How to make sure your SOHO is legal

The number of home-based businesses rose exponentially during the Covid-19 pandemic and continues to grow now in response to low economic and employment growth in SA, high fuel costs, worsening traffic congestion in major cities and towns and a rising preference for remote work.

But the "residential entrepreneurs" who own these businesses should tread carefully to avoid some common property blunders associated with home-based start-ups.  

For example, once you've chosen a business that you enjoy and believe will be well supported in your community, you need to make sure that your home has the correct zoning and/ or consent from your local authority to accommodate your enterprise - especially if it involves any kind of manufacturing. And if you're going to turn your garage into a shop or serve coffee and cake on your front veranda, for example, you'll need the relevant food preparation, retail and trading licences.    

For other types of business, you'll probably need to think about storage space for supplies or finished goods and remember that some things - such as explosives - are absolutely not allowed to be stored in a residential area. 

Then there's the question of actual workspace. Even professionals like accountants or lawyers or those who have established an online business and can work just about anywhere should make sure they have a dedicated workspace in the home, such as a converted spare bedroom or outbuilding. Apart from needing this for tax purposes, you'll be much more productive if you make a clear distinction between your living and working spaces, and between your domestic and working schedules.

Small-office home-office (SOHO) experts also advise that your workspace should contain businesslike furniture as well as the best business technology you can afford, and should not contain too many personal effects, especially if clients may be visiting for briefings or meetings. If you don't already have it, you should also consider installing fibre for better phone and internet connectivity.  

And finally, don't forget that if your business is successful it will grow, and you will then probably need more space for additional staff, storage or sales. You should plan for this and a possible move to commercial premises if the business starts to take over your home - or a move to a new home.