Things in strata move slowly. But, strata delays have many obvious [and a few less than obvious] consequences that have been holding the strata sector back for a long time. Many features of modern society, technological change, lifestyle, etc are increasing pressure on everything to move faster; including for strata buildings, committees, managers, owners, etc. So, we need to be like Speed Racer and Go Go Go …

We typically make a bunch of promises to ourselves [and others] at the start of each year as a way of self-checking and goal setting. So, why not do so for and in your strata building? Here are my suggestions for 2024 strata resolutions that benefit all strata citizens.

Who doesn’t love a bargain? And, since strata buildings and owners are no different [or arguably worse], what bargains are there in this year’s strata boxing day sales? And, should you buy anything? Here’s a bit of Boxing Day history and ideas for savvy strata bargain hunters.

I know you’re all too old to believe in Santa Claus, but imagine what your strata building would say and do if Santa actually turned up with his sleigh, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, and the crew. I dare say he’d be in serious strata trouble.

How is making and drinking coffee just like strata title ownership and management? Can’t see or taste the similarities? Well, there’s plenty. So, grab a cuppa, sit down, and find out here.

You know what time of the year it is. You know the Christmas carol, The Twelve Days of Christmas. And, if not play it via the link at the end of this article. And, you’re a strata citizen. So, sing along with me [and Bing] …

Over 25 years ago I popularised by-laws as a way to customise strata building operations. But the proliferation of strata by-laws and rules since then has gone a bit too far; leading to many unnecessary, inappropriate and invalid by-laws and rules with most strata stakeholders placing undue reliance on them to fix all strata problems. Here are some examples of bad by-laws and rules, and my thoughts about the strata by-law phenomenon.

In today’s guest-writer article by well-known strata commentator and consultant, Michael Teys, he discusses the latest setback for the ill-fated Mascot Towers building after a NSW Supreme Court decision, explains his alternate view of their situation, and reminds us of his strata ownership mantras. It’s a bit of tough strata love.

We’ve been waiting a few years for the latest round of NSW strata title law reforms. And a few have been just announced as stage 1. What are they and how do they affect stakeholders? In this article, I mark these reforms in a strata law reform Report Card.

Before strata titles existed, most apartments were company title schemes. Many survive today despite [or in spite of] the generally perceived advantages of strata title. Why? And are they a genuine alternative way to structure, own and run multi-dwelling buildings?

In pop culture, superheroes help ordinary people by using super-human powers and skills to avert disasters, stop evildoers and make the world a better place. Perhaps, strata citizens could benefit from a few strata superheroes too. Let’s consider the possibilities.

Most strata information comes in writing: whether specifically about strata building operations or for strata education, training, discussion and information. But, we can listen anywhere and anytime, we can listen whilst doing other things, and, studies suggest that listeners remember more of and give more credibility to information when they hear it. Plus, the popularity and accessibility of podcasting means it’s modern and mainstream. So, what Aussie strata title podcasts are out there and should you be on a strata listening tour too?

Where [and Why] did this all this Strata Blogging Begin? 10 years ago I started blogging about high-density real estate issues that I thought were interesting at The Strata Experts Blogspot. Many posts and articles later, I’m now doing so much more with strata information & thinking at GoStrata.

Community title has existed in NSW since 1990 but there are a relatively small number of these developments (compared to strata title buildings) and their peculiarities mean that most strata stakeholders don’t know much about them. You’ll see them in larger estate-style developments or what used to be called flat strata subdivisions for villas and some townhouses.

Even though strata buildings are full of good, smart and well-intentioned people, they don’t always make great decisions. And sometimes strata buildings delay important decisions or, worse still, actually make really bad decisions. Why is that and what dynamics create those kinds of counterinitiative outcomes? The many potential reasons for the phenomenon should be studied by experts.

GoStrata’s Case Watch offers concise, clear, and easy-to-understand reviews of important and interesting Court and Tribunal decisions affecting Australian strata title stakeholders.

Bevan Shields, Editorial for the Sydney Morning Herald

Part strata schemes [or BMCs] are increasingly common place in NSW. Yet, whilst they look like strata title corporations, they are completely different; being instead a strange kind of property partnership between the owners of different parts of a building. So, BMCs are challenging but will be an increasingly important part of our high-density future.

Since it’s racing carnival season, I wondered whether managers might be better considered to be the jockey or the racehorse in the strata title derby. There are pluses and minus either way. So, what do you think?

We’re hearing a lot more about developers stitching up new strata buildings by locking them into long-term, expensive and unfair contracts without proper disclosure. It’s wrong and shouldn’t happen. And, there’s a 15 year old Supreme Court decision that says so and helps strata buildings tear up those contracts.