Just strata sayin …

Short thoughts, ideas and opinions about issues facing strata citizens … from my personal and totally biased perspective

Disagree with me at any time, please …

Interest on overdue strata levies makes no sense [or cents]
Francesco Andreone Francesco Andreone

Interest on overdue strata levies makes no sense [or cents]

All over Australia interest applies to overdue strata levies and usually at rates that are much higher than mortgage rates, but lower than credit cards. It’s also conventional wisdom and pretty uncontroversial that strata owners should pay interest on late strata levy payments. But interest on strata levies makes no logical, economic or practical sense when you consider the justifications that are made for it as follows. And, I don’t think it should apply universally when strata levies are overdue.

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Managing the Strata Defects Donkey with More Carrots & Sticks
Francesco Andreone Francesco Andreone

Managing the Strata Defects Donkey with More Carrots & Sticks

I’ve realised that the new strategies being adopted in NSW and proposed in other parts of the country reveal a subtly different approach to dealing with the strata defects donkey. But, I’m not sure that it’s an either or proposition.

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We need a Chandler clone army checking strata defects
Francesco Andreone Francesco Andreone

We need a Chandler clone army checking strata defects

We need a Chandler clone army checking strata defects

NSW’s Building Commissioner, David Chandler OAM, is scoring some goals by a combination of never-before powers to issue Orders that require defects to be fixed and to stop Occupation Certificates before strata buildings are finished and his personal commitment, credibility and approach.

But there’s only one of him and there’s plenty of NSW strata buildings that need that kind of attention and help. Otherwise, it’s only great news for those lucky new #stratatitle owners that get his attention.

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Why does the strata sector fear transparency?
Francesco Andreone Francesco Andreone

Why does the strata sector fear transparency?

Why does the strata sector fear transparency?

For decades leading #stratatitle stakeholders have wondered why it’s been so challenging to get alignment between the key protagonists.

On the one hand: strata buildings, owners and residents as the consumer principals.

On the other hand: strata and building managers along with the service and product suppliers to strata buildings.

There’s been lots of theories about it which I’ve heard, debated and participated in. Without any clear answers or success.

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