CHU is proud to launch its Green Grant Program which will support sustainable initiatives within residential strata properties. Open to policyholders of CHU's Residential Strata Insurance, the Green Grant Program will award a total of $50,000 in its inaugural year to empower body corporates and property owners to implement sustainable initiatives that reduce their environmental footprint, improve energy efficiency and foster community involvement. The program addresses a fund

Many homeowners are unaware that internal water damage poses a more common and costly risk than fire and burglary. While we generally protect our property against theft and fire with locking devices, alarm systems and smoke detectors, a far greater potential problem lies in wait – water damage. That sinking feeling The average water damage claim increased by 72% between 2014-2018, from $17,627 to $30,361*.  Water damage makes up 34% of an insurer’s property-related claims. Un

Risks, inspections and funding pathways for existing schemes Waterproofing defects remain a major issue across WA strata, with independent studies showing high defect rates in apartments. Balconies and terraces are frequent ingress points, and WA’s Building & Energy audits are examining practices. NCC 2025 will tighten waterproofing and water-shedding provisions, but existing schemes still need action now: prioritise inspections, fast-track rectification of known leaks, and u

The common areas of residential complexes are an important part of the building and often used in marketing to attract prospective buyers. However, many serious injuries and larger liability claims are a result of incidents occurring in these areas. Recreation facilities are an integral part of a residential complex, but they can also come with a myriad of liability issues. Some facilities such as gyms and saunas may be used by people who may not have exercised for a long tim

The big picture, in plain English The Commonwealth’s Net Zero Plan puts transport, buildings and electricity at the centre of the transition. It explicitly leans on the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) —now law and in force—to shift the new-car market toward much cleaner models from 2025. As supply changes, about half of all new light vehicles sold by 2035 will need to be electric to stay inside the 2035 economy-wide target. That’s not a fad; it’s a planning assumption

This article is based on content from The WA Strata Magazine by LookUpStrata, published in July 2025, pages 34-35. For more information, visit The WA Strata Magazine . What you need to know Understanding strata insurance is essential for both strata council members and lot owners. While it's a legal requirement for all strata companies, the type and scope of insurance can vary significantly depending on the nature of the scheme (strata scheme or a survey-strata scheme). This

A strata complex that underwent a major energy conversion to an embedded network model has paved the way for other aging properties in WA to do the same. A major electrical overhaul at Fremantle’s Johnson Court has transformed the 121‑lot strata scheme into a future‑ready, cost‑effective precinct through the implementation of a fully integrated embedded network (EN). The mixed‑use development at 23 Adelaide Street comprising 111 residential units and eight commercial tenancie

For strata developers and managers, long-term asset performance, financial sustainability, and regulatory compliance all hinge on one vital tool: the Capital Maintenance Forecast. More than just a budgeting exercise, this forecast acts as a financial blueprint for the upkeep and preservation of shared property assets. By establishing a detailed and forward-thinking capital maintenance plan, developers and strata managers can safeguard the physical and financial health of thei

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

Sharing the workload at apartment complexes can produce amazing results during major projects such as renovations.

Strata Community Association (WA) President, Catherine Lezer, was guest speaker at a recent meeting of the WA Local Government...