Many things that happen in strata buildings need planning approval, usually from the local council. That’s no different to other property types, except that because there are multiple lots in strata buildings it happens more often, because there’s common property and lots it’s a bit more complex, and because of strata decision making rules there’s also an internal approval layer, So, here’s a simple[ish] refresher for NSW strata buildings about what needs planning approval, how it works [internally and externally], and some complications to help keep the strata approval genie in the bottle.

Strategies for strata buildings to deal with climate changes have been around since this 2013 NCCARF research on the impacts on strata building and stakeholders and strategies. It’s now looking like it’s finally time to implement them. worked on as the impacts of weather changes and changing social, economic and political imperatives are more obvious and common . So, what did the research discover and recommend?

In my ever-wider quest to know more about strata titles, I follow what’s going on in other countries that may have lessons for strata citizens down under. And, since South African strata laws were original modelled on ours, how they evolve can provide useful insights. Today’s article explores a recent important decision of the South African High Court about overdue strata levies and what their reasoning might mean in Australian strata title conditions.

In today’s guest writer article by an experienced expert on strata building car parking, Angelique Mentis, she discusses the latest best practices for EV vehicles in strata buildings, including pros and cons. Strata EV is quickly becoming a topical, confusing and high focus issue in strata buildings, so it’s timely to read about her thoughts, experiences and ideas.

Since strata buildings mostly do the same things over and over, it should be easy to identify and better handle these recurrences. Plus, large scale repetition over time allows for easier analysis and process development. But, it seems that many strata buildings, owners, committees, and strata managers are stuck in a repeating ‘deja vu’ pattern without any prospect of change or improvement.

I first heard about the P’s of strata in the 1990’s [pets, parking, parties, etc] and was amused. But, more than 25 years later it sounds like just another well-worn strata catchphrase that’s past its use by date and, probably, suggests strata sector thinking capture, negativity and failure. Surely, we can do better in 2020s?

I don’t have a crystal ball. But, as a strata thinker and commentator, I think I can make some predictions about the trends that will impact Australian strata title experiences over 2024. So, here are my 10 predictions, which I’ll revisit at the end of the year.

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.