What Is Strata Title? A 60-Year Evolution of Shared Property Ownership

(A fast, fuss-free guide to meeting records for strata and community schemes) 

Taking minutes doesn’t need to be a headache or take all night. Whether you’re in a self-managed strata or community scheme, or just an active committee who undertake their own meetings, the aim is simple: record what was decided and who will do it. That’s it. Minutes are not a novel; they’re a record. 

Asbestos was once a popular building material because it was durable, fire-resistant, and affordable. It was commonly used in roofing, flooring, insulation, and even bathroom walls. The health risks come from inhaling asbestos fibres, which can cause serious illness

General meetings are where big decisions get made, budgets, by-laws, repairs, and even litigation. If there’s something you want the scheme to decide on, the way to make it happen is by putting forward a motion….

So, you're moving into a strata property and dreaming of cozy evenings with your furry (or scaly… or feathery) companion. But before you bring your beloved pet through the door, it's important to know: not all pets are welcome in strata living. 

Let's take a playful (but helpful!) stroll through which pets usually get a green light and which ones might raise a few strata eyebrows. 

Losing your apartment keys can quickly turn a normal day into a stressful one especially if you live in a strata-managed building. Whether you’re locked out or simply can’t find your keys, knowing who to call (and what your responsibilities are) can help you act quickly and avoid unnecessary costs. 

Here’s a practical breakdown of what to do if you’ve lost your apartment keys, with real-life examples to make things clear. 

A torn flyscreen might seem like a small annoyance, but in a strata property, even small repairs can raise the big question, who’s responsible? The answer depends on a few key factors: whether it’s part of the common property, your lot, and what your by-laws say. 

Buying an apartment, townhouse or a community title property can be exciting, but it’s also a major financial commitment. Beyond inspecting the property itself, one step many buyers overlook is the record search, [also termed a ‘strata search’]. This is a simple yet powerful tool that can protect you from unexpected costs and headaches down the track.

A lot of strata owners assume that apartments aren’t a good place to keep pets, as most units have limited space and generally don’t have an easily accessible outdoor area for animals like cats and dogs to roam free. However, many pets are able to thrive in strata buildings. The key is finding an animal that fits your space.

For years, many strata committees have been frustrated by the lack of transparency around insurance costs, undisclosed rebates, and hidden commissions. In response, some strata managing agents are now adopting a fee-for-service model…

If you own a unit in a strata building and have been thinking about switching to solar energy, you’re part of a growing movement, but installing solar panels in a shared building isn’t as straightforward as it is for standalone homes…

Strata maintenance is about creating safe, compliant, and appealing environments for all residents. Addressing these common problems early can save you thousands in the long run and prevent serious disruptions. 

Renting an apartment comes with specific laws and regulations, and understanding your rights and responsibilities as a tenant is essential to getting the most our of the shared living experience.

From community gardens to pools and BBQ areas, shared amenities are a big part of what makes community living appealing, but along with the perks come responsibilities

Schemes should take their time, not rushing into management agreements based solely on cost, as the true value and potential pitfalls often lie in the contract’s fine print. 

If you live in an apartment building, townhouse, or duplex, you live a little closer to your neighbours than those in standalone houses, which can mean dealing with noise and privacy concerns…

Schemes should take their time, not rushing into management agreements based solely on cost, as the true value and potential pitfalls often lie in the contract’s fine print. 

Levies are a fundamental aspect of community and strata living, but when these levies become unreasonably high, they can place a significant financial strain on property owners.

Living in an apartment offers many benefits, but it also comes with shared walls, communal spaces, and often, unwanted noise…

Knowing the difference between lot property and common property is essential. These definitions determine who’s responsible for maintenance, who needs to approve changes, and how disputes are resolved.