, the 15-year-old geyser burst, flooding two bedrooms and damaging ceilings, carpets, and electronics. Her insurance claim was rejected - the geyser showed years of neglect with no maintenance records.
What it cost: R78,000 for new geyser, water damage repairs, and contents
App prompts questions about geyser age, maintenance history, and drip tray condition
