One of the great advantages of being an owner in a strata scheme is the fact that owners aren’t personally responsible for what happens in common areas.  But that begs…

Strata schemes can come in all shapes and sizes; they may include as few as two lots, or as many as several hundred. While many aspects of managing strata schemes…

Commercial strata schemes may come in many different forms, including office buildings, factories, shopping centres, car parks, or combinations of any of these. A commercial strata scheme is, therefore, significantly…

Retirement should be a time for relaxation and enjoyment but, quite often, the ongoing effort of maintaining the spaces we used to need outweighs the joy we get out of…

Strata levies can often be a hidden sting for new owners, an unexpected second hangover after the elation of finally becoming an owner (the first being, of course, stamp duty). …

Selling any property can be a daunting and complex process, but selling property in a strata scheme can be quite different from selling regular freehold. In this article, we consider…

In New South Wales, all meetings are required to have a quorum present. Whether the meeting is for an Annual General Meeting (AGM), Strata Committee Meeting (SCM), or Extraordinary General…

In New South Wales, the owners corporation is comprised of all the owners within the strata scheme, and is responsible for a number of matters including common property maintenance and…

Choosing a strata manager with local expertise guarantees they’ll be trained and experienced to handle all your unique requirements and issues that are relevant to you. Here are just some…

Is your strata manager not meeting the mark? Whether it’s an issue of inadequate maintenance, fund deficits, general disorganisation or anything else, if you’re seeing signs of poor management, it…

Making sense of what’s covered when it comes to insurance for your strata property can be confusing – especially when you factor in other policies like contents insurance and landlord…

If you’re living in a strata building, it’s important to know who’s responsible for the maintenance costs in and around your apartment or lot. Here’s a quick rundown of which…

Minor and major renovations in your apartment or townhouse do require permission from your owners corporation, however anything classed as ‘cosmetic work’ within the NSW Strata Schemes Management Act 2015…

Many might love the idea of having a Basset Hound as a pet, but neighbours in the apartment over might not be so enamoured if that pooch starts to howl…

Sitting just below Sydney lies the Sutherland Shire encompassing a variety of suburbs: from Cronulla, Miranda and Illawong in the north to Waterfall and Bundeena in the south. Residents enjoy…

Are you deliberating over buying in a strata property in Sydney’s upper north shore? As it turns out, this could just be one of the city’s best spots for living…

It can be upsetting when your strata neighbour is walking through their apartment wearing what seem to be wooden clogs, but what if you’re the one making the noise? It…

While we all love a good party, the noise disturbance and mess they can produce for those living in surrounding apartments can be an inconvenience. It can even lead to…

The complexities of common property boundaries mean that as strata managers, we’re asked a lot of reasonable questions about who does what (and who pays for what). Here, you’ll find…

It makes a lot of sense to install solar panels wherever possible to make the most of free energy from the sun and cut down on electricity costs, but we’re…

Finding your dream home or investment property in a strata scheme is an incredibly exciting step, but is it the right option for you? When strata schemes are inefficiently managed…

It’s a commonly asked question for owners within strata committees; how often are strata meetings held? Here’s a rundown on the required and potential meetings that will help to determine important…

You probably hear a lot about owners’ rights and responsibilities within a strata scheme, but are things different for a tenant who rents a unit on a strata property? Tenants…

If you’ve been looking at your backyard and thinking it needs some work, it’s worth taking a moment to consider the boundaries and by-laws of your strata scheme first. The…

It’s a great thing if you’re keen to get involved in the running of your strata scheme. As part of the strata committee, you are actively involved in representing your…

A duplex or strata scheme with only two lots can be an ideal living situation for many people. This type of set-up often provides an easy lifestyle without the large…

Strata managing agents are responsible for the day-to-day administration and management of matters within your strata scheme. Your strata manager should generally be making life easier – and if they’re…

Whether you’re moving overseas for six months or have just purchased an investment strata property, leasing out your unit can bring in welcome rental return and keep your property in…

Did you know that the strata title is actually an Australian invention? This modern method of co-ownership is used all over the world, but the concept had a very pragmatic…

Your strata meetings are your opportunity to make your voice heard and have your say on important decisions that will affect your lifestyle and enjoyment of your strata unit. However,…

While much of the focus has been on residential property values in central Sydney over the past year, the demand for strata office investments has led to a significant surge…

It’s estimated that by 2040, the number of Sydney residents living in strata will have doubled from today’s figure of 25% to around 50% of the city’s population. There are…

Tesla fans, listen up! If your strata scheme is located within the City of Sydney, you could now register for a free assessment and roadmap for installing electric vehicle (EV)…

By-laws exist in every strata scheme, but what purpose do they serve? They are policies that define the rules for harmonious living within a strata scheme, whether that relates to…

You may have heard that Willoughby Council now has agreements to issue parking fines on some of its local strata properties, and that the City of Sydney is open to…

As can happen in any shared living environment, there is always the risk of someone’s actions becoming a problem for another resident in a strata property. One common complaint we…

Back in 2015, we outlined that there may be new changes to the New South Wales strata laws regarding the definition and addressing of nuisance smoke. As of 30 November…

For some new owners within a strata scheme, the idea of attending your first Annual General Meeting can seem about as appealing as pulling teeth. However, these meetings are as…

Wollongong has to be one of Australia’s best locations for strata living – after all, its great weather, café scene and expanses of beach lend themselves perfectly to tidy inner-city…

Within the NSW strata guidelines there are a range of useful procedures to deal with common strata issues and strata disputes. Find solutions to some of the typical matters below.…

Strata living on the whole is a harmonious and enjoyable experience, largely thanks to the individual by-laws that define a strata scheme’s rules. Occasionally these by-laws may be breached by…

Strata living has great appeal because the costs of common property repairs, services and maintenance are shared through your strata fees. But what are those fees based on? Whether you…

Strata manager and property manager: they’re the same thing, right? Not so much. Although they’re both useful within the real estate industry, a strata manager and a property manager actually…

Brand new to the world of strata? Then this information is for you. Whether you’re considering buying an apartment that is part of a strata scheme or are just curious…

One of the most common questions asked by people who are new to strata schemes is what exactly a pre purchase strata report is – and how to go about…

Jamesons Strata Management has established two new branches in Hornsby and Wollongong to further meet growing demand for quality strata services throughout New South Wales. Both new branches provide strata…

Australia offers many exciting areas of growth for a commercial property investment outside of the capital cities, and strata premises offer an ideal entry point for a diverse range of…

Have you been frustrated by the parking situation within your Sydney strata? That’s probably fair enough, as city workers commonly take advantage of the available spots on city strata properties.…

In our video series Michael Vumbaca, General Manager at Jamesons Strata discusses how the role of a strata manager has changed. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pO20qDbhErc[/embed] At Jamesons, we believe it’s important to note that…

In our video series Michael Vumbaca, General Manager at Jamesons Strata discusses what you need to know about insurance in strata. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s25ax5Giu4M[/embed] Insurance commissions can make up a huge part of a…

In our video series Michael Vumbaca, General Manager at Jamesons Strata discusses what can be done to retrieve unpaid strata levies. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rpJa5pyPZs&t=4s[/embed] Levy arrears will now require a compulsory motion to…

In our video series Michael Vumbaca, General Manager at Jamesons Strata discusses how the new laws address gifts and benefits. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CwgWGKLxjA[/embed] The new legislation now says that a strata manager cannot…

In our video series Michael Vumbaca, General Manager at Jamesons Strata discusses the changes that have been made to the strata by-laws. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnDa5dgba6M[/embed] Each strata scheme over the next 12 months…

In our video series Michael Vumbaca, General Manager at Jamesons Strata discusses how the new laws affect smoking in strata. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1_QIqH_D4I[/embed] It's very clear in the new legislation that smoking has…

In our video series Michael Vumbaca, General Manager at Jamesons Strata discusses how the new laws affect parking in strata. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XefHGMFrEHc[/embed] Parking in a strata has been a significant issue in…

In our video series Michael Vumbaca, General Manager at Jamesons Strata discusses how the role of tenants has evolved. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfNd7VuvaFg[/embed] The new legislation has been designed to be facilitate a collaborative…

In our video series Michael Vumbaca, General Manager at Jamesons Strata discusses how owners can deal with disposed goods on common property. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVIsXiROhpg[/embed] In the new legislation, an owners corporation now…

In our video series Michael Vumbaca, General Manager at Jamesons Strata discusses how the new laws address short term letting. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=No0OMpgLopE&t=5s[/embed] With the growing popularity of things like Airbnb and stayz,…

In our video series Michael Vumbaca, General Manager at Jamesons Strata discusses the changes that have been made to the general meetings. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LO-7H5zx_OE&t=5s[/embed] There are several key changes to your annual and extraordinary…

In our video series Michael Vumbaca, General Manager at Jamesons Strata discusses the collective sales process. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39WBzDh0kGI&t=6s[/embed] One of the more controversial pieces of new legislation is the collective sales process.…

In our video series Michael Vumbaca, General Manager at Jamesons Strata discusses the changes that have been made to the renovations process. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ziTikETNco&t=53s[/embed] Renovations are a huge part of the strata industry.…

In our video series Michael Vumbaca, General Manager at Jamesons Strata discusses the how the new laws address development defects.  [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PN41JgsOA8&t=5s[/embed] We all hear the horror stories on the news of the…

In our video series Michael Vumbaca, General Manager at Jamesons Strata discusses how the changes have affected strata insurance. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s25ax5Giu4M&t=6s[/embed] This is one of the key areas of the new legislation…

In our video series Michael Vumbaca, General Manager at Jamesons Strata discusses the changes that have been made to sinking funds. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9IL0ZS8wgE&t=5s[/embed]   The first change to be aware of is that…

In our video series Michael Vumbaca, General Manager at Jamesons Strata discusses the changes that have been made to the new strata committee. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-sx439maPM&t=5s[/embed]   One of the main changes about the…

Whether you’re downsizing from a home in the suburbs or looking to live closer to the CBD and its social aspects, moving into a strata title in Sydney for the…

Sydney strata schemes of different sizes offer vastly different living and management styles. So, does it suit you better to buy into a strata block of 120 units or a…

2016 and 2017 have seen a number of developments and growth in strata buildings on Sydney’s north shore. This is in line with the trend for Sydney’s flourishing strata preference,…

Many of the new NSW strata reforms introduced on 30 November 2016 are optional for existing strata schemes, but there are more considerations in place for newly registered strata schemes.…

Unfortunately, there are occasionally cases of people and groups looking after their own interests rather than working within the fair and democratic system of a strata scheme. If you’re experiencing…

The new NSW strata law reforms brought in on 30 November last year have brought in a number of new regulations that affect developers who are planning and building strata…

Our strata managers in Sydney are sometimes asked about letting out strata units on short-term sites such as Airbnb and Stayz, and it’s difficult to provide a simple yes or…

The new NSW strata law reforms on 30 November 2016 have brought in over 90 changes to the existing laws. Perhaps the most controversial of the NSW strata law reforms…

Planning renovations within your NSW strata building can seem daunting at first, but by following the correct steps and speaking with your Sydney strata management, the approval process can be…

With the Sydney rental market experiencing incredible demand in recent years, many are looking to buy into strata scheme units as low-maintenance and cost-effective investment properties. Before you buy, it’s…

If you lived in a building that you owned completely, you’d have to pay for all major works and renovations that the property needed. When you live in a Sydney…

It’s sweltering in many areas of NSW as the temperatures rise, and if you don’t already have air conditioning in your apartment there’s a strong possibility you’re considering installing it.…

Australia’s Baby Boomers are ageing, and a large proportion of them are now reaching retirement. While approximately two thirds of those aged 48 to 67 were found to be in…

If you’re looking into buying in a Sydney strata scheme in the inner suburbs, there are some considerations to be aware of to ensure you make a wise investment. Choose…

So you’re joining a Sydney strata for the first time and you’re about to move in. In our experience, creating respect between yourself, your neighbours and other parties will maximise…

The new NSW strata law reforms are much anticipated and will be crucial in developing fairer, more community-minded strata buildings and titles in the future. Here’s what these changes could…

Traditionally it’s been a challenge finding the right strata management agency in regional and rural areas of Australia. Even if you can find someone who offers the proactive approach and…

You’ve probably heard about how important it is that strata owners attend their Annual General Meeting (AGM). That’s because your AGM is used to review the rules, structures and future…

We’ve all heard horror stories of strata neighbour complaints gone wrong when handled badly. Fortunately, there are steps that can help you avoid and minimise the stress of neighbourly disputes.…

Traditionally, there’s been little incentive and a great deal of difficulty in putting sustainable principles in place within inner-city apartment blocks. Fortunately local councils and switched-on strata managers in Sydney…

Are My Strata Levies Increasing Too Fast? It’s easy to freak out about levy raises within your strata, however there may be a number of good reasons behind them. It…

Many of the existing NSW strata laws simply don’t reflect our modern way of living and little wonder – they’ve been in place for around 55 years! Fortunately over 90…

A strata group is working with the National Broadband Network (NBN) to ensure that apartment owners have the chance to hook up to fast internet. Strata Community Australia (SCA) is…

There’s nothing like a neighbours’ dispute in a strata complex to set the cat among the pigeons. Yet disputes are an inevitable part of strata living, where large numbers of…

By Serafina Froio - Strata Project Management The acoustic performance of a strata building is important and can be easily eroded though seemingly minor changes, creating disturbance and disquiet, or even…

Strata fees can vary enormously between different apartment blocks and unit complexes. Multiple factors are taken into account when drawing up strata fees, and it’s important to know exactly what…

While administration of strata units is generally covered by the owners’ corporation, things can get tricky when breakdowns and accidents occur. Plumbing issues have to be top of the list…

The date has finally been confirmed for the reform of NSW strata laws! The NSW Parliament passed over 90 changes to the Strata Management Act last year, which when implemented…

The best-run strata schemes generally depend on the expertise and sound judgement of experienced, professional strata managers. It’s not uncommon for schemes to run into trouble – and sometimes owners…

While noise nuisance is a major problem for residents around Australia, the issue can be even more troublesome for apartment and unit residents. With more than a quarter of the…

Much-heralded strata reform affecting NSW apartments has been delayed to allow further consultation with interested parties. The raft of changes scheduled to come into effect on 1 July this year…

Nuisance cigarette smoke is among the items targeted in the major reform of NSW strata management laws currently in process. This is the most significant overhaul of strata laws since…

When dealing with property emergencies within strata schemes, there is a standard procedure to follow. If you discover a leak in or around your apartment, it’s important to contact the…

Within NSW strata schemes, different kinds of levies exist as a mean of raising funds to keep a strata complex safe, functional and appealing to live in. A standard levy,…

All apartment buyers in Australia are regulated by strata title, signifying individual ownership of your apartment and shared ownership of the common property. As defined by Strata Community Australia (SCA),…

If you’re confused about strata title management, rest assured you’re not alone. With many variations in strata law terminology across the different Australian states and territories, it can be hard…

There are significant differences between strata managers and property managers which are often confused by lot owners and residents in strata titled complexes. One of the key differences is that…

There are few issues more contentious for unit and apartment dwellers in NSW than parking, but help is on the way in the form of tighter parking controls in strata…

Australians love their pets. And any new apartment development offering pet friendly living is likely to be hugely popular among potential buyers. New strata laws due to come into force…

The whole area of strata ownership and management can be a tricky one. Many home buyers and investors are confused about what a strata scheme is, and what expectations and…

Investors or those buying into a strata complex often worry about the financial health of their body corporate or owners’ corporation. After all, it’s not like buying a house where…

Having no yard doesn’t rule out having a garden. You just have to be creative with the outdoor space you do have and, for many apartment dwellers, that’s a balcony.…

There’s no doubt about it, apartments are at the forefront of Australia’s current boom in high-density living. This year’s Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show a year-on-year increase in approvals…

Two long-anticipated strata reform bills have just been introduced to NSW Parliament, aiming to improve strata living and reduce red tape for strata managers. This new legislation will allow stratas…

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GornG8QejY[/embed] Living in a strata scheme comes with its own set of challenges, and rules to follow. Each strata scheme will have its own by-laws which are designed to regulate…

When it comes to kitchen renovations, living in a strata unit or apartment can be complicated. In some strata complexes, the body corporate will charge a levy or bond for…

As an investor in a strata complex, you automatically become a member of the owners corporation (also called the body corporate). This means you share responsibility with the other members…

  Starting up a community garden in a strata complex is not only good for residents’ health because of the access to fresh food and green spaces, but it also encourages…

Government legislation has made it compulsory for windows that are two metres or more above the ground to have safety devices fitted to prevent falls by children. This needs to…

This article was contributed by Serafina Froio from Strata Project Management Not the Channel Nine television show. This article is about how to better plan and manage renovations in strata…

The NSW Government is in the process of finalising new strata laws, with the overall aim of creating a more modern framework for people living in multi-unit buildings. The draft…

Australia has one of the highest percentages of pet ownership in the world, with around 2.16 million of these people being renting families according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.…

Many think that these two terms mean the same thing, but they actually don’t. Although constantly used interchangeably by some people, these two actually mean different things. If you’re a…

1. The strata manager decides how much I pay in levies each year and how much they will be paid for proving their service. Levies are decided at the Annual…

In strata title management, owners, whether these are investors or occupiers, have the option to self-manage or hire a strata manager to do all the work for them. But doing…

After a few years, or even a few months, some homeowners want to have their spaces renovated. New layout, design, décor and furniture – anything and everything that will give…

Green living can provide each resident, whether living in a house in the north shore, eastern suburbs or in any strata in Sydney, with reduced energy costs and a chance…

  Choosing an effective strata manager is key to successful and satisfying strata living. However, many property owners or body corporate often do not know what constitutes an ‘effective manager’…

Buying a strata unit can be a profitable investment. We say CAN BE because it’s not always a sure shot. The profitability of your investment will largely depend on your…

The state government has been forced to extend the deadline of the new legislation that stops people selling homes with pools without their safety fences to April 29, 2016.   The…

Following on from our recent articles about changes to the Home Building Act, the second and final round of changes are scheduled to kick off on 1 March. These changes will affect…

Living in a strata scheme means having different people from different backgrounds trying to live harmoniously together under one shared roof. With a solid set of by-laws agreed upon and…

Nothing lasts forever, and nothing stays unspoiled for years. Even a strata property will deteriorate over time and if the necessary measures are not taken, this can result in its…

Noise is an inevitable part of everyone’s life. It is a nuisance that everyone faces throughout their day and is found everywhere – in the traffic on the way to…

The changes to the home building act originally scheduled for 1 December 2014 have been officially scheduled for release in two stages in 2015. 15 January will be the first…

Our General Manager Michael Vumbaca was quoted in the Financial Review recently after being asked to provide an opinion on behalf of the Strata Management sector with regard to this…

Due to some interface upgrades the roll out of our much anticipated invoice approval system and document management system has been slightly delayed. Originally scheduled for release in December we…

Once again we got together this year as a company to review the year that was, and all that we need to work on in 2015 and beyond. We surveyed…

This summer, like all those before it, we see thousands of Australians of all ages and with varying degrees of skill taking to the water to stay cool in the…

2014 saw a number of key personnel changes here at Jamesons. We were delighted to welcome Andrew Kelty to our business earlier this year. Andrew brings with him over 10…

A peace of lifestyle luxury, now with a touch of compliance. New legislation for the sale or lease of a property with a pool will apply from 29 April 2015.…

It’s been a long time coming, but we are very proud to announce we have opened our doors in the Eastern Suburbs. Our new offices are situated at 12 William…

What is this NBN thing all about, and is it worth worrying about? Here are some quick facts for you to be aware of if your building has been approached…

While it is not clear exactly when changes to the Home Building Act (HBA) will be implemented, it is clear that they will have a dramatic effect on the ability…

Window legislation laws have changed so here are some important things you need to know to be prepared!  Changes in both Volumes of BCA 2013: Protection of openable windows (D2.24 and…

We understand that rising energy costs can be frustrating! What if we told you that you could save on energy bills whilst also reducing your carbon foot print? We know…

Recently we commissioned an independent research study to find out a little bit more about how people in NSW rate the service of their respective strata companies and strata managers?…

How are most strata disputes resolved? What is the difference between strata mediation and strata adjudication? How long does the process take? How much does it cost? The following article…

Renovations in strata are amongst the most debated issues as they bring with them a multitude of possible disruptions to fellow residents including noise, workmanship, cleanliness of the common areas…

Would you like to reduce you energy consumption and associated costs considerably? Earlier this year we took the initiative to investigate how we would be able to reduce our electricity…

Having grown up in the leafy and spacious upper north shore before moving into the inner city, I discovered very quickly how much I missed the lush green gardens that surrounded every…

It’s interesting to read that according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2.16 million renting families are pet owners. These significant numbers are likely to have something to do with…

It really makes you wonder what the world is coming to when people start getting shot at Strata Meetings. This event has shocked me personally and I am sure some…

Thanks to our friends at Mills Oakley for supplying the below article. It certainly highlights the importance of proper meeting procedures at all times. Without it, the implications can be terribly…

Article written by Mills Oakley Lawyers: On 18 September 2013, the Strata Schemes Management Amendment (Child Windows Safety) Bill ("the Bill") was introduced in the Legislative Assembly of the New…

Are Your Glazing Contractors Qualified? Most glazing problems occur right from the outset. They generally stem from the inappropriate select ion and installation of glass, often by unqualified tradespeople. You…

Energy bills are often complex. In most cases, without a solid background in energy, it can be difficult to understand what you are actually being charged for when you pay…

In Owners of Strata Plan 64282 v Patelis, the Supreme Court of New South Wales granted an Owners Corporation an urgent injunction preventing the registration of the transfer from the…

As we edge closer to “E-Day” – the looming September election, a number of debates are heating up the political landscape. The price on carbon continues to be at the…

With the continued rise in energy costs impacting commercial buildings across Australia, investing in energy efficiency makes more sense than ever. Energy efficient lighting is an obvious starting point for…

Incorrect energy bills cost Australian businesses thousands Energy Action leading the charge to help businesses understand energy costs With all their jargon, technical information and complex calculations, energy bills can…

On 19 July 2013, Justice Pembroke of the Supreme Court of NSW delivered a judgment in the case of The Owners - Strata Plan No. 70798 v Bakkante Constructions Pty…

Ever left Christmas shopping until the last minute - what happens? As consumers edge closer to Christmas Eve their purchase options become extremely limited and the chance of securing a…