- An investigation is underway into allegations of unlawful property practices involving property transactions without proper certification.
- Consumers are warned never to make payments into personal bank accounts and to verify all practitioners before transacting.
- Failure to conduct basic due diligence puts buyers and sellers at heightened risk of fraud and financial loss.
The Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (PPRA) has issued a nationwide warning to consumers to exercise extreme caution when entering into property-related transactions, stressing that verification remains the first and most effective line of defence against fraud and unlawful property practices.
The warning follows allegations involving Ester Smit, who is accused of operating as a property practitioner without holding a valid and current Fidelity Fund Certificate. The PPRA has confirmed that complaints were received from members of the public, triggering a formal investigation and disciplinary process.
According to the regulator, Smit has been formally charged with contravening Section 48 of the Property Practitioners Act 22 of 2019, which expressly prohibits any person from performing the functions of a property practitioner without a valid Fidelity Fund Certificate.
The certificate, the PPRA has stressed, is not optional and exists to protect consumers whose money is placed at risk during property transactions.
The PPRA has further confirmed that four complainants are linked to this matter, with all complaints remaining under active investigation as part of its enforcement process.
Hearing postponed after non-appearance
Smit was scheduled to appear before a PPRA-appointed adjudicator on 4 December 2025, but failed to attend the hearing, resulting in the matter being postponed. The regulator has warned that should she fail to appear at the next scheduled hearing, the matter will proceed in her absence in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
The Authority said this step reflects its commitment to ensuring accountability within the property sector and to acting decisively where consumer interests are at stake.
Due diligence is central to safe property transactions
As part of its consumer awareness drive, the PPRA has reiterated that proper due diligence is essential before entering into any property-related transaction or paying over any money.
Consumers have been urged to always ensure that the person they are dealing with holds a valid and current Fidelity Fund Certificate and that the practitioner is employed by a firm that is registered, holds its own valid certificate, and operates a compliant trust account with a recognised banking institution.
The regulator has been unequivocal that no payments should ever be made into personal bank accounts. All monies must be paid into a registered firm’s trust account. Consumers have also been cautioned not to conduct any business with a person who cannot produce a Fidelity Fund Certificate upon request, regardless of assurances or urgency.
Reporting suspected unlawful property practices
Consumers who believe they may have been affected by unlawful property practices are encouraged to report the matter without delay.
Practitioner details can be verified by contacting the Authority on 087 285 3222. Complaints may also be lodged by submitting a complaint form via email to legal@theppra.org.za or through the online complaint portal.
The regulator reiterated that vigilance and verification remain critical to protecting consumers and preserving trust in the property sector.
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