Is It Ethical to Use a Runner for Municipal Approvals? Everything You Need to Know

A scene contemplating on is it ethical to use a runner for municipal approvals

Is It Ethical to Use a Runner for your property’s Municipal Approvals?

If you’ve ever wondered, is it ethical to use a runner for municipal approvals, you’re not alone. Many property owners in Pretoria East struggle to navigate the complex municipal approval process and turn to runners to speed things up. But while this service may save you time, it also raises important ethical questions. In this article, we’ll unpack what municipal runners do, the types of approvals they can help you with, why you might want to use one, and whether it’s ethically acceptable. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of the pros and cons, as well as tips to ensure your experience is above board.

Understanding the Use of Runners – Is It Ethical to Use a Runner for Municipal Approvals?

Runners are individuals or companies who, for a fee, assist property owners in handling municipal approval processes. They often act as middlemen, helping clients fast-track documentation and liaise with municipal departments.

Here’s what runners typically assist with:

Submission of building plan applications
Zoning applications
Occupancy certificates
Consent use applications
Compliance documentation

Using a runner can significantly reduce waiting times and frustration, especially if you lack the time or experience to handle municipal bureaucracy.

However, it’s essential to understand that while hiring a runner is not illegal, ethical questions arise when these services bypass procedures, pay bribes, or offer unfair advantages.

What Types of Municipal Approvals Can Runners Help With?

Many property owners are unaware of how many municipal approvals might be required when managing or developing property in Pretoria East. Runners can assist in several areas, including:

Building Plan Approvals: Ensuring your building plans comply with the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act (PDF).
Zoning Certificates: Verifying that your property is zoned correctly for your intended use.
Occupation Certificates: Required before occupying a newly built property.
Consent Use Applications: When you want to use a property in a special way that requires consent use in terms of its zoning certificate.
Heritage Approvals: If your property is subject to heritage regulations.

For more information on these approval types, you can refer to the official City of Tshwane Town Planning Services page.

These services, when done correctly, can save property owners hours of queuing, paperwork, and follow-ups.

Why Use a Runner Instead of Doing It Yourself?

Is It Ethical to Use a Runner for Municipal Approvals? – A Practical Perspective

It’s easy to understand why many property owners prefer using a runner instead of tackling municipal approvals themselves. Here are a few reasons:

Time-Saving: Approvals can take weeks or months if handled without professional assistance.
Experience: Runners understand the paperwork, requirements, and systems.
Convenience: No need to take time off work or stand in municipal queues.
Accuracy: Runners reduce the risk of rejected applications due to missing documents.

However, you must ask yourself: is it ethical to use a runner for municipal approvals if it means cutting corners? The answer depends entirely on how the runner conducts business. Avoid runners who offer to “speed things up” illegally or bribe officials on your behalf.

What do you think? Have you used a runner before, and what was your experience?

The Ethical Dilemma – Is It Ethical to Use a Runner for Municipal Approvals?

Is It Ethical to Use a Runner for Municipal Approvals? – What to Do and What to Avoid

The ethical debate isn’t about whether runners exist—it’s about how they operate. Using a runner is ethical when:

✅ The runner follows all municipal laws and procedures
✅ No bribery or under-the-table payments are involved
✅ There is transparency in fees and services

You should avoid runners who:

❌ Promise “guaranteed approvals”
❌ Ask for cash payments without documentation
❌ Suggest unethical shortcuts

In South Africa, ethical business practices are critical, as outlined by the Ethics Institute of South Africa. Always vet the runner’s credentials and insist on signed service agreements. If you’re unsure, you can consult your local municipality or a qualified town planner.

Conclusion

In summary, is it ethical to use a runner for municipal approvals? The answer is yes—if done correctly. Runners can offer valuable assistance to Pretoria East property owners who struggle with the often-complex municipal processes. However, ethics matter. Make sure you use a reputable, transparent runner who abides by the law. By doing so, you’ll avoid unnecessary risks and ensure your municipal approvals are legitimate.

If you need assistance navigating your municipal approvals ethically and efficiently, contact our team at cjvh.co.za. Share this article with fellow property owners who may also benefit from these insights.

Chrisjan van Heerden In Articles

Why Chrisjan van Heerden is considered to be the Best Estate Agent in Pretoria

A picture of Chrisjan van Heerden, considered as the best estate agent in Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa

Chrisjan van Heerden and the CH Professional Team rent and sell property as Estate Agents in Pretoria East. With his Masters Degree in Property Studies and an Honors degree in Marketing, Chrisjan is many property owners’ first choice as Best Estate Agent in Pretoria East. Chrisjan works as a Professional Estate Agent in Pretoria East and is also registered with the South African Council for the Property Valuers Profession. As a professional estate agent, Chrisjan’s experience, qualifications and personality all align to make him one of the top estate agents in Pretoria.

Chrisjan van Heerden’s property experience and qualifications

The first sale Chrisjan made, was in grade one – when he sold a home-made Christmas decoration and doubled his input cost in profit. Two years later, he dominated his primary school’s silk worm sales during lunch hours. He won several entrepreneurs day prizes and was a national finalist in the ABSA / ATKV National Entrepreneurship Competition. In secondary school and university, he had several tuck shops. While studying BCom Business Management, he discovered his love for the real estate and property industry and joined the family owned estate agency after completing a BCom (Hons.) Marketing degree. While working as a professional estate agent, he completed a Masters degree in Property Studies.

Besides for selling property and renting property for his clients, Chrisjan and his wife, Christie van Heerden, own several rental investment properties. He is also a director in a property development company, and especially enjoys the intricacies of marketing plans for selling and renting unique properties.

Photo of male Professional Estate Agent working for CH Professional Estate Agency

Chrisjan van Heerden’s personality:

Besides for his passion for the property industry, Chrisjan’s personality can be described by attributes such as high self-confidence, independent, decisive, determined, open-minded, strategic, multiskilled, logical and imaginative. Here is how each of these attributes contribute to being the best estate agent in Pretoria East:

High Self-Confidence: Confidence in oneself and one’s abilities is essential for success in any field, including real estate. High self-confidence enables property agents in Pretoria East to approach clients and negotiations with assurance, convey credibility and handle property challenges with poise. It also helps in building rapport and trust with buyers, leading to more successful transactions for his property sellers.
Independent: Real estate agents often work independently, managing their time, tasks, and client relationships. Being able to work independently allows a top estate agent to take initiative, make decisions autonomously, and adapt to changing market conditions. Independence fosters a sense of ownership and accountability within CH Professional Estate Agency, which is vital for delivering exceptional service.

Decisive: Real estate transactions require quick and informed decision-making. Being decisive enables estate agents to assess situations promptly, weigh options, and take decisive action to move transactions forward. Decisiveness instills confidence in clients and demonstrates professionalism in handling negotiations and resolving issues effectively.
Determined: The Pretoria East real estate industry can be competitive and demanding, requiring determination and perseverance to succeed. Determined estate agents focus on achieving goals, whether it’s closing deals, expanding a client base, or mastering new skills. Persistence in the face of challenges ensures that an estate agent stays motivated and resilient in pursuing success – for himself and his clients.

Open-Minded: Real estate agents encounter diverse clients, properties, and situations, requiring an open-minded approach to navigate effectively. Open-mindedness fosters empathy, flexibility, and a willingness to consider different perspectives and solutions. It also enables estate agents to adapt to clients’ preferences, market trends, and changing dynamics in the property industry.
Strategic: Strategic thinking is essential for estate agents to plan and execute effective sales and marketing strategies for their properties. The ability to analyze market trends, identify opportunities, and developing tailored approaches to meet clients’ needs and achieve their objectives helps Chrisjan stand out as one of the best estate agents in Pretoria East. Strategic planning helps in maximizing the value of properties, optimizing pricing strategies, and positioning listings for success.

Multiskilled: Real estate agents wear many hats, requiring a diverse skill set to excel in their roles. Multiskilled estate agents possess a range of abilities, including communication, negotiation, marketing, financial analysis, legal knowledge, and customer service. Chrisjan’s versatility allows him to handle various aspects of real estate transactions competently, from initial consultations to closing deals.
Logical: Real estate transactions involve complex processes and decision-making, requiring logical thinking and problem-solving skills. Logical estate agents analyze data, evaluate risks, and make sound judgments based on facts and evidence. Chrisjan’s logical approach helps in assessing property values, navigating legal and financial complexities, and guiding clients through informed decision-making.

Imaginative: Creativity and imagination play a role in differentiating properties, marketing strategies, and client experiences in the real estate industry. Imaginative estate agents think outside the box, leveraging innovative ideas, visualizations, and storytelling techniques to showcase properties and engage clients effectively. Chrisjan’s imaginative approach adds value and excitement to the real estate process, setting him apart as a top estate agent.

Contact Chrisjan van Heerden if you need one of the best property agents in Pretoria East

If you are looking for a professional estate agent to sell your property, Chrisjan van Heerden is a prime choice as Best Estate Agent in Pretoria. His extensive experience, post graduate qualifications and personality make him one of the top estate agents in Pretoria. Let Chrisjan and the CH Professional Estate Agents Team take care of finding you the most profitable buyer or tenant for your property.

A sold sign in front of a property that CH Professional sold following their professional marketing approach.

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Dangers they never tell you about Selling your Property on Auction in 30 to 90 days or faster

Dangers of Selling Property on Auction relates to loosing a lot of money when selling a property

In this article we discuss the potential Dangers of Selling Property on Auction in 30 to 90 days or less. If you need to sell property urgently, you have likely noticed several auctioneer advertisements (online and next to the road) offering to sell your property on auction fast, with no seller’s commission. The allure of a quick property sale and zero seller’s commission are the two main benefits portrayed by prospecting auctioneers. No one however seems to know that if you sell your house on auction, it could be an almost sure way for a home owner to lose a lot of money on his sale.

selling property on auction Impact of negative stigma on price

Dangers of Selling Property on Auction #1 : Impact of Negative Stigma on price

Auctioning your property creates an immediate negative impression:

If you put your property for sale on an auction, the average property buyer would immediately think something is wrong with the seller or with the property.

Selling your property on auction could create the perception that the seller is in financial distress. This attracts opportunistic buyers who don’t intend paying full market value for properties, but who rather want to buy bargain properties.

Putting your house for sale on an auction could also create the perception that something is wrong with the property:

Traditionally, selling on auction is mostly considered for items that no one wanted in the free market and that no one purchased at a fair market price. Buyers would typically wonder and try to figure out why the auction property did not sell in a normal market transaction.
Buyers might also wonder if the seller is hiding defects in the property and just wants to get rid of the property quickly.

A perception that a property could not sell in the free market and that a property has defects, increases the level of risk that a purchaser would have to accept if they want to buy the property. Higher levels of risk demand higher returns on investment. This means that buyers would want to make more profit if they buy an auction property, resulting therein that the maximum price someone would consider paying for the auction property comes down.

Dangers of Selling Property on Auction #2: impact of fewer buyers

Few people are able to afford purchasing on auction, because it typically requires immediate cash payment of commission, regardless of whether a sale registers successful or not. Being liable for 10% commission if an auction purchase fails (in the event of a bank refusing to finance the sale because of the purchaser’s finances, affordability, credit record, risk associated with the property, the property’s security value, or any other unforeseen reason) is a risk that almost all bank-loan-buyers face.

Because only people who have cash available for the full purchase price can avoid this risk, it significantly limits the number of people who are willing and able to take the risk of buying a property on auction – driving down demand for your house and ultimately lowering your sales price. Why?

Auction commissions are payable by the buyer on the fall of the hammer, while commission when selling through an estate agent is only payable upon transfer of ownership after a successful sale. Normal buyers who need bank loans to buy houses typically can’t take the risk of buying on an auction, because they will have to dish up a deposit to cover commission in cash up front (cash which they might not even have) when the auction hammer falls, regardless of whether they end up securing financing and concluding a sale. Because only cash buyers can be 100% sure that they have the funds available for a successful purchase, only cash byers can take the risk of paying auction commissions up front before transfer of ownership. This eliminates the majority of open market buyers for your house, if you sell your house on auction – driving down the number of people who could consider buying your house. Because of the basic economic principle of supply and demand, the price that your property will sell for drops lower on auction as fewer people could buy it. In contrast, a proper marketing plan crafted by a professional estate agent, could also offer the benefits of selling your house in less than 30 days, while attracting a much higher price for the seller by including a much larger scope of potential purchasers.

Dangers of Selling Property on Auction #3: Who really pays the commission

As discussed above, many house sellers trying to sell property on auction end up disappointed by the low offers that they receive from an auction. Yes, auctioning might excite a small number of cash buyers and start a mini bid war, but typically auction buyers still have their cut-off price in mind – especially considering that they will also have to pay around 10% auctioneers commission on top of the bid price.

Zero seller’s commission looks attractive as a catch phrase, but the 10% auctioneering commission payable by buyers is certainly factored into the cost of the property in a buyer’s mind. The higher the commission, the less the seller’s net price would be (regardless of whether the buyer pays for it on the fall of the hammer in addition to an already lowered auction price, or whether the seller pays for it from the sales price upon a successful transfer of ownership concluded through normal professional estate agent marketing. The typical 10% auctioneer commission is much higher than the typical commission charged by estate agents, so a homeowner has to carefully consider which option would put the most money in his pocket.

Dangers of Selling Property on Auction #4: What if you don’t get your price on the auction?

Suppose you don’t get an acceptable price on auction? What happens then?

Auctioneers would typically take a 3 to 6 month exclusive mandate to sell a house before going to auction. If the auction is not successful, the seller has to wait until the end of such mandate, before they are able to properly market their property to the full spectrum of buyers in the market (i.e. the majority of normal house buyers who purchase houses with bank loans – as explained above). By this time however, the reputation of their house could already be hurt by having the stigma attached to it that the house was not even able to sell on an auction – likely pushing up buyer’s perceived risk and lowering the price that even the open market would now consider paying for the house after it failed to sell on auction.

Dangers of Selling Your Property on Auction #5: Fees payable, even if not sold

Auctioneers typically charge a seller advertising fees in preparation for the auction – in addition to commission that a buyer would have to pay. These auctioneering advertising fees are payable by the seller either up-front or after the auction, and are usually payable regardless of whether you achieve an acceptable price that enables you to sell your property on auction. This effectively pushes all the cost risk to the seller, and in a sense exempts the auctioneer from sharing in the risk. In contrast, estate agents only earn fees when a sales transaction is successful, and usually only get paid once the change of ownership registers in the deeds office. Estate agents carry all the costs of advertising themselves, offering a much less risky deal to the seller.

The potential dangers of deciding to sell property on auction as portrayed above, show that an auction could be an almost sure way for a house seller to lose money.

Opposed to targeting a limited number of buyers and likely settling for a low price when selling on auction – if you appoint the best estate agents to sell your property, you get the benefit of a comprehensive marketing plan that balances all 4 p’s of marketing. When price, product, place and promotion all line up, it quickly attracts the full spectrum of potential buyers. A professional estate agent marketing plan maximizes the number of buyers for your property, and drives the demand for your house, ultimately pushing up the price that you could sell for and decreasing the time that your property stays on the market before selling successfully.

Conclusion

Even if you have to sell property urgently, go for a full-fledged marketing plan through the best estate agents you can find: benefit from including more potential buyers and attracting a high price with a professional marketing plan – which could still sell your house in 30 days or less.

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