NEWS

What Sectional Title Insurance usually covers and what it usually does not

Sectional Title schemes (body corporates) and owners often assume all risks are covered, but insurance for Sectional Title property is specific. Standard cover you can expect 1. Building / structural cover (the “brick-and-mortar”) Policies typically cover the sections (the walls, roof, floors and permanently fixed fixtures) and the common property for defined perils such as fire, sto

Understanding Sectional Title Insurance: who needs it and why it matters

Posted on 06/02/2026 14:45:58

Owning property within a sectional title scheme offers a unique blend of independence and shared responsibility. For many South Africans, this type of ownership is an attractive choice - it allows access to well-maintained, secure complexes while sharing the costs of upkeep with other owners. However, with this convenience comes an important obligation: ensuring the property is properly insured.

Maintenance Inspectors to do’s

Posted on 30/01/2026 15:30:34

At National Real Estate, we have 6 Maintenance Inspectors that are located in different areas across Bloemfontein. Here is a look at some of their key responsibilities: We conduct Ingoing, Outgoing and Update inspections for all units under our management. As part of this process, contractor invoices are reviewed to determine whether the value exceeds a certain amount, for example, R5000. Wher

The POPI Act and Debt Collection

Posted on 23/01/2026 11:25:27

Privacy is important, especially when your personal information is handled. This week, we explain how the POPI Act works in debt collection and how it protects you from the misuse of your data. The Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) protects people’s personal information and prevents its misuse. In debt collection, this is particularly important because debtor data is sensitiv

Why Sectional Title Annual General Meetings must be held within four months of financial year-end

Posted on 09/01/2026 15:38:21

The STSMA mandates that the AGM be held no later than four months after the financial year-end, typically by the end of June for schemes with a February year-end. Key reasons for this timeline: Review and approval of financials: Owners must have the opportunity to scrutinise and approve the audited statements. Budget planning: The AGM is where the budget for the upcoming year is presented and

Preparing your complex for the summer season

Posted on 31/10/2025 12:04:44

If you live in a residential complex, summer brings specific maintenance, safety, and community management tasks that should be addressed early. Complexes (sectional title schemes or estates) often have shared responsibilities, so preparation should be both communal and individual. Here are a few points to double check if everything is in order: Clean gutters and stormwater drain regularly - b

The Debt Collectors Act – What It Covers

Posted on 17/10/2025 10:49:59

This week, we explain the Debt Collectors Act – the rules that ensure debt collection is done professionally and fairly. This Act protects your rights and holds debt collectors accountable. The Debt Collectors Act, Act 114 of 1998, was established to ensure order, fairness, and professionalism in the debt collection industry. It protects both the creditor (the person or company owed money)

The Importance of Financial Statements in Sectional Title Management

Posted on 29/09/2025 11:22:50

In the past, when the Sectional Titles Act of 1986 rules and regulations were in force, it was only those sectional title schemes with ten units or more that had to have their schemes audited. If there were fewer than ten units, the financial statements could be signed off by an auditor or accounting officer, and the choice was left to the body corporate as to which to employ. Now that the new

What happens if Sectional Title Schemes do not follow the rules?

Posted on 19/09/2025 16:19:55

Running a sectional title scheme is not just about keeping the garden tidy or fixing the gate motor – it is about managing people’s homes and investments. That is why the law (specifically the Sectional Titles Schemes Management Act) sets out clear rules for things like auditing the financials and holding the Annual General Meeting (AGM). And when those rules are not followed? Well, th