Sectional Title - Frequently Asked Questions

As an owner, what do I own?

You own your individual section, as well as an undivided share of the common property. The concept of an undivided share of common property, is that each owner cannot identify exactly what portion of common property they own, but rather all owners own the common property jointly in accordance with their participation quotas.

What is my section?

A section is the inner shell of the building that you own. From the inner brick of the double brick wall, to the mid point in the ceiling and floor. The sections are shown on the sectional title diagrams. Your section may include an area that is not directly attached to your main dwelling area, such as a garage, storeroom or servant’s quarters.

What is common property

A Common property is all the area within the scheme that is not defined as sections, on the sectional title plans and includes items such as gardens, the driveways, walkways, perimeter walling, guard house, access gates etc.

What is a participation quota?

The participation quota (PQ) is the ratio of the size of your unit, versus that of the sum of all the units combined. It is expressed as a percentage, to four decimal points. The sum of all the PQs will total 100 percent. In order complexes, the PQ is expressed as a fraction, with all the PQs totally 1. Your PQ determines the levy that is payable, as well as the percentage of the common property that you own.

What is an exclusive use area?

Exclusive use areas (EUAs) are areas of common property that are specifically designated for the sole use by specific owners. EUAs can be notarially registered or created in terms of the Rules for the scheme. Garages, parking bays, gardens and servant’s quarters are often created as exclusive use areas.

What is a levy and how is it determined?

The levy is your contribution towards the running costs of the Body Corporate. The levy is determined through the budget, which is drafted by the Trustees and approved by the owners at the Annual General Meeting. The participation quotas determine the portion of levy that is payable by each owner.

What is a Body Corporate?

The Body Corporate is all other owners of units within the scheme. When a person purchases a unit in a Sectional Title scheme, he becomes a member of the Body Corporate on the date of registration of the unit into his name.

What are Trustees?

Trustees are elected at the Annual General Meeting and assist in the day to day running of the Body Corporate. Trustees are generally owners, but don’t have to own a unit in the scheme, provided that at least fifty percent of the Trustees are owners, or spouses of owners.

What is a Managing Agent?

The Managing Agent is a professional firm appointed by the Trustees, to assist in the day to day management and administration of the scheme. The managing agent is paid for their services, and their relationship with the Body Corporate is generally set out in a contract.
 

All our operators are highly experienced and fully trained and our services are currently being used by many of the major building and construction companies in the industry

Contact Us Now should you need any help or legal advice...