Buying property in a community scheme remains a popular choice for many buyers whether they are first-time buyers or established buyers. Community schemes come in various shapes and sizes, and includes security estates, sectional title complexes, retirement developments and housing estates. Why are certain developments more suited to security estates or sectional title schemes? A developer may be motivated to develop a...

There are very few bodies corporate that function effectively without a managing agent. The responsibilities placed on trustees can be onerous, requiring dedication as well as knowledge of sectional title legislation. To make matters worse, trustees are not paid for their time and often not appreciated. The impact of low fees on service delivery The appointment of a managing agent is contractual of...

Sectional title terminology can be quite confusing and two terms that often get confused by owners are ‘section’ and ‘unit’. While an apartment can be called either of these two terms, there are distinct differences between a section and a unit. Section A section is indicated on the sectional title plan of the scheme; it is demarcated with a solid line...

The keeping of pets in sectional title schemes is one of the most controversial issues faced in community schemes. Fortunately, owners and trustees can rely on the prescribed conduct rules or amended rules of their scheme to assist with this potentially challenging matter. Reviewing applications To keep a pet in a sectional title complex, you need to apply to the body corporate...

One of the most important decisions that members of a sectional title scheme make every year is the appointment of trustees. If this decision is taken lightly, it can potentially have a number of negative effects, both in the short- and long-term. The appointment of trustees has a direct effect on who will be appointed as the chairman; this is why...