Smart Technology Archives | Page 3 of 3 | Sectional Title Solutions

20 June 2024 Funding and Treasury

Financing options for community schemes

In Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Caroll, Alice asks the Cheshire Cat, “Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?”. The smiling Cheshire Cat responds, “That depends a good deal on where you want to get to.”

29 May 2024 Community

Celebrating Environment Month: The role of sectional title schemes in promoting environmental health

June marks National Environment Month in South Africa, a time to reflect on the importance of biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

29 May 2024 Community

Small changes, big impact: how community schemes can contribute to a better world

In the interconnected communities of sectional title schemes, each member's actions can create ripples, leading to significant environmental and social benefits.

28 May 2024 Funding and Treasury, Legal and Advisory

Arrear levy collection reports: A checklist on what to include in the initial "hand over" instruction to attorneys

In continuation of our efforts to empower community scheme managers with essential knowledge for effective arrear levy collections, this blog post serves as a follow-up to our previous discussion on common legal terms used in collection reports. Building upon the foundation laid in that post, we delve deeper into the practical aspects of instructing attorneys for arrear levy matters.

28 May 2024 Funding and Treasury

Costs to look out for when buying into a Sectional Title Scheme

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but it's essential to approach it with eyes wide open, especially when considering a sectional title scheme in South Africa. While the allure of shared amenities and communal living may be appealing, there are hidden costs that first-time buyers often overlook, leading to financial strain and potential loss of investment.

25 May 2024 Community

Celebrating Africa Day: Embracing Ubuntu with Sectional Title Solutions

On May 25th, Africa Day is celebrated across the continent, commemorating the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (now the African Union) in 1963. It is a day that brings into focus the diverse and dynamic nature of our continent, reflecting on our shared history while looking forward to a future of prosperity and unity.

11 May 2024 Smart Technology

Visitor Management Systems and why your community scheme needs one

Visitor management is critical to community schemes’ (sectional title complexes, apartment blocks, residential estates and retirement villages) security and operations.

23 April 2024 Funding and Treasury, Legal and Advisory

Common legal terms used in collection reports

A community scheme will usually instruct a firm of attorneys or a collection agent to handle its arrear levy collection matters. It is important that Managing Agents and Trustees understand the process involved so that they can make decisions and give further instructions as the matters proceed (as well as be able to answer questions at the next AGM).

20 April 2024 Legal and Advisory

Understanding bodies corporate and contractual capacity: a layperson’s guide

Bodies corporate are separate legal entities which are automatically created, in terms of section 2(1) of the Sectional Titles Schemes Management Act[1] (“STSMA”), once any person other than the property developer becomes an owner of a unit within the Sectional Title Scheme (“scheme”).

18 April 2024 Solar and Efficient

Boosting the benefits of your solar PV with a Battery Backup solution

As South Africans brace for the winter months, energy security becomes a paramount concern for homeowners and businesses alike. With the looming challenge of load shedding and the escalating cost of electricity, investing in a battery backup system offers not just an added layer of protection, but a multitude of advantages.

28 March 2024 Funding and Treasury

Securing your investment: A guide to 10-Year maintenance plans for sectional title schemes

Owning property in South Africa is not just about acquiring a piece of land or a building—it's about safeguarding and nurturing that investment for the long haul. This holds especially true for sectional title schemes where communal living adds layers of complexity to property maintenance.

27 March 2024 Funding and Treasury, Legal and Advisory

When it’s urgent, who do you call and how? The trustees' resolution to call a Special General Meeting on an urgent basis

When determining the required notice period for a general meeting, the starting point should be to determine what business the body corporate seeks to conclude in the general meeting.

25 March 2024 Funding and Treasury, Legal and Advisory

Who foots the bill?

Some of the main reasons people invest in property in community schemes are the convenience and cost-effectiveness of shared responsibility and costs. However, who pays for what maintenance and repairs also result in some of the most heated debates regarding sectional title schemes (“schemes”).

15 March 2024 Solar and Efficient

5 things to consider when installing a roof-mounted solar system in your community scheme

Persistent load-shedding and tariff hikes resulted in many body corporates enquiring about installing Solar Solutions in their community schemes. Installing solar power will not only help reduce your utility bill, but also increase the value of your home and contribute to the green economy by reducing your carbon footprint.

23 February 2024 Funding and Treasury

Bridging the power gap: navigating municipal challenges and securing finance with STS

In a decisive move, the City of Tshwane launched a revenue-collection campaign, disconnecting electricity to non-paying customers in early February 2022. They've upheld their commitment to a "no fear, no favour" approach, targeting approximately 533 government accounts and 528 business accounts.

23 February 2024 Funding and Treasury

How to calculate your contributions to the reserve fund

In the past, many bodies corporate neglected to plan for unforeseen maintenance costs, leaving unit owners to foot the bill through special levies. However, since October 2016, bodies corporate are mandated to maintain a reserve fund, ensuring funds are available for common property upkeep.

23 February 2024 Community, Funding and Treasury

Gated communities: what impact do they have on property values?

Gated communities have emerged as a favoured choice in real estate, offering homeowners security, privacy, exclusivity, and a plethora of amenities. With this luxurious lifestyle option comes the question of how these developments impact property values.

16 February 2024 Funding and Treasury

Empowering communities: How STS Funding transforms property in South Africa

In today’s challenging economic climate in South Africa, homeowners and community schemes face a myriad of financial pressures. Rising interest rates, increased living costs, and ongoing issues like load-shedding and crime compound these challenges.

A smiling family in front of a green lawn

22 January 2024 Community, Outdoor, Solar and Efficient

Sustainability measures to save costs and increase property value

Henry David Thoreau once asked, "What is the use of a house if you haven’t got a tolerable planet to put it on?" As the world faces pressing environmental issues, it is crucial to take part in protecting the planet, and the property sector is no exception.

22 January 2024 Legal and Advisory

Furry friends or foes? Deciphering pet regulations in community schemes

The multiple facets of pet ownership require careful consideration before an owner introduces their pet into a residence within various sectional title schemes, as this issue has frequently sparked disputes among owners (members), tenants, and bodies corporate.

A group of smiling people discussing documents

6 January 2024 Funding and Treasury

Budgeting tips to navigate a financial crisis - part II

An accurate and comprehensive annual budget is the secret to effectively managing your community scheme’s finances. Tough financial times may impact a community scheme’s income stream, making it crucial to manage expenses carefully.

2 January 2024 Funding and Treasury

Budgeting tips to navigate a financial crisis

Following a series of interest, fuel and food price hikes, homeowners are battling to meet their financial commitments, including levy payments. We suggest bodies corporate take a proactive approach in mitigating the impact of potential non-payment of levies on community scheme finances.

Four happy people behind a laptop looking relieved

1 December 2023 Funding and Treasury

Arrear Levy Funding: paving the way for financial stability and peace of mind

The current economic climate has taken a toll on people's finances and mental well-being. Rising interest rates and increased cost of living left individuals struggling to make ends meet.

Smart Technology