Last Updated: 25 March 2026
This Privacy Policy explains how Howell Properties collects, uses, and protects your personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act, No. 4 of 2013 (POPIA) and the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act (ECTA).
In the South African real estate context, we collect information necessary for FICA compliance and property transactions:
Personal Identification: Full names, ID numbers, and copies of identity documents.
Contact Details: Email addresses, physical addresses, and telephone numbers.
FICA Documentation: Proof of residence and tax numbers (as required by the Financial Intelligence Centre Act).
Financial Data: Bank account details (for rental deposits or sales) and credit profiles.
Property Data: Title deeds, erf numbers, and bond information.
We process your personal information only for the following reasons:
To perform our duties under a Mandate (selling, buying, or leasing).
To verify your identity for FICA compliance.
To market your property on various portals (e.g., Property24, Private Property).
To facilitate agreements with conveyancing attorneys or bond originators.
We will only share your information with third parties (“Operators”) when necessary to conclude a transaction:
Conveyancing Attorneys: To register property transfers.
Credit Bureaus: To vet potential tenants.
Maintenance Contractors: To facilitate repairs (with your consent).
The Information Regulator: If required by law.
In line with POPIA, we will only send you direct marketing (newsletters or new listings) if:
You are an existing client.
You have specifically opted-in to receive such communications. Every marketing email will include an “Unsubscribe” option.
Howell Properties employs strict technical and organizational measures to ensure your data remains confidential. We store your data for the statutory period required by the Estate Agency Affairs Act (usually 5 years) before securely destroying it.
You have the right to:
Request access to the personal information we hold about you.
Request the correction or deletion of inaccurate or outdated data.
Object to the processing of your information.
Lodge a complaint with the South African Information Regulator.
As required by the Act, our designated Information Officer is responsible for our compliance:
Information Officer: Nico Howell
Email: info@howellproperties.co.za
Physical Address: 59 Pretorius St, Heidelberg, Gauteng, 1441
Note: If you cannot resolve a privacy dispute with us, you may contact the Information Regulator (South Africa) at complaints.IR@justice.gov.za.
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