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.

Why aren't by-laws and rules registered on the strata lot title too?

Virtually all strata buildings have by laws or rules that bind strata owners and other people who have a property interest in strata lots like renters, financiers, etc.

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.

In late 2023, strata buyers of the defective Imperial Towers building in Sydney were allowed to break contracts and recoup deposits in a 'radical first’ deal brokered by NSW Building Commissioner, David Chandler AOM.

Stage 1 NSW #stratatitle law reforms are here & OK

But since only 31 of 139 changes are included, they must be priorities and tell all I need to know about what & who matters most to govt …

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.

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.