Sectional-title homes are generally a better option for first-time buyers than freehold homes in cluster developments or other gated communities.

That's the opinion of Jo Pelser, MD of leading residential developer Sable Homes, who says the major advantage of sectional title developments is the fact that the land is usually better utilised and therefore a cheaper component of the purchase price of individual units.

"This means that first-time buyers who opt for sectional title will generally get more actual living space per R1000 spent than those who choose cluster or 'estate' developments where the homes are more spread out."

In addition, he says, the construction company building a sectional title development is usually directly contracted to the developer — unlike in freehold projects where it is usual for each homebuyer to sign their own contract with the builder.

"For inexperienced buyers, this is definitely the way to go. Provided they deal with a reputable developer, they will not have to worry about the builder's performance, or payment — or about getting him back to rectify any defective work."

What is more, Pelser notes, in sectional title developments there are set management procedures, as provided in the Sectional Titles Act, so it is fairly straightforward for owners to ensure that their scheme is properly run and maintained.

"In cluster and estate developments, there is no specific legislation governing the management of shared facilities or the residents' communal responsibilities to one another, so owners often have to tolerate much wider differences of interpretation of 'good neighbourliness' that they would encounter in a sectional title development.

"In addition, because the properties in a cluster development are freehold, it is much more difficult, in reality, for one owner to do anything about another painting his house purple, or keeping car wrecks on the front lawn — even if that lawn is rather closer than it would be in an ordinary suburb."

Pelser notes that Sable Homes has both sectional title and highly successful estate developments to its credit, and that there is currently no discernable difference in demand.

"There are, however, many more new buyers coming into the market now, and we would like them to be able to make an informed choice."