Dear the Honourable Mrs Sisulu

Unaffordable house impossible to sell due to high levy based on unequal PQ

I write this as a last resort. I have exhausted all legal avenues and the CSOS Ombud etc. I have a unique problem. When my dad became extremely ill, we decided to sell our respective houses at the time and consolidate into our current home in a sectional title scheme so I could help my mother during my dad's illness. The house represents all our retirement funds and savings. We were entirely unaware that the ST scheme was incorrectly measured and that the original plans were still lodged at the Deed's Office. Although high, we could afford the levy as it was when we bought the house.

Six years' later and the new body corporate wants to set things straight and get the property surveyed and the correct measurements lodged with the Deed's Office which is obviously the right thing to do.

However, our house represents 38% of the scheme. It will mean that my mother and I will now have to pay a levy of R16k a month based on the new PQ. We can't afford this. So we are trying to sell the house at a fraction of what we bought it for, and while potential buyers are keen on the house, nobody wants to pay a levy this high. We are now stuck in a house we can't afford and we can't sell it or even give it away? This sectional title scheme does not offer much in amenities, is very old and shabby. We have even considered tearing our unit down.

Is there any possibility that this can be looked into? It is an unusual case and there is no provision for our problem in Act. I would appreciate any advice, guidance that you and your department may be able to provide.

Kind regards

Nicole Broome