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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

Introduction Strata insurance is often misunderstood. Many owners assume “the building is covered” means everything inside their lot is too — but that’s not the case. This guide breaks down what strata insurance usually covers in NSW, what it doesn’t, and what you as a lot owner are responsible for. Strata insurance protects the building and common property - but not everything inside your lot 1. What Strata Insurance Usually Covers Strata insurance policies in NSW generally

Running a productive strata meeting can feel like herding cats — owners come with competing agendas, motions, questions, and sometimes...

1. What are "minor renovations"? These include works like installing or replacing wood or other hard floors, updating kitchens,...

If your strata manager isn’t responding, giving unhelpful advice, or seems to change from week to week, it may be time to review your...

From 1 July 2025, significant updates to the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 have come into effect. These reforms bring new...

Living in a strata property has many perks—shared facilities, a sense of community, and convenience. But with people living close...

If you own a property in a strata scheme, you’re probably familiar with quarterly levies (or “strata fees”) that help cover the...

Airbnb and other short-term rental platforms have exploded in popularity across Australia. For many property owners, it’s an attractive...

Thinking of upgrading your unit with sleek new floating floorboards? They’re stylish, easy to maintain, and can instantly modernise your...

If you own property in a strata scheme, paying your levies on time isn’t just good manners — it’s essential to keeping your building running smoothly. These contributions fund everything from cleaning the common areas to repairing the roof, maintaining the gardens, paying insurance, and more. But what actually happens if you don’t pay on time? Let’s break it down. 1. Interest charges start adding up Under NSW strata laws, if your levies aren’t paid by the due date, the Owners