Understanding Strata Plans in Western Australia
- WA Communications
- Apr 1
- 2 min read
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.
What is a Strata Plan?
A strata plan is a legal document that lays out the boundaries of individual lots and shared spaces in a strata-titled property. It ensures that owners know exactly what belongs to them and what’s considered common property.
When you own a strata you own your lot or unit, however you also co-own the common sections of the property with the other owners.
This means you are responsible to ensure these are insured, maintained and repaired.
A strata plan is a useful tool to help you identify what you own both solely and jointly with the other owners. To ensure you have the full picture be sure to reference your schemes by-laws as well as your strata plan.
The Legal Backbone: Strata Titles Act 1985
The Strata Titles Act 1985 is the key legislation that governs strata schemes in WA. It was created to establish rules around property subdivision and ownership within a strata community. Over the years, amendments have been made to ensure the Act keeps up with modern developments.
Before 1966, things were largely unregulated, there were no clear boundaries, and properties were owned under a system called Tenants in Common (Purple Title). This meant that multiple people could own a property without clearly defined sections.
The introduction of strata titles in 1966 changed everything by allowing for individual ownership of defined lots within a shared property.
Understanding Boundaries
One of the most important aspects of a strata plan is boundary definition. Boundaries determine where private ownership ends and common property begins.
Laws defining property boundaries have changed drastically over the years so your strata plan is an important document to reference to ensure you are aware of your particular boundaries.
The Role of Landgate
If you need a copy of your strata plan or want to check out the by-laws for a property, you can order them through Landgate, WA’s official titles and property information service. While Landgate can provide you with these documents they will not provide interpretations, if you need help interpreting your strata plan or understanding your properties boundaries it is best to seek legal advice. You can search for strata plans online at: Landgate Property Search.
Final Thoughts
Strata plans are essential for ensuring that strata properties run smoothly. Whether you’re buying an apartment, investing in a townhouse, or managing a strata property, understanding how strata plans work will help you navigate ownership rights and responsibilities with confidence. If you’re ever unsure, checking with Landgate or a strata specialist is always a smart move!
Read the full article below, or online at LookUpStrata
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