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Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about using the Toolkit? This FAQ section covers everything you need to know! From navigating features and accessing reports to understanding data and optimising your experience, we've compiled answers to the most common inquiries. If you can’t find what you're looking for, our support team is here to help you every step of the way!

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Report FAQ's Commonly Asked Questions

How do I search for a Property?

To search for a property in the Lightstone Property Toolkit:

Access the Search Functionality: Log in to your Lightstone account and navigate to the search bar on the dashboard.
Enter Property Details: Input relevant information such as the property address, erf number, or owner's name.
Refine Your Search: Utilise advance search to fill in details like property type, suburb, or registration date to narrow down the results.
View Results: Browse through the search results to find the specific property report you need.

For more detailed guidance, refer to the Search Options and System Icons article.

What are comparable sales?

Comparable sales refer to recent property transactions that are similar in characteristics to a subject property. These sales are used to assess the market value of a property by comparing it to others with similar attributes in the same area. The Comparable Analysis section in Lightstone reports illustrates these sales and plots them on a map with an average sales price. This helps in understanding the market trends and valuing properties accurately.

How do I use the Custom Comparable Sales function?

The Custom Comparable Sales feature allows you to select specific properties that you consider comparable to your subject property:

Access the Comparable analysis section in the Property Report.
Scroll to the end of this section and click on custom compsales
search and select properties that closely match the characteristics of your subject property to create a customised comparison.

What is a Comparable Valuation?

A Comparable Valuation is an estimate of a property's market value based on the analysis of recent sales of similar properties in the same area. By examining these comparable sales, one can determine a fair market price for the property in question. This method is commonly used in real estate to ensure accurate and fair property valuations.

How often does Lightstone update its information on the website?

Lightstone regularly updates its property data to ensure users have access to the most current information. The frequency of updates may vary depending on the data source and type. For specific details on update intervals, it's recommended to contact Lightstone directly or refer to their official communications for the most accurate information.

Where do I get the land size in the property report?

The land size, including registered and cadastral land size, is available in the Property Details section of the Property Report. This section provides information about the legal address, land size, last sales price, and date of the last sale.

Why are the map image unclear on the Property report?

Image clarity in the Property Report can be affected by factors such as the quality of available satellite imagery, and the zoom level at which they were captured. Lightstone strives to provide the best available images, but some areas may have limited high-resolution imagery. For critical assessments, it's advisable to supplement the report with on-site inspections or additional photographic evidence.

What is the difference between a Suburb report and a Town report?

The Suburb Report provides a comprehensive overview of a specific suburb, including boundaries, market stock, demographics, sales activity, lending trends, and nearby amenities. It's ideal for understanding the property landscape of a particular suburb.

The Town Report, on the other hand, offers insights into a broader area, encompassing multiple suburbs within a town. It includes information on property types, market trends, demographic data, and amenities at the town level. This report is useful for analysing property trends and statistics across a larger geographic area.

What is LSM (Living Standards Measure)?

The Living Standards Measure (LSM) is an index developed by the South African Audience Research Foundation (SAARF) that segments the population into deciles based on ownership of standard goods and services.

This marketing research tool is used to classify the South African population based on their living standards. It considers factors such as ownership of durable goods and access to services to segment consumers into different LSM groups. Higher LSM groups indicate a higher standard of living. This measure helps businesses and organisations understand market segments and tailor their products or services accordingly.

What are Stable or Existing owners?

In property reports, Stable Owners or Existing Owners refer to individuals or entities that have owned a property for an extended period, typically indicating long-term ownership. Analyzing the duration of ownership can provide insights into market stability and owner retention within a specific area. This information is often used to assess market trends and the likelihood of properties being listed for sale.

What is a Property Report?

Property Report Offers a comprehensive property information The Property Report is an indispensable tool for real estate agents, offering comprehensive insights into a property's history, ownership, and market trends. It empowers agents to make data-driven recommendations to clients, enhancing credibility and ensuring informed decisions that lead to successful transactions.

What is a Suburb Report?

The Suburb Report provides a comprehensive overview of a specific suburb's property landscape. It includes detailed information on suburb boundaries, property types (freehold and sectional title), and demographic data such as the number of adults, income ranges, and Living Standards Measure (LSM) classifications.

Additionally, the report highlights sales and lending activity, and lists nearby amenities like schools, police stations, and shopping centers. This report is particularly useful for real estate agents to equip potential buyers with insightful information about the area during show days.

What is a Town Report?

The Town Report offers insights into a broader geographic area encompassing multiple suburbs or a town. It provides information on property counts, sales data, amenities, and more, aiding in understanding the property landscape of a larger area.

What is a Residential Transfers Report?

The Residential Transfers Report allows users to access information on Deeds Office registrations that match specific search criteria. Users can filter searches by property type, registration dates, price ranges, and more to obtain detailed records of property transfers. This report is invaluable for tracking property transaction trends and understanding market dynamics.

What is an estate report?

The Estate Report provides detailed information about a specific estate, including its boundaries, property types, and amenities. It offers insights into the estate's market activity, demographic data, and other relevant details, assisting real estate professionals and potential buyers in evaluating the estate's characteristics and appeal.

What is a Sectional Scheme Report?

The Sectional Scheme Report delivers comprehensive details about a particular sectional title scheme. It includes information on the scheme's name, location, number of units, and ownership details. This report is essential for understanding the structure and composition of sectional title developments.

What is an Owners in Complex report?

The Owners in Complex Report provides a list of all registered owners within a specific complex or sectional title scheme. It includes details such as owner names and unit numbers, facilitating communication and management within the complex.

What is a Valuation Report?

A Valuation Report offers an estimated market value of a specific property. It includes details on property characteristics, recent comparable sales, and market trends to provide an accurate valuation. This report is crucial for buyers, sellers, and financial institutions to make informed decisions regarding property transactions.

What is an EzConnect Report?

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What is a CIPC Report?

A CIPC (Companies and Intellectual Property Commission) Report provides information on registered companies and intellectual property in South Africa. It includes details such as company registration numbers, directors, and registered addresses. This report is essential for conducting due diligence and understanding the corporate structure of entities involved in property transactions.

How to get owner details on Toolkit?

To obtain owner details using the Lightstone Property Toolkit, generate a Property Report for the specific property. The Owner Details section will provide the registered owner's name and the first six digits of their ID number. Additionally, the Title Deed number, marital status, and share percentage (if applicable) are included. This information is crucial for understanding property ownership and conducting due diligence.

How can I draw MyArea?

To measure a roof using the Area Measurement Tool in the Property Report:

Access the Property Report for the relevant property.
In the Imagery section, switch to Satellite view for a clearer perspective.
Zoom in to focus on the roof area.
Activate the Area Measurement Tool by clicking its icon at the bottom left.
Click on each corner of the roof to outline its perimeter.
Once the outline is complete, click "Finish" to view the measured area.

This feature allows for accurate assessment of the roof's dimensions, aiding in tasks such as renovations or installations.