You’d think that strata buildings would notice if money is missing, given how frugal they are. But, in NSW there’s more than half a million dollars of uncollected strata money just sitting around in government coffers. Read on to find out how and why that’s happened, and, what strata buildings can do about it.

In NSW, they’re surveying some strata buildings about defects again to find out more about the problems faced by newer high-rise strata apartment buildings and owners. Given the 2021 survey was limited it still revealed serious building defects in almost half of strata buildings and things appear to have gotten worse, it’s likely we’ll see even worse results this time. So, just in case the NSW Government needs more data to do something ….

The building is a fundamental feature of strata title. There are no strata lots, strata owners, or property asset values without it, and, most strata operations focus on doing things to and for the strata building. Plus, its integrity is paramount. Yet, there’s been very little creative thought paid to strata building issues since strata title was invented in the early 1960’s even though apartment buildings are very very different today. So, it’s probably time for a makeover of the laws about the strata building itself.

Recent news about the collapse of a major NSW developer and builder of strata apartment complexes leaves tens of thousands of strata owners in a building defects nightmare. One of the major causes for their problems is a ghost from 20 years ago that’s still haunting strata stakeholders. And, here’s the sad and sorry tale …

GoStrata Stak is a newsletter where you’ll find interesting, insightful, and, [hopefully] stimulating writing about more nuanced issues that affect high-density real estate [strata] stakeholders and the buildings they own, use, manage, fix, and, govern.

Australian strata title buildings, owners, and stakeholders are regulated by extensive & complex strata laws that are created, tweaked, and managed by state governments. But, do those governments have any clear policy objectives, strategies, or medium to long-term plans for strata title, or, are they just reacting to more and more strata buildings crises? And, if so, what should we do about that?

We can improve strata if we want to. And, in this series of articles I identify things that should and can be improved, plus my ideas for doing so. Today, I’m focusing on the information in strata buildings. How it’s collected, stored, distributed, and accessed. Plus why it matters.

We can improve strata if we want to. And, in this series of articles I identify things that should and can be improved, plus my ideas for doing so.

Today, I’m focused on the confusing language used in strata title.

Regardless of their roles, all strata stakeholders have a list of complaints and things they’d like to see done differently. Whether that’s from the perspective of a strata owner or resident, a strata or building manager, a service provider, or anyone else. But, we’re all waiting for someone else to do it or tell us how to do it. Since that takes a long time, let’s just get on with it ourselves.

Despite the oft-repeated rhetoric that strata title is the fourth tier of government, let’s not kid ourselves about the seriousness and/or fairness of governance in the strata sector so as to make ourselves feel better and more important. Instead, let’s focus on what strata stakeholders actually need.

Although buying a strata apartment might be a cheaper or first option for many, it’s actually not the simplest real estate purchase they can make. Unlike land or houses, strata apartments involve more complex titling, legal overlays, and operational issues that are not always obvious or logical. So, even a few basic pre-purchase checks will lead to better purchase decisions and a happier ownership experience.

The tumbling tumbleweeds of NSW Strata Law Reform

It’s been pretty quiet on the NSW strata law reform prairie. Whilst more tumbleweeds roll by ….

Where Are the Australia Day Lessons for Strata Buildings? Or, is a more ‘Australiana’ strata approach needed …

Some Thoughts on Being a Strata Manager: A short Q & A about working in strata management …

I’m no Nostradamus. But think I can make some pretty accurate predictions about the trends that will impact Australian strata title experiences over 2022. So, what will and won’t happen over the next 12 months?

To start 2022 off, I’m re-acquainting readers with GoStrata Stak. The what, why, where, and, how of my various musings on strata title stuff.

If you’ve just joined the gym again, dusted off those leggings & Nike’s, or thrown out that vape, as part of the new 2022 you, then maybe it’s also time to make a few strata style New Years resolutions too. Even if they don’t make it all the way to Xmas, any steps towards better strata outcomes can’t be a bad thing.

What’s the verdict after a year of articles about strata title matters? What were the best [or at least the most popular] articles, and, what were the other highlights of a year of my strata writings?

It hasn’t taken long, but after starting GoStrata Stak in December 2019, I’ve now published 200 articles [short, long, simple, complex, technical, topical, and more] to make a double century …

Who doesn’t love a bargain? Strata building and strata owners are no different, so what’s for sale in the 2021 strata boxing day sales … and, should you buy any of it?