Acacia Body Corporate, Greenstone: Levy Arrears Reduced by R1 700 000 in 12 Months
When Solver Property Services became the managing agent for Acacia Body Corporate on 1 March 2024, owners at this well-known Balwin development in Greenstone owed R2 800 000 in levy arrears. Working closely with the trustees, we introduced a firm, zero-tolerance approach to collections. Twelve months later, the arrears stood at R1 100 000: a reduction of R1 700 000, or 61%, in our first year.
Scheme
Acacia Body Corporate (sectional title scheme)
Location
Greenstone, Gauteng
Units
494
Managing agent
Solver Property Services
Relationship
1 March 2024
Key improvements
Acacia Body Corporate had a levies arrears of R2 800 000 when Solver Property Services was contracted to assist with the property management services. This was reduced by 61% a year later to R1 700 000.
The challenge: arrears that had spiralled out of control
When we took over, the arrears at Acacia had spiralled out of control. Owners in arrears owed the body corporate R2 800 000 between them.
Arrears on this scale put real pressure on a scheme. Money that should fund security, maintenance and reserves is simply not there, and the owners who pay on time end up carrying the cost. The trustees were rightly concerned, and they needed a managing agent who would act decisively.
Our approach: a firm, zero-tolerance collection process
We listened to the trustees’ concerns and worked with them to put strict, zero-tolerance credit control policies and procedures in place. We then applied them consistently, to every account.
Regular, persistent contact. Owners in arrears were contacted up to eight times a month by email, SMS and telephone, so that no account was left to slide.
Going door to door. Our team visited owners at their homes after hours to talk to them one on one and set up realistic payment plans wherever possible.
Escalating early. Where accounts remained unpaid, we escalated them to the Community Schemes Ombud Service (CSOS) or legal action from day 46, moving each matter through the process as quickly as possible.
Court-ordered electricity disconnections. Where owners still did not pay, we applied to court for orders to disconnect the electricity supply to their units. The orders were granted and carried out.
Protecting the owners who pay
This approach did not make Solver popular with every owner in arrears. But a body corporate’s financial health comes first, and our responsibility is to protect the interests and investments of all the owners in the scheme, especially those who pay their levies on time.
The results: R1 700 000 recovered in the first year
By 28 February 2025, the end of our first year, the arrears book had fallen from R2 800 000 to R1 100 000. That is R1 700 000 back in the body corporate’s hands, a 61% reduction in just 12 months.
For the trustees and the paying owners of Acacia, this means a healthier, more stable scheme. Results like these are what we are most proud of, and Acacia is one of many such stories across the schemes we manage.
About Solver Property Services
Solver Property Services is a South African managing agent with over 20 years’ experience, managing close to 250 community schemes (sectional title body corporates and homeowners associations). We provide financial management, levy collection, budgeting and hands-on trustee support, and we continue to grow. Our partnership with Monte Vista reflects what drives us: striving to be the best managing agent in South Africa.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the managing agent for Acacia Body Corporate in Greenstone?
Solver Property Services has been the managing agent for Acacia Body Corporate, a Balwin development in Greenstone, since 1 March 2024.
How much did Solver reduce the levy arrears at Acacia Body Corporate?
In its first year as managing agent (1 March 2024 to 28 February 2025), Solver reduced the arrears at Acacia Body Corporate from R2 800 000 to R1 100 000. That is a reduction of R1 700 000, or 61%.
How can a body corporate reduce levy arrears?
A body corporate can reduce levy arrears by adopting a clear credit control policy and applying it consistently. At Acacia this meant regular contact with owners in arrears by email, SMS and phone, payment plans, escalation to the CSOS or legal action from day 46, and court orders to disconnect electricity where necessary.
What can trustees do when owners do not pay their levies?
Trustees can work with their managing agent to contact owners early, offer payment plans and, when payment still does not follow, escalate the matter through the Community Schemes Ombud Service (CSOS) or the courts. A managing agent with a structured collection process helps trustees act quickly and consistently.
How many community schemes does Solver Property Services manage?
Solver manages close to 250 community schemes in South Africa and has over 20 years' experience as a managing agent.
Struggling with levy arrears in your scheme?
If your body corporate or HOA needs a managing agent that will take arrears seriously and protect the owners who pay, we would love to hear from you. Contact Solver Property Services at www.solver.co.za.