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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

What Is a Strata Maintenance Plan – and Why It Matters A strata maintenance plan is a legally required document that outlines all major assets of a building and the ongoing maintenance required to keep it compliant, safe, and financially sustainable. From 2024 onward, developers in NSW must prepare and submit a detailed maintenance plan  for any new strata scheme. This is part of the NSW Government’s reforms aimed at improving building quality and protecting owners from unexp

Navigating disputes in Strata - A committee's practical guide Disagreements are a normal part of community living, but in strata schemes, they can quickly escalate if not handled well. Whether it’s noise, parking, renovations or unpaid levies, committees play a key role in keeping the peace. In this guide, we explore practical steps your strata committee can take to manage disputes calmly, fairly and within NSW strata law. Common Strata Disputes in NSW Most disputes arise fro

Thinking about renovating your apartment? Here’s what you need to know Renovating a strata property isn’t as simple as starting work once you’ve hired a tradie. In NSW, renovations are regulated to protect the building’s structure and amenity for all residents. Understanding the right approval pathway can save you weeks of delays and costly rejections . Three Categories of Renovations Under NSW Strata Laws 1. Cosmetic work (no approval needed) You can do these without a vote

What Are Strata Levies and Why Do We Pay Them? In a strata scheme, all owners contribute levies to ensure the ongoing management, maintenance, and long-term financial health of the building. Whether you own an apartment, townhouse, or a unit in a mixed-use building, levies are not optional – they are a legal requirement under NSW strata law. Understanding how these levies are calculated – and where the money goes – is key to protecting your investment and avoiding unexpected

Fire safety is everyone’s business Fire safety in strata buildings is more than a compliance requirement — it’s about protecting lives, property and peace of mind. Yet many residents aren’t sure who is responsible  for what, or how often inspections must occur. Here’s what every owner and tenant needs to know about fire safety compliance in NSW strata buildings. The owners corporation’s obligations Under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021 , the owners c

Why boundaries matter in strata living When something breaks or needs repair in a strata building, one of the first questions owners ask is: “Is that my responsibility — or the owners corporation’s?” Understanding the difference between common property  and lot property  is key to avoiding confusion, disputes, and unexpected bills. What is common property? Common property  includes everything in your strata scheme that isn’t part of an individual lot. It’s the shared areas an

Keeping your building in shape — and your levies predictable Owning a property in a strata scheme isn’t just about maintaining your own lot — it’s about protecting the long-term value of the entire building. A well-structured strata maintenance plan , also known as a capital works fund plan  or sinking fund plan , helps committees budget wisely, avoid financial shocks, and keep the building compliant with NSW strata legislation. What is a strata maintenance plan? A strata mai