This article is based on content from The WA Strata Magazine by LookUpStrata, published in May 2025, pages 36-37. For more information, visit The WA Strata Magazine . Buying a Strata Property Purchasing a strata property is different from buying a standalone (freehold) home. In a strata scheme, you own your individual lot, but you also share ownership of common property areas. These can include gardens, external walls, the roof, driveways, lifts and other shared spaces.  With

Strata managers today face increasing complexity in managing buildings, often with limited oversight, incomplete documentation, and escalating stakeholder expectations. Defects are an unavoidable part of building management, but their impact can be significantly reduced through early detection, documentation, and strategic planning. A Chaning Industry Landscape Australian construction activity has reached record lows. The construction sector faces compounding pressures due to

EnergyTec’s new portal Pharos turns the dial on energy analytics, helping strata and property managers make clear sense of their portfolio’s intricate utility metrics in one streamlined platform. As a leader in end-to-end energy and sub-metering solutions in Western Australia, EnergyTec’s new energy and utility portal, Pharos, is offering the WA strata and property sector a new era in energy analytics. Pharos is designed to revolutionise how clients can access and manage thei

Workers’ compensation insurance protects employers and injured workers from financial costs if a worker suffers a work-related injury or disease. These costs could include a one-off lump sum payment, income replacement, medical and rehabilitation expenses, or support when returning to work. What you need to know Workers' Compensation insurance is mandatory for businesses that engage workers. This includes strata companies. Under the legislation, the definition of a Worker is

In WA, properties can be part of a ‘built strata’ scheme or a survey-strata scheme. In both types of scheme, owners share ownership and responsibility for common property. However, in a survey-strata scheme, only lot boundaries and common property are shown on the survey-strata plan. It doesn’t show any buildings. This has some implications for insurance arrangements. There are two ways survey-strata schemes can insure common property and lots – individually or together. Indi

When the rainy season hits this winter, you'll want to ensure your property is adequately prepared to handle the deluge. Failing to do so could result in a blocked drain, flooding, and significant damage to your home or business. From June to August you'll be especially at risk, so now is the time to take the necessary steps to protect your property from any emergency plumbing issues. We have the info you need to know about stormwater drains. Read the full article written by

The City Futures Research Centre at the University of New South Wales has released Australasian Strata Insights 2024. Funded by Strata Community Association, this report offers a comprehensive analysis of strata living statistics across Australia and New Zealand in 2024.   This year’s findings reveal that strata properties in Western Australia are valued at approximately $112 billion, with around 10% of the WA population living in strata developments.   In addition to the dat

This article is based on content from The WA Strata Magazine by LookUpStrata, published in March 2025, pages 32-33. For more information, visit The WA Strata Magazine . Strata plans in Western Australia can seem complex, but they play a crucial role in property ownership and management. If you've ever wondered how apartment buildings, townhouses, and mixed-use developments are legally structured, you've come to the right place. Let’s break it down in a way that makes sense. W

Understanding Strata Schemes and Strata Insurance Responsibilities Strata properties require the right insurance coverage to protect owners and residents from potential risks. Understanding the different types of strata schemes and their insurance requirements is essential to ensure owners are adequately protected. CHU specialises in strata insurance and strata services. This includes a range of insurance options depending on the property owner’s circumstances and the unique

Perth's strata property owners now have a clear path toward energy efficiency. Western Australia's residential landscape includes 250,000 strata properties among its 860,000 homes. The numbers tell an important story - 75% of Australians want to lower their energy use, especially since residential buildings account for 13% of Australia's greenhouse gas emissions. The City of Perth understands these challenges. Their new Residential Energy Upgrade program offers practical supp

Strata properties are an essential part of the urban landscape in Australia. Whether you're managing a residential building, townhouse complex, or mixed-use development, the appearance and upkeep of your strata property directly impact its value, liveability, and overall appeal. One of the most significant ways to ensure that your strata complex remains in top condition is through regular repainting. A fresh coat of paint doesn’t just improve the aesthetic of a property; it p

Insurers focus on infrastructure risks with older buildings, like electrical and plumbing services, where failure could be catastrophic. Strata schemes need to allocate money in their Reserve Fund for major infrastructure upgrades. However, being proactive with ongoing maintenance and regular inspections can help strata schemes keep their property safe and operable day-to-day. You can read more about understanding the risks with ageing strata schemes via the link below. This

All strata managers* are required by law to lodge an annual return through Landgate referring to the strata schemes they managed the year prior. The information collected from these submissions gives valuable insights into Western Australia's strata sector. By fulfilling this obligation, strata managers contribute to a better understanding of the sector while ensuring compliance with the law.   The reporting window for 2024 is currently open with all reports due on 31 March 2

Managing large-scale moisture repairs is complex and high-stakes process. Without proper planning, expertise, and execution, projects can quickly spiral into costly delays and disputes. Property owners and managers must navigate logistics, budgeting, compliance, and communication challenges to ensure repairs are done efficiently and effectively. To help you avoid these pitfalls, we've outlines ten most common mistakes made during large-scale moisture repair projects along wit

With the WA State General Election approaching, SCA (WA) is proud to present its 2025 Election Platform.   As the leading voice for the strata sector in Western Australia, SCA (WA) aims to highlight why strata should be a key focus in the upcoming state election.   Strata plays a vital role in WA’s economy, with developments continuing to grow. Strata properties in Perth alone are valued at $99 billion, and 1 in 6 WA residents live in apartments or strata dwellings. This make

Steve Elliott Lync Insurance Brokers is excited to announce a new chapter in its journey with the appointment of Steve Elliott as our General Manager. With a wealth of experience in leadership and business growth, Steve joins Lync to continue building on the company’s strong foundation and to lead the team into an exciting future. Having recently spent 10 years at Macquarie Bank, Steve is no stranger to Strata Management. His strategic mindset and client-first approach make h

Navigating strata insurance can be complex, but understanding best practice regarding disclosure can simplify the process

Appointing a strata manager for your property can provide you and your co-owners with significant benefits.

SCA (WA) supports STGR Amendments to enhance education and professionalism while advocating for clarity and higher standards.

Learn about Cured-In-Place Pipe Lining, how it works & why it's an efficient, eco-friendly pipe repair solution in Perth from Tunnel Vision!