Making Sense of Sectional Title Living. Who Fixes What?

One of the biggest reasons people choose sectional title living is that it offers balance. You share the costs, enjoy the security of communal living, and benefit from neatly maintained common spaces. No wonder it’s such a popular choice!

But it also comes with shared responsibility.

That’s where things can get confusing. Who fixes a leaking roof? Who’s responsible for the garden? What about the front door?

This simple rule of thumb may help: everything inside your unit is yours to maintain, while everything outside generally falls under the body corporate. But “generally” is the key word here. Exclusive-use gardens, balconies, and window frames often sit in a grey area, and that’s where disputes can arise if owners aren’t clear on the rules.

The golden rule? Always check your scheme’s management documents and sectional plan before assuming where the boundary lies. Every development is slightly different, and trustees have the power to set specific rules about who is responsible for what. In well-run complexes, trustees and managing agents ensure that these rules are followed fairly and consistently in order to protect both the property and the people who live there.

Good governance makes all the difference. Levies might not be winning any popularity contests, but they’re essential for long-term maintenance. They fund the painting, the roof repairs, the security systems. In other words, everything that safeguards your home’s value. Think of levies as insurance for your investment: a collective commitment to preserving your shared asset.

For buyers, understanding this upfront is vital. Before signing, always ask for the financial statements, meeting minutes, and body corporate rules. They’ll tell you more about the health of the complex than any marketing brochure can. A well-maintained complex with clear communication between trustees and residents usually signals that your investment will hold its value over time.

For Property Practitioners, it’s equally important to guide clients with transparency. Helping buyers understand the benefits and obligations of sectional title ownership builds trust, reduces uncertainty, and shows that you’re focused on long-term value rather than just the sale.

Sectional title living is ultimately about community, it works best when everyone understands their role. 

When owners participate, trustees act responsibly, and rules are applied consistently, it can deliver both harmony and strong property appreciation.

Done right, it’s one of the most sustainable and affordable ways to own property in South Africa today.