As more Australians seek autonomy and cost savings in managing their apartment buildings and townhouse complexes, self-managed strata schemes are gaining traction. While this approach offers significant benefits including lower costs and greater control it also presents complex challenges that require careful planning and, increasingly, creative hybrid solutions. 

A professional strata manager is not just an administrator. They act as an advisor, coordinator, and compliance partner providing systems and expertise that help a scheme run smoothly. While the owners corporation / body corporate / strata company (the name varies by state) is always the final decision-maker, a professional manager gives the committee the tools and advice to make informed choices, ensuring the scheme is both legally compliant and well-maintained.

If you own, live in, or manage a strata or community-title property in NSW whether it’s an apartment, townhouse, villa, or community-land scheme it’s worth understanding the law changes that have happened and what is in store for 2026. These reforms are designed to make strata living fairer, safer, and more transparent for everyone involved.

NSW Parliament introduced major reforms to strengthen transparency and accountability in strata management. These changes directly benefit lot owners by ensuring your strata manager operates with full disclosure and in your owners corporation's best interests.

Strata and community title living is an increasingly popular choice across Australia, offering shared amenities, maintained common areas, and a built-in sense of community. However, behind the scenes of every well-run strata or community scheme lies a framework of clearly defined roles and responsibilities. Understanding who does what is essential for smooth operation, effective decision-making, and harmonious living. 

There are strict time limitation periods in Victoria’s building laws, which require owners of buildings to file their claims at VCAT or in the Courts promptly. Owners Corporations owe a strict duty to repair and maintain its common property, and this duty can be enforced by any member of the relevant Owners Corporation.

I If you've ever sat through a tense strata committee meeting, you’ll know that disagreements are part and parcel of strata living. Disputes over budgets, by-laws, lawn arrangements, or even flowerpots are not uncommon. But when those disagreements turn into Tribunal proceedings seeking the appointment of a compulsory managing agent under section 237 of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 (NSW) (“SSMA”),

A key reform taking effect on 27 October 2025 involves updated provisions for debt recovery and payment plans under the Strata and Community Schemes legislation.

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…

As more Australians embrace apartment living, understanding the legal structures that support these living arrangements has become increasingly important.

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…

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.

Can I rent out my apartment on short-term rental platforms like Airbnb or Stayz to earn some extra cash? This guide breaks down everything you need to know—without the legal jargon.

Fire safety inspections are a regular occurrence in every building, and they usually go off without a hitch — until they don’t.

Is replacing the air conditioning unit in a strata-titled property considered cosmetic works, a minor renovation, or a major renovation under strata law?