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If your building has both a strata manager and a building manager, it is easy to be unsure who does what. Both help look after the scheme, and both may be involved when something needs repairing. Their responsibilities, however, are different. The simplest way to understand the distinction is this: a strata manager helps administer the strata scheme; a building manager helps look after the building and its common property. The exact tasks each performs depend on their agreeme

A lot of strata management work happens out of sight. A manager may be arranging repairs, responding to correspondence, preparing meetings and following up decisions, while owners mostly see the levy notices and meeting minutes. NSW rules now require strata managing agents to report every six months to the owners corporation on the work they have carried out on its behalf. It is an opportunity for owners to see what has been done and where matters stand. What might the report

A building manager may be closely involved in a strata scheme’s daily operations. They might identify a safety issue, recommend a contractor or help coordinate work on common property. Because those recommendations can influence how owners corporation money is spent, strata committees need to know when a building manager has a connection to a supplier or may benefit from a proposed contract. NSW strata reforms have strengthened these disclosure requirements. Supplier connecti

Falling behind on strata levies can be stressful. An unexpected expense, a change in income or several large bills arriving at once can make it difficult to pay the full amount by its due date. In NSW, an owner with overdue levies can request a payment plan to repay what they owe in instalments. Here is how the process works and what to consider before applying. What does a payment plan cover? A payment plan deals with levies that are already overdue. It can run for up to 12

If you own a property in a two-lot strata scheme, such as a duplex, you may have wondered why a scheme with just two owners has some of the same reporting requirements as a large apartment building. From 1 October 2026, one of those requirements is set to change: two-lot strata schemes in NSW will no longer need to complete annual reporting through Strata Hub. What is changing? At present, two-lot schemes are included in the requirement to submit information about their schem

Serving on a strata committee comes with real responsibility. Committee members make decisions about budgets, repairs, maintenance, by-laws and issues that can affect people’s homes, finances and day-to-day lives. From 1 October 2026, new training requirements will apply to strata committee members in NSW. New and returning members will generally need to complete free online training within three months of being appointed. Here is what strata committee members and owners corp

If you live in an apartment building in NSW, you may receive your electricity, gas, hot water or even air-conditioning through something called an embedded network. But many owners and residents don't actually know what an embedded network is or whether their building has one. That's becoming increasingly important. New rules introduced in NSW during 2026 have increased transparency and consumer protections around embedded networks, making this a good time for owners corporat

When most people think about strata management, they picture meetings, levies and maintenance. But behind every well-run strata scheme is something far less exciting yet incredibly important: accurate strata records. Good record keeping protects owners, supports compliance with NSW legislation, simplifies property sales and can even help resolve disputes before they become expensive legal issues. Whether you're a committee member, lot owner or prospective buyer, here's what y

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