07/09/2026
Let’s talk levies. Why aren’t you paying yours? 👀
One of the biggest problems facing community schemes in South Africa is unpaid levies. And there are two sides to the problem: owners who don’t pay, and bodies corporate that wait far too long to do something about it.
When levies aren’t collected, everyone suffers. Maintenance gets delayed. Buildings deteriorate. Financial pressure lands on the owners who are paying. And ultimately, property values can take a knock.
When it comes to unpaid levies, we generally see two camps: “I can’t pay” and “I won’t pay.” They’re different problems and need to be handled differently, but neither should simply be ignored.
Levies aren’t optional. Think of them like rates and taxes. They’re part of the cost of owning property.
In fact, one of the great benefits of sectional title living is that many of the costs of maintaining and running a property are shared. You benefit from economies of scale rather than carrying every expense yourself, as you would with a freehold home.
And if you think unpaid levies simply disappear when you eventually sell… they don’t. Those arrears will have to be dealt with before transfer, and ultimately that money comes out of your pocket.
Bodies corporate also need to act sooner. Allowing arrears to drag on for months or years doesn’t help anyone. Early intervention, proper processes and, when necessary, getting attorneys involved quickly helps establish a culture where everyone understands the same thing:
We all pay our share. That’s how community schemes work.
