SECTIONAL TITLE

While sectional title and estate living is becoming increasingly popular, the decision to go communal or remain independent in a freehold home is based on nuanced interpretations of the pros and cons of each. Improved security is probably the most obvious reason for moving into a sectional title complex, but there are a host of other factors to be considered.

Firstly, the move often involves a smaller living area and garden space. It also means living in closer proximity to neighbours and managing these interpersonal dynamics. Some may find the social nature of complexes exhausting while others will thrive in the sense of community, knowing their neighbours and interacting with real humans as opposed to being cocooned behind high walls.

Secondly, going sectional can limit freedom such as GARETH BAILEY CONSIDERS THE PROS AND CONS OF LIVING IN A SECTIONAL TITLE SCHEME

choice of pets, how much noise you make, and how long your party lasts. It also affects your renovation and home maintenance budget decisions, as you will need to get body corporate approval before making any changes and all maintenance decisions are made communally. The converse of this is that residents can benefit from the diverse skills of fellow residents in managing the scheme, and the physical chores of property maintenance are shared

between residents.

Lastly, the running costs of sectional schemes can appear more expensive at first glance. This is because the trustees have a duty to maintain both an administration fund as well as a reserve fund to cater for the operational and maintenance requirements of the scheme. The requirement for the reserve fund came into operation in 2016 and requires trustees to save an additional 15% of the coming year’s administration

fund contributions in the event that its reserves are less than 25% of the past year’s administration fund contributions. If reserves are over 15% but less than 100%, then the trustees need to make reserve fund provisions for the coming year’s anticipated repairs and maintenance budget.

This additional provision over and above the ordinary levy may seem expensive upfront, but it is essentially providing a buffer from unplanned future

ABOVE: Gareth Bailey, Pam Golding Properties.

Sectional can limit freedom such as choice of pets, how much noise you make, and how long your party lasts

events and relieves residents from inconvenient adhoc special levies. If it is well run, the scheme should benefit from economies of scale and be more cost effective than freehold properties in the medium-term.

Importantly, having a structured approach to operations, maintenance and saving should mean that the aesthetics of all the sections and common areas are upheld, which will in turn positively impact the capital value of properties over time. While some may prioritise independence over all other factors, others will enjoy the benefits of sectional title living. With input from an experienced and reputable managing agent, body corporates can avoid the most common pitfalls, draw on their independent opinion in resolving disputes, and pave the way for joyful, community living.

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Umhlanga / R15 million Ref# 1ND1463536 Ellmarie Spencer 083 256 4381 Beds 5 / Baths 5 / Garages 3 / Designer home in prime position. Beautifully presented, spacious entertainment areas leading onto private pool. Flatlet with separate entrance. Perfect for the discerning buyer.

Umdloti / R3.995 million Ref# 1ND1425175 Beds 3 / Baths 2 / Parkings 2 / Modern and immaculate pet friendly apartment. Enjoy stunning views of the beautiful Umdloti beach. This spacious 161m² unit is totally renovated and very tastefully finished.

Nico Swart 082 446 0008

Durban North / R10.9 million Ref# 1ND1473262 Beds 5 / Baths 5 / Garages 2 / Magnificent 3200m² of land, stunningly renovated large family home in prime upper Durban North, designed for the entertainer. The impressive drive through access sets the stage.

Phillip Reynolds 082 780 9813

Izinga / R12.999 million Ref# 1ND1467726 Bev Sparks 082 781 7577 Beds 4 / Baths 4 / Garages 2 / Stunning home with water features at the entrance, set on prestigious Izinga Park 2, offering easy living throughout. Undercover patio leading out into indigenous garden with rim flow pool.

Easter was always an exciting time as a youngster. Mom, dad, brothers, uncles, aunts and cousins trooped off to our beach cottages down the south coast for the weekend, and as I was quite a bit younger than everyone, the famed Easter Sunday egg hunt was designed just for me.

Spoilt brat, people may say, but it was anything but. The Easter Rabbit – as I called him ’cause it just wasn’t cool for a boy to use the word “bunny” – never disappointed. He always arrived while I was still in dreamland, hopping around the vast garden, finding those challenging spots among the trees, plants and rockeries to hide those precious treats.

“Go and see if the Easter Rabbit has been,” were the words from heaven as I tumbled out of bed with purpose and determination. Somewhere in my haste a packet was thrust into my hands, always a good sign as it meant there would be more treats than I could actually carry.

Then it started. The ultimate challenge and the whole garden was in play. As the sun peeked through the tree branches I was like a faithful bloodhound, nose to the ground, eyes darting here and there searching for something bright, a reflection off something that would lead me to the hidden treasure.

In the background I had an audience. Somehow, they seemed to know where everything was hidden. Whispers, comments, advice was offered as I collected my stash, stumbling into wellmanicured gardens, banging knees and elbows against steps and rocks and feeling no pain as the gain was too great.

Alice may have visited Wonderland, but this was far better. There were no distractions, no opposition, it was just me. As my stash grew, my mind conjured up images of the ultimate chocolate feast as I pictured myself surrounded by a

The HUNT is on

THIS YEAR EASTER WAS VERY DIFFERENT FOR US, BUT DAVID KNOWLES HAS FOND MEMORIES WOR TH SHARING

mountain of chocolate enjoying life in the ultimate heaven.

And then, in a flash, it was all over, although I always wondered about the one or two prizes that might have been overlooked by me. There was always that niggling little voice that teased me, making me think that perhaps I had missed something and that somewhere, deep in the shadows of the garden, there still lay unfound Easter treats that had escaped my clutches and were left to the elements.

For a brief moment, this was the ultimate world, surrounded by chocolate and sugar. But, danger lurked in the background. Having done all the hard work, reality kicked in when mom swooped in to take charge of all my stock. It was heartbreaking. All that effort, the scars, the dirt, the scratches, the wounds of battle, all to see the fruits of conquest whisked away. It just didn’t add up. I had done my bit and now it was all gone.

In her wisdom, of course, mom knew best. Through my eyes, my treats were being taken away, but she was ensuring they were kept in the fridge and that I would have many hours of enjoyment and pleasure from them over the next few weeks – and, more importantly, that no one else dared lay hands on them.

Those hard white eggs with chocolate on the inside have become a favourite of mine, but when I first came across them, I messed up badly. Mom had added one to my school lunchbox as a treat, and on fetching me from school, she couldn’t resist asking how I had enjoyed my surprise. I looked at her with a heavy, sad face before saying, “That boiled egg you gave me was way too hard to eat. I couldn’t even crack it, so had to throw it away.”

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CAPE TOWN MIDRAND SANDTON FOURWAYS UMHLANGA DURBAN HILLCREST PARK RYNIE GHANA TANZANIA

LUXURY RETIREMENT WITH ACTIVE CARE FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND ON THE NORTH COAST

FROM R1,6 MILLION STUDIO, 1 & 2-BEDROOM APARTMENTS

Brettenwood Life is situated within the prestigious Brettenwood Coastal Estate, located in KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast, Sheffi eld Beach. Specially designed for luxury retirement living, Brettenwood Life presents pet-friendly studio, 1 and 2-bedroom apartments from R1,6 million.

These modern, premium units boast open-plan, single-level living with direct access to home-based care, assisted living and comprehensive healthcare solutions.

The depictions herein are for illustration purposes only and are subject to change without prior notice.

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