Deceased Estates - Appraisers

When property has to be valued in a deceased estate, it is normally done by an appraiser.

Appraisers are appointed for specific areas by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development in terms of section 6 of the Administration of Estates Act no. 66 of 1965. Appraisers are entitled to a reasonable remuneration which is determined by a prescribed tariff of fees. When there is a dispute regarding the correctness of the remuneration charged, the appraisers account must be submitted to the Master for taxation.

How do I become an Appraiser?

Follow this link to study the Code: Appraisers [AN16/2018].

A person who intends to apply for an appointment as appraiser must submit an original application, in the form of Annexure A (to the Code Appraisers), to the Office of the Chief Master, Private Bag X81, Pretoria, 0001

All applications must be accompanied by the following:

1. Certified copy of the ID of the applicant
2. Original / certified copy of proof of residence / proof of work address of the applicant
3. Complete CV of the applicant
4. Certified copies of proof of qualifications of the applicant
5. At least one letter of recommendation by a company or person working in the estate- / valuation industry, in favour of the applicant’s appointment
6. Testimonial from the applicant’s employer / previous employer commenting specifically on the applicant’s ability, knowledge and experience of the appraisal industry/field
7. Originally completed oath as per Annexure B (to the Code Appraisers), (to be taken in the presence of the Court Manager / a justice of the peace or commissioner of oaths)
8. The relevant Court Manager must make a recommendation in respect of each applicant by completing paragraphs 19 to 21 of the application form. The Court Manager must sign and stamp the form. 
   
   Note: Prior to lodging the original application, an electronic copy of the full application may be sent to Ms Tebogo Tladi (TeTladi@justice.gov.za) in order to ensure that all documents are in order and correct. The applicant will then be informed of any shortcomings to his/her application which needs to be corrected before the original application is lodged.
   (Complying with this preliminary lodgement will expedite the appointment procedure.

When the documents are in order, the original application with attachments must be submitted by the applicant to National Office (Office of the Chief Master), attention Mrs S van Aarde / Mrs HC Venter.

The Court Manager as well as the applicant will be notified of the results of applications by the Office of the Chief Master.

1. If the application was successful, the original appointment letter, together with manual “Instructions to Appraisers” will be forwarded to the applicant by registered post, unless the applicant indicated that he/she will collect it personally from the Office of the Chief Master in Pretoria.
2. If the application was unsuccessful, the applicant will be informed accordingly via electronic correspondence and be provided opportunity to amplify / correct the application and re-lodge it, after which the application will be reconsidered by the Office of the Chief Master.

 

When is an Appraiser’s appointment withdrawn?

The appointment of an appraiser may be withdrawn when

1. he/she reaches 70 years of age, if the appointment as appraiser has not been withdrawn earlier due to other reasons.
   a. If the appraiser wishes to extend his/her appointment after reaching 70 years of age an application to this effect must be submitted timeously to the Office of the Chief Master
   b. If no such application is received by the Office of the Chief Master, within 6 months from issuing of the notification, the appointment will be withdrawn.
2. When an appraiser no longer resides or pursues a career or carries on a business in the district he/she has been appointed for
3. When an appraiser no longer resides or pursues a career or carries on a business in the district he/she has been appointed for, the Office of the Chief Master must grant the appraiser the opportunity to furnish reasons why the Minister shall not withdraw his/her appointment.  The comments of the appraiser must be sent to the Office of the Chief Master for consideration
4. When an appraiser passes away, resigns, or for any other reasons which necessitates the termination of his/her appointment, the Office of the Chief Master must be notified thereof.
   

How do I, as Appraiser, apply for extension of appointment after reaching the age of 70 years?

Where an appraiser attains the age of 70 years, he/she may apply in writing to the Office of the Chief Master for an extension of his/her appointment.  The following information in respect of the applicant, must be provided, in the form of an affidavit, to the Office of the Chief Master:

1. That the applicant is still active and in good health.
2. That the applicant is dependent on the financial benefits derived from estate valuations.
3. The number of estate valuations performed by the applicant the previous year.
4. That the applicant still resides or still pursues his/her career or carries on a business in the district he/she has been appointed for.