The appointment of managing agents even prior to completion and registration of new residential developments - whether these are governed by bodies corporate or homeowners' associations - is of benefit to both the developer and the new homeowners, says Mike Morey, MD of Pam Golding Sectional Title Administrators (PGSTA).

"On a practical, operational level, managing agents have an important role to play and can add value to a project by taking responsibility for key issues which will make the owners' transition to life in their new homes a hassle-free and seamless process. For instance, by interviewing, hiring and putting in place security and cleaning and other staff in advance, by the time the first residents have moved in, things are operating smoothly," he says. "Or it could be instead of having perhaps eight residents moving in on the same day, that we facilitate the process staggered over a few days."

"What may seem a simple matter can easily be overlooked, for example, in a development with both a residential and commercial component, having two separate entrances can make a huge difference from both a convenience and security aspect, and this has to be put in place before the project is completed. Maybe it's the exact placing of the access controls, or the provision of a staff recreation room. It's far better to consider all these options in advance than try to remedy matters after the entire project is completed and residents have moved in," adds Morey.

Already managing a broad portfolio of properties which just in the Cape Town area alone represent a total capital value of over R3 billion, in recent months PGSTA have been awarded management contracts for a number of prestigious buildings and developments, both residential and commercial. The new contracts comprise a total of 248 residential units plus a four-storey commercial building.  These are Fairland House, a commercial property with a ground floor retail component, situated in Observatory, and Nikki Centre - an industrial property in Killarney Gardens; and in terms of residential properties: Savoy Gardens in Mowbray - a redevelopment from a rental building into a body corporate; Century Place near Century City; Chester House in Rondebosch; White Waters in Blouberg; the new upmarket 'one six one' in Main Road, Rondebosch; Bayview, a new development in Wynberg.  At 'one six one' and Bayview, Pam Golding Properties were the marketing agents.

Adds Morey:  "Owners of such prestigious, high-value properties need to know that their capital investment is well maintained at all times, and that their managing agents have the infrastructure, ie the resources, skills and systems in place to provide a top quality service. As a result, we run a 24-hour service with a maintenance support team on call any time of the day or night."

For further information contact Mike Morey on 021 4264440 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..