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If you've ever experienced water damage, a storm, or an accident in your apartment building, you've probably wondered: "Is this covered by strata insurance or my own insurance?" It's one of the most common questions strata managers receive, yet it's also one of the most misunderstood aspects of strata ownership. Understanding who insures what can save owners thousands of dollars and avoid unnecessary disputes when something goes wrong. What is strata insurance? In NSW, an Own

Many apartment owners across NSW are opening their levy notices and asking the same question: Why are strata costs increasing so much? One of the biggest drivers right now is insurance. Over the past few years, strata insurance premiums have risen significantly across many apartment buildings, placing increasing financial pressure on owners corporations and contributing to higher levies. While rising premiums are frustrating for owners, there are several industry-wide factors

When people think about strata management, they often only notice it when something goes wrong. A leaking roof. A broken lift. An unresolved complaint. A large special levy. But the reality is that the best-run strata buildings are usually the quietest ones because there is a significant amount of work happening behind the scenes before problems escalate. For many owners and residents, a well-maintained and smoothly operating building can feel effortless. What is often unseen

Many strata owners only think about capital works funds when a special levy arrives. Unfortunately, by that point, the problem is usually already expensive. With new NSW strata reforms that commenced from 1 April 2026, capital works planning is becoming a much bigger focus across the industry. The changes are designed to improve transparency, encourage long-term planning and reduce the financial shock many owners experience when major repairs arise. So what exactly is changin

Have you ever walked into a strata building and immediately noticed that it simply feels well run? The common areas are clean, communication is clear, maintenance issues are addressed quickly and residents appear more satisfied overall. On the other hand, some buildings can feel disorganised, neglected and constantly reactive. The difference is rarely luck. At Centric Strata, we’ve seen firsthand that well-run buildings typically share several important traits that contribute

For many apartment owners, receiving the annual strata budget or levy notice can come with one big question — why do strata levies seem to increase every year? It’s a common concern among owners across NSW, particularly as the cost of living continues to rise. While levy increases can feel frustrating, they are often a reflection of the real costs involved in maintaining, protecting and future-proofing a strata building. Understanding why levies increase can help owners make

Strata living is often described as “collective decision-making” — but in reality, many owners aren’t quite sure who actually makes the decisions or how those decisions get made. Understanding this isn’t just helpful — it’s powerful. Because once you know how strata decisions really work, you can influence outcomes, protect your investment, and avoid frustration. The three key decision-makers in Strata 1. The Owners Corporation (All Owners) At the highest level, every owner i

If you’re buying an apartment, one of the most important documents you’ll review is the strata report. It’s not just paperwork — it’s a window into how the building is run, how money is managed, and what risks may be sitting beneath the surface. In many cases, the strata report is the deciding factor in whether a buyer proceeds… or walks away. So what exactly are buyers looking for — and what raises red flags? What buyers want to see 1. A strong financial position Buyers want

Many owners assume strata costs are fixed — just part of owning in a strata scheme. But in reality, there can be significant inefficiencies hiding in plain sight. We often see buildings paying more than they should — not because anyone has done anything wrong, but because costs haven’t been actively reviewed, challenged, or optimised over time. The good news? Most of these issues are fixable. Signs you may be overpaying 1. No competitive tendering If your cleaning, gardening,

Discovering a building defect in your apartment or common property can be concerning for owners and residents. Whether it’s a water leak, cracking walls, faulty waterproofing or issues with balconies or windows, defects can impact both the safety of the building and the value of the property. Understanding how to identify, report and manage building defects is important for owners corporations, particularly in newer buildings where builder warranties may still apply. Here is

In many strata buildings across NSW, lifts are one of the most important shared assets. They support daily movement throughout the building, provide essential access for residents with mobility needs, and are relied on by everyone from residents to delivery drivers and emergency services. Because lifts are such a critical part of a building’s infrastructure, they require regular servicing, strict safety compliance and clear reporting processes to ensure they remain safe and o

For many strata owners, financial reports can feel overwhelming — filled with unfamiliar terms, columns of numbers, and accounting language that’s hard to interpret. But understanding your scheme’s financial position is one of the most important ways to protect your investment. The good news is you don’t need an accounting background to grasp the basics. This guide breaks down the key components of strata financial statements and what you should be looking for. Why strata fin

Serving on a strata committee is an important role. Committee members help make decisions that impact finances, safety, compliance, and the overall wellbeing of residents and owners. But with this responsibility comes a legal duty of care — a concept that many committee members have heard of, but not everyone fully understands. In this article, we break down what duty of care means in a strata context, what committee members are legally responsible for, and how you can prote

If you live in a newer strata building in NSW, chances are you’ve heard the word “defects” mentioned at some point. Cracking walls, waterproofing failures, leaking balconies, faulty fire systems — building defects can be stressful, costly and complex. Understanding your rights — particularly around statutory warranty claims — is critical for protecting your building and your investment. Here’s what every strata owner and committee member should know. What is a building defe

Significant changes to strata maintenance and governance requirements are on the horizon in New South Wales, with reforms aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and long-term planning across strata schemes. These updates will affect developers, owners corporations, and strata committees alike, making it essential to understand what’s changing and how to prepare. Here’s a breakdown of the key reforms and what they mean for strata living in NSW. 1. Standardised mainte

Older strata buildings offer charm, solid construction and great locations — but they also come with predictable maintenance challenges. If your strata scheme is 15, 25 or 40+ years old, proactive planning is the difference between controlled, staged upgrades and expensive emergency repairs . This guide explains how NSW strata schemes can create a realistic long-term maintenance plan for ageing buildings — to manage risk, control costs and meet legal obligations. Why older s

Living in a strata community isn’t just about sharing walls, driveways or gardens — it’s about sharing space, responsibility and community with your neighbours. While strata committees are often focused on compliance, budgets and maintenance, one of their most powerful roles is also one of the most overlooked: building a positive community culture. A strong community culture reduces disputes, improves participation, protects property values and makes strata living more enjoya

Buying a strata property — whether it’s an apartment, townhouse or villa — is an attractive option for many NSW homebuyers. Strata living offers convenience, shared amenities, community living and access to desirable locations. But it also comes with unique legal, financial and lifestyle obligations that differ from buying a standalone home. Understanding these before you sign on the dotted line can save you stress, unexpected costs and future disputes. 1. You are buying mor

Introduction As more people live in strata-titled buildings across NSW, sustainability is becoming a key concern — not just for the planet, but for your pocket. A collective building can benefit significantly when residents and committees adopt environmentally friendly practices. In this guide we explore how your Owners Corporation and residents can work together to reduce energy and water consumption without compromising comfort or lifestyle. Why sustainability matters in st

How smart technology is transforming strata living in NSW Strata living in NSW is evolving faster than ever. As buildings become more complex and residents expect more convenience, safety, and efficiency, smart technology is becoming a game-changer for Owners Corporations and Strata Committees. From automated access systems to energy-saving devices and digital reporting tools, technology is helping strata schemes run smoother, reduce costs, and improve the overall living expe