What areas do you cover?
Right now Zonely focuses on the City of Cape Town municipal area. Our data, rules, and examples are tuned for Cape Town zoning. If you need help elsewhere, let us know so we can prioritise future coverage.
Help & FAQ
Answers to the most common questions before you buy, design, or order a property check.
What is the difference between Property Snapshot and Full Property Check Report?
Property Snapshot is the quicker paid check when you want an early property answer. Full Property Check Report goes deeper when the decision is more serious and you want a broader view of the rules, risks, and next steps before more money moves. Title Deed Analysis is a separate add-on if deed clauses need checking.
How accurate are the reports?
We use official City of Cape Town zoning data and cross-reference multiple sources. Our goal is to give you the same underlying planning information a professional would start with, explained in plain English. If a report does not answer the questions we promise, we will rework it or refund you.
Can I get a refund?
Yes. If your report does not deliver the clarity we promise, we will rework it or provide a full refund. We want every purchase to feel worthwhile and will fix issues fast if something is missing or unclear.
How long does the Full Property Check Report take?
Payment confirmation is immediate. If the Full Property Check Report can be released straight away, it will be. If it needs a manual quality check before send, we keep you updated clearly.
Is this legal advice or a replacement for a town planner?
No. Zonely is an educational planning aid, not formal legal or professional advice. We help you understand zoning and typical processes so your conversations with professionals and the City are faster and better informed.
How do you handle my payment details?
Card details are processed by PayFast, a South African payment gateway. Zonely never sees or stores your card number. We receive payment confirmation and basic contact details so we can deliver your report or snapshot.
What if my title deed or estate rules differ from zoning?
Title deeds and estate rules can add extra restrictions beyond zoning. Zonely will flag where these may apply, and Title Deed Analysis is available as a separate add-on if deed clauses need checking in plain English.
Who is behind Zonely?
Zonely is built and run by AB+HvD Architects — a Cape Town and Knysna practice. Hanneke van der Merwe is the SACAP-registered architect. Zonely is the practice's way of helping property owners get clear, honest answers before full design fees start. You can read more on the About page.
What is the free feasibility review?
The free feasibility review is a short, no-obligation check run by AB+HvD Architects. Tell us what you are hoping to do with your property — add a second dwelling, subdivide, extend — and the practice will give you an honest first-pass answer on whether it is likely to work and what the next steps would be. Start yours at /feasibility.
Can you help me design and build it?
Yes. AB+HvD Architects offers full architectural services — from feasibility and planning applications through to construction. Start with the free feasibility review at /feasibility, or visit abarc.co to see the practice's work and get in touch.