First-home buyers drawn to convenience of sectional title
Sectional title properties are a popular option for buyers wanting to get into the property market, says Carl Coetzee, CEO of BetterBond. “These properties are often more affordable, and offer lock-up-and-go convenience. Investors also see great value in sectional title units, as they can generate rental income.”
A sectional title property is separately owned but within a complex or development, while a full title property is one in which the owner buys full ownership of the house and the land on which it is built.
“One of the more affordable ways of acquiring a sectional title property is to buy off-plan in a residential development. Not only is it more affordable, as there are no transfer costs, but you will move into a brand-new property that has never been occupied,” says Coetzee.
Advantages of buying a sectional title property:
• It is easier to finance: Developments have to be approved by the major banks before construction starts. This means that when you apply for a bond, the process is often quicker and easier. “BetterBond puts you in an even stronger position because we ne-gotiate with the banks on your behalf to get a better deal,” says Coetzee.
• Body Corporate: As the owner of a sectional title unit, you automatically become a member of the body corporate, the legal entity that manages common areas of the property. You pay a monthly levy for a range of services, including conduct rules for res-idents, building insurance, perimeter security, cleaning, landscaping and maintenance of common areas like gardens. Owners’ levies also cover water and electricity for com-mon areas. “It would also be advisable to ask to see the financials of the body corpo-rate prior to putting in your offer. This will give an assurance that the financials are sound,” says Coetzee.
• Security: Sectional title properties generally offer excellent entrance and perimeter se-curity. In a freestanding house you are responsible for installing and maintaining these systems but, in a sectional title property, the body corporate takes care of it and it’s funded from your monthly levy.
• Running costs: You only pay for municipal rates and taxes, home contents insurance, up-keep of your garden if your unit has such an area, and your own monthly water and electricity consumption.
• Rentals and resales: Sectional title property is popular with renters, which makes it a good option for investors. This also links to resale value, which often improves over time, says Coetzee.
• Connectivity: Sectional title property is usually fibre-enabled, so your only expense would be connecting to the infrastructure that already exists, and monthly usage. “Working from home is becoming more prevalent, so this is a big plus,” says Coetzee.
• Mixed use: The so-called ‘live, work, play’ lifestyle is a feature of many sectional title properties where residential apartments are found near to shops and workspaces, all within easy – and safe – walking distance. “This is a very appealing lifestyle to the envi-ronmentally conscious who want to cut down on commuting and desire the flexibility of working from anywhere,” says Coetzee.
Disadvantages of sectional title property:
• Communal living: Sectional title property means living close to others and this could come with a few everyday irritations, such as noise. “However, these issues can often be resolved by being considerate and treating people with respect,” says Coetzee.
• Special levies: There might occasionally be a special levy. For example, if the exterior of the building needs painting. However, owners will always be informed of this well in advance, so you will be able to budget for it in good time, and ultimately it would in-crease the value of your investment.
While popular with first-home buyers, sectional title units appeal to a range of buyers, concludes Coetzee. “Those looking to downscale, possibly as a result of a shift in life stage requiring a move from a larger family home to a lock-up-and-go alternative, find great value in sectional title property.”
Anne-Marie Bamber is Norgarb Properties dedicated Home Loans Consultant. She has over 15 years’ experience in assisting clients with their Home Loan needs and has placed many happy families in their dream homes.Contact her today for no cost stress-free home-buying.
Anne-Marie Bamber
Home Loans consultant
Tel: +27 (0)21 851 3568 | Fax: +27 (0)21 441 1494 | Cell: +27 (0)82 071 1665
E-mail: anne-marie.bamber@betterlife.co.za
