KZN's sectional title boom: why homebuyers can't resist this property trend

South Africans are increasingly recognising the benefits of sectional title living, especially in the KwaZulu-Natal region. 

The province’s North Coast, estates such as Palm Lakes Estate, Ballito Hills, Simbithi Eco Estate, Zululami, and Elaleni are standout examples of this lifestyle, attracting buyers seeking both comfort and community where security, convenience, and estate living are top priorities.

Buyer profile

Those who are buying include young professionals seeking convenience to retirees looking for peace of mind. More buyers are opting for apartments, townhouses and estate units under this flexible and modern ownership model.

“Many buyers are pleasantly surprised to learn that levies often include building and common property insurance, offering a valuable saving compared to freestanding homes,” says Kim Peacock, broker/owner at REMAX Dolphin Realtors.

At its core, sectional title living is said to let one enjoy full ownership of their individual home, whether an apartment or townhouse, while sharing beautifully maintained communal spaces like gardens, driveways, pools, clubhouses and secure areas.

Monthly levies typically cover maintenance, security and insurance, thereby removing much of the hassle of home upkeep.

Reasons buyers love sectional title homes include:

• Low-maintenance living: Shared responsibilities mean more time to enjoy life and less worry about upkeep.
• Lifestyle extras: Many estates offer pools, clubhouses, walking trails, and other amenities that elevate everyday living.
• Lock-up-and-go convenience: Perfect for busy professionals, investors or retirees who want freedom and flexibility.
• Value protection: Well-managed estates maintain their appeal, helping preserve and grow property values.

Considerations before commitment

While levies and Body Corporate rules are important considerations, they are part of what keeps estates running smoothly and ensures a high standard of living.

“Even with these considerations, well-managed sectional title estates consistently deliver excellent value and strong capital growth,” adds Peacock.

Prospective buyers are encouraged to review financial statements, levy schedules, AGM minutes, and conduct rules to make an informed decision. 

“Buying into sectional title isn’t just about owning a unit; it’s about becoming jointly liable for the common areas that form the sectional title scheme – so you need to be sure that it is well run and that it protects your investment,” says Adrian Goslett, regional director & CEO of RE/MAX Southern Africa.

With convenience, security, lifestyle amenities, and long-term value protection, sectional title living is said to be fast becoming one of the most attractive and practical choices for South African homebuyers this year.

In June, Andrew Schaefer, MD of leading property management company Trafalgar, said as property buyers weighed their options in South Africa’s recovering real estate market, Sectional Title schemes continued to stand out for their affordability, convenience, security, shared amenities and strong investment potential.

This is reflected in the fact that sectional title properties now account for more than a third of home sales nationally-and more than 50% of sales in some areas- compared to just 10% of the market in 2010. 

In addition, Schaefer said the rising demand for ST homes has seen values in this sector of the residential market grow more than in the freehold sector in recent years and has led to an increasing focus on ST projects among developers. 

Meanwhile, reported sales are up by 19.15% at REMAX.

As of the end of August, REMAX Southern Africa reported strong nationwide growth. With reported sales up by 19.15% year-on-year, the group says it continues to expand its footprint, attract top talent, and create meaningful economic impact across the country.

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