Property ownership in South Africa comes in several forms, and while owning a home remains an important milestone for many people, it is equally essential to understand the type of ownership attached to the property you are buying or the one you already own. The three most common forms of ownership in the country are Full Title, Sectional Title, and Long-Term Lease. This article focuses on Sectional Title Schemes, unpacking how they work, the responsibilities they involve, and how they apply specifically within Serengeti Estates.
A Sectional Title Scheme refers to the separate ownership of individual units within a building or complex, together with shared access to common areas such as gardens, parking bays, hallways, staircases, pools, and other communal facilities. Typical examples include apartments, townhouses, simplexes, and duplexes. At Serengeti Estates, our Sectional Title developments include The Whistling Thorns, The Lakes, The Signature Residence, The Signature Villages, and our latest development, On Six.
The governance of Sectional Title Schemes is shaped by a well-developed legal framework. The Sectional Titles Act 95 of 1986 laid the foundation, while the Sectional Titles Schemes Management Act 8 of 2011 (STSMA) separated the management and administrative functions of schemes into a clearer structure. The Community Schemes Ombud Service Act 9 of 2011 (CSOS Act) supports this framework by offering dispute resolution, regulatory oversight, and mechanisms for adjudicating issues within community schemes.
In simple terms, owning a Sectional Title property means you do not own the land on which your unit sits. You own the interior of your unit, while exterior elements such as balconies, patios, enclosed gardens, and parking bays are typically assigned to you as Exclusive Use Areas. Although these areas are reserved for your personal use, they remain the responsibility of the Body Corporate to maintain, just as the interior of the unit itself remains the responsibility of the owner. This distinction is often where confusion arises, and it is important for homeowners to know which areas they are responsible for and which fall under the Body Corporate’s care.
The Body Corporate itself consists of all registered owners within the scheme and automatically comes into existence when the first unit is registered. From this group, Trustees are elected to manage the daily affairs of the scheme, including financial oversight, general maintenance, and enforcement of rules. Trustees may also appoint a Managing Agent an external professional company responsible for administrative, financial, and operational assistance. CSOS plays an additional role by providing an avenue for owners and trustees to resolve disputes that cannot be settled internally.
It is vital for owners to participate actively in the management of their schemes. Attending AGMs, understanding how levies are used, knowing who the Trustees and Managing Agents are, and maintaining awareness of decisions affecting the scheme are essential responsibilities. This participation not only protects each owner’s investment but also strengthens the overall governance of the scheme.
Sectional Title living appeals to many people because it offers convenience, security, and a low-maintenance lifestyle especially suited to those with demanding schedules or those who prefer lock-up-and-go living. However, it also comes with limitations. Structural changes or alterations cannot be made without formal approval from the Body Corporate, and developments must maintain the architectural integrity and uniform design submitted to the local municipality. Sizes, layouts, and structural aspects must remain consistent with the approved plans.
At Serengeti Estates, Sectional Title Schemes operate within the boundaries of the estate and are therefore subject to the oversight of the Serengeti Estates Property Owners Association (SEPOA). This means that owners pay two levies: one to the Body Corporate for scheme-specific management, and another to SEPOA for estate-wide services, infrastructure, and security. In effect, all Sectional Title developments remain part of the broader Serengeti governance ecosystem.
