Older people who are sociable and gracefully accept their advancing years move into retirement villages. Some others move into sectional title schemes where they can vent their anger and irritation on fellow inhabitants by joining the (busy) body corporate and inventing new ways of dragging meetings out much longer than is necessary. Any vestiges of petty authority that they can carry over from their previous careers are desperately clung to and used as weapons of one-upmanship against body corporate pretenders.

The above paragraph is intended to be tongue-in-cheek, but we all know that, sadly, there is some truth to be found in it.

With South Africa’s crime rate, it is unsurprising that so many have chosen to live behind high walls in secure complexes. Community living has become a popular choice from a safety perspective, but from a social standing, many find it hard to tow the line and live amongst people with differing opinions. Simply put, living in very close proximity to strangers has its drawbacks and when those same people are trying to tell you how to live your life in the property you own the situation can and often does, become explosive.

Although many investors find this type of lifestyle perfect for their needs, it is not for everyone. Anyone who is considering buying a sectional title unit should ensure that the body corporate shares similar ideas to their own. The South African law reports offer a fair indication of how often things go wrong. The courts are literally littered with arguments between people that can either not abide by the rules or purely chose to ignore rules that they deem unfair. In many cases, body corporates are a law unto themselves with body corporate chairmans’ believing that they solely rule the roost.

The minutes of the body corporate meetings provide a good source of information about recent issues in the scheme. Asking to see minutes of the last two or three meetings can go a long way in ensuring that the scheme is being managed properly. This will obviate any nasty surprises like a pending special levy for renovations, additional building work and the like.

The presence of a tyrant in the system will also be revealed by the verbatim minutes. On-going petty squabbles that could ruin your sectional title living experience with be readily apparent. Remember, it only takes one bad apple to spoil the entire barrel. It is also a good idea to chat to neighbours; after all, you are going to have to live with them, perhaps for a long time.

You should make a point of checking out the financials of the scheme you are planning to buy into. How are the utility costs for common areas split up? Do larger units have to contribute more? What restrictions are there on the number of residents in any particular unit?

There are many well run, well maintained and well managed sectional title complexes in the country. Finding the perfect home, accommodation wise, may arguably be secondary to finding a development where the inhabitants live in harmony. Although most South African homeowners would conduct thorough research when buying a freestanding home, strangely they seem far more lax when buying a sectional title unit.

A final piece of advice: Check out the credentials of the company managing the affairs of the sectional title scheme. Recent media reports of high-profile companies that went belly-up have left sectional title owners understandably nervous. It is imperative that the managing agent is a reputable company with a proven track record of managing sectional title schemes. The managing agent should hold a valid fidelity fund certificate from the Estate Agency Affairs Board. While not compulsory, if the managing agent is a member of the National Association of Managing Agents, it's even better.

At Terblanche Total Property Solutions, we check all the boxes. Contact us today to see how we will add value to your sectional title scheme.

Based on an article by Lea Jacobs on www.privateproperty.co.za