Sectional Title vs Freehold Property

Understanding the key differences between sectional title and freehold ownership.

Two main forms of property ownership exist in South Africa: freehold and sectional title.

Freehold

You own the land and everything on it. Registered as an erf.

Sectional Title

You own a unit within a larger scheme plus a share of common property.

Key Differences

  • Body Corporate — sectional titles have one, freehold does not
  • Levies — monthly levies for sectional title
  • Alterations — need body corporate approval
  • Insurance — body corporate insures the building

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