Resources

FROM OUR BLOG

Sustainability measures to save costs and increase property value

Henry David Thoreau once asked, "What is the use of a house if you haven’t got a tolerable planet to put it on?" As the world faces pressing environmental issues, it is crucial to take part in protecting the planet, and the property sector is no exception.

22 January 2024 Legal and Advisory

Furry friends or foes? Deciphering pet regulations in community schemes

The multiple facets of pet ownership require careful consideration before an owner introduces their pet into a residence within various sectional title schemes, as this issue has frequently sparked disputes among owners (members), tenants, and bodies corporate.

A group of smiling people discussing documents

6 January 2024 Funding and Treasury

Budgeting tips to navigate a financial crisis - part II

An accurate and comprehensive annual budget is the secret to effectively managing your community scheme’s finances. Tough financial times may impact a community scheme’s income stream, making it crucial to manage expenses carefully.

2 January 2024 Funding and Treasury

Budgeting tips to navigate a financial crisis

Following a series of interest, fuel and food price hikes, homeowners are battling to meet their financial commitments, including levy payments. We suggest bodies corporate take a proactive approach in mitigating the impact of potential non-payment of levies on community scheme finances.

Four happy people behind a laptop looking relieved

1 December 2023 Funding and Treasury

Arrear Levy Funding: paving the way for financial stability and peace of mind

The current economic climate has taken a toll on people's finances and mental well-being. Rising interest rates and increased cost of living left individuals struggling to make ends meet.

30 November 2023 Community

Unveiling the future of property investment: insights from The Property Show 2023

The demand for affordable homes near economic hubs is driving the growth of the sectional title development market. Young adults are looking for secure, lock-up-and-go properties, and shared spaces are becoming popular due to their sense of community and affordability.

30 November 2023 Funding and Treasury

Common financial challenges in community schemes

Suze Orman states that “owning a home is a keystone of wealth – both financial affluence and emotional security.” This security has never been more important, especially during the current financial situation we as South Africans are facing. It becomes even more evident and crucial when your home is part of a community scheme.

11 November 2023 Legal and Advisory, Smart Technology

Ensuring compliance of your scheme’s video surveillance to the POPI Act and privacy laws

Security is one of the biggest concerns of owners and tenants living in or looking to buy into a sectional title scheme. With this concern in mind, more and more schemes are looking to install video surveillance systems, not just at access points but also on the common property.

8 November 2023 Legal and Advisory

The power and effect of the levy clearance certificate: preserved by the SCA

In the complex arena of sectional title law, the recent Supreme Court of Appeal judgment in the case of Body Corporate of Marsh Rose v Steinmuller and Others has cast a spotlight on the pivotal role of the “embargo provision” as outlined in the Sectional Titles Act 95 of 1986, and why it must be protected and its power preserved.

28 October 2023 Funding and Treasury

Keep an eye on your community scheme’s financial management

We often encounter community schemes that find themselves in financial difficulty. The financial woes are often the result of not having a trustee/director who is financially trained or savvy. Boards of companies, big and small, usually have a designated person whose responsibility is to have oversight of the finance of that entity.

Legal gavel with a person with a pen in hand pointing to a document

25 October 2023 Legal and Advisory

Eskom’s mistake – not giving proper notice

In a recent legal case, the Johannesburg High Court handed down a verdict against Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd ("Eskom") in the De Koker v Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd and Another[1] case. This case sheds light on the importance of providing proper notice when disconnecting electricity in sectional title schemes and the implications of the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act ("PAJA").

Three people in a meeting with one man looking angry

25 October 2023 Community, Legal and Advisory

Conflict resolution tips for trustees in sectional title schemes

Sectional title schemes are communities of property owners who share common spaces and responsibilities. This can lead to conflicts and disputes over issues such as maintenance, noise, levies, alterations, and common property use.