7 days ago
KZN couple's divorce escalates into a legal battle over sale of their R6 million home
A KwaZulu-Natal couple going through a divorce were in a legal battle over the sale of their R6 million home.
A KwaZulu-Natal couple embroiled in a contentious divorce was locked in a battle over the sale of their upmarket property in uMhlanga, Durban.
The couple, who have been married out of community of property, initiated divorce proceedings back in 2020 but have continued living together with their daughter.
Tired of the arrangement, the husband approached the KwaZulu-Natal High Court in Durban, asserting that their living condition has become intolerable, prompting the need for the sale of their shared home.
In court, the husband presented his argument to Judge Rithy Singh, stating that despite multiple attempts to market the property at an initial asking price of R6 million, he was unable to find a buyer.
Frustrated by the lack of interest, he proposed a private auction with a reserve price set at R5 million, granting him unilateral authority to appoint an auctioneer. Additionally, he offered to buy out his wife's share at R3 million if the reserve price was not met.
He further claimed that he has been solely responsible for the running costs of the property with no financial contribution from the wife. Over and above those expenses, he has to pay maintenance for his wife and their child, which has created an unsustainable financial burden.
He said he attempted to market the property at R6 million, after assessing similar property sales in the area. The property, however, did not sell.
