'Poly' property and obligations

‘Poly’ property (from Greek πολυ [poly, meaning many or several] — in this case ownership) or common property.

One of the perceived advantages of sectional title living is that you need not worry about anything other than your section. Wrong!! In addition to your section you also own an undivided share of the common property. Paddocks - Sectional Title Survival Manual describes it succincly "The 'common property' includes all the land and those parts of the building that are not sections, i.e. all parts of the scheme that cannot be exclusively owned by any one person individually".

For example:

• The perimeter wall/fence, maintaining it as a good security barrier, perhaps with electric fence and armed response.
• The gates in good working order, proper and reliable access control, the functioning of a motor to open and close the gate, the remote controls, closing and locking mechanisms.
• The aesthetic appearance of the exterior of the building and the maintenance to preserve the value and avoid damage.
• The functioning of the lift and statutory maintenance compliance.
• Fire extinguishing facilities and routime maintenance.
• Cleaning of the building, rubbish removal and maintaining the gardens.
• The water reticulation and electricity distribution throughout the scheme.
• The range of services with regard to all the aforementioned and other.
• The waterproofing of the roof, regardless if your unit is lower down.

The responsibilities of all the above and several other are shared among the owners collectively, managed by the trustees and financed through payment of levies.

Revised 17 May 2010

Comments

[Ferdi Nel]

Also when buying into a sectional title development, you have to make sure exactly what is common property. Because the description can vary, in some sectional titles as an example, the garden outside your own door is seen as common property, and in others it is seen as exclusive use areas.

Always double check with the trustees, or managing agents.