Our Commitment to Transparency & Legal Compliance

At Chess Properties, transparency, professionalism and legal compliance are central to how we operate.

We believe clients should always understand how fees are structured, how transactions are managed and what regulatory requirements apply -before any work begins.

This ensures aligned expectations, informed decision-making and a professional working relationship from the outset.

Fees & Remuneration

Before commencing any work on your behalf, we clearly communicate and agree on the applicable fee structure.

There are no hidden costs, surprise charges or undisclosed arrangements.

Our remuneration is structured according to the nature, scope and complexity of the work involved.

Professional Services Fees

In certain engagements, fees are charged on a professional services basis.

These fees are calculated hourly and aligned with the seniority, expertise and level of involvement of the adviser(s) assigned to the matter.

In more complex, time-sensitive or specialist cases, fees may be adjusted to reflect:

The level of expertise required
Urgency or intensity of involvement
Additional value delivered through specialist input

This model is typically applied where advisory work extends beyond standard transactional services.

Commission-Based Fees

For sales and leasing transactions, remuneration is generally commission-based.

Commission is calculated as a percentage of the sale or lease value and is always:

Fully disclosed
Clearly agreed upon in writing
Confirmed prior to engagement

Commission rates may vary depending on:

Property type
Scope of work
Market conditions
Client requirements

At all times, our focus is on delivering value-driven, ethical, compliant and transparent service.

Regulatory & Legal Compliance

Chess Properties operates in full compliance with South African property legislation and regulatory requirements. This protects our clients, our transactions, and the integrity of the property industry.

Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (PPRA)

The Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (PPRA), established under the Property Practitioners Act No. 22 of 2019 (formerly the Estate Agency Affairs Board), regulates all estate agents in South Africa.

Chess Properties and all practising agents are duly registered with the PPRA and hold valid Fidelity Fund Certificates, as required by law.

Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA), No. 38 of 2001

In line with FICA regulations, estate agencies are required to conduct due diligence to prevent money laundering and the financing of illicit activities. Clients are therefore legally required to provide:

Proof of identity and residential or business address
Confirmation of the source of funds
Full disclosure of company, trust or shareholder information where applicable

Chess Properties strictly adheres to these requirements and is unable to proceed with property transactions until all mandatory documentation has been received.

Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), No. 4 of 2013

We are committed to protecting your privacy and personal information.

All client data is handled with care, stored securely and used solely for the purposes required to carry out property-related services.

Information is processed in accordance with South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act and is never shared unlawfully or without authorisation.

Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE)

Chess Properties is classified as an Exempt Micro Enterprise (EME) in terms of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act.

Why This Matters

Clear fees, proper compliance, and transparent processes protect all parties involved in a commercial property transaction.

Your cooperation with these requirements supports a safer, more transparent and more professional property industry and allows us to act in your best interests with confidence and integrity.