FIXTURES AND FITTINGS

The most common dispute that arises between a seller and a purchaser is the dispute over what is regarded as "fixtures and  fittings". The simple answer is that these would be items the seller and purchaser agree on in the offer to purchase, as the law leaves it to the seller and purchaser to make their own arrangements.

Usually the offer to purchase only states that the sale is "voetstoots and includes all improvements and all fixtures and fittings of a permanent nature". It could also be that the offer to purchase does not refer to fixtures and fittings at all. If this is the case there are three factors that have to be considered to determine whether a movable item is a fixture or a fitting.

1. The nature and the purpose of the item

The item should be of a permanent nature and intended to always serve the immovable property. In other words it must be attached to the land or the structure erected on the land. Examples of this are a carport, steel security gates welded to door frames, and an irrigation system. 

2. The manner and the degree of attachment

The question here is whether the item loses its own identity and becomes an integral part of the immovable property or if the attachment is so secure that separation would involve substantial damage to either the immovable property or to the item itself. One must also take into account the method, time and cost involved in removing the item as well as whether the item could be used elsewhere. 

3. The intention of the owner

One should look at the intention of the owner at the time when the attachment was made.

It is therefore important to address this issue in the offer to purchase and draft a comprehensive list of what is included in the sale. This could save both parties a lot of time and frustration.

The following is a list of items that are usually considered to be permanent fixtures:

Built-in extractor fans; built-in kitchen cupboards; fitted bookshelves; fitted curtain rails; wall mirrors; stoves; existing garden, trees, shrubs, plants; pool filter, pool pump and pool cleaning equipment; fitted carpets; light fittings; towel racks; tap fittings; tennis court net; fireplace; awnings; post box;  alarm system; television aerial (but not satellite dishes) and door keys.