July 2010

The great strata hurdle

31 Jul 2010

Older-style commercial and residential buildings are being overlooked as development sites because of outdated strata laws, according to Colliers investment sales executive Tim Fox.

Read the full article by Keeli Cambourne in the Sydney Morning Herald

Change in wind as balconies air dirty laundry

17 Jul 2010

Apartment balconies could become ''Hills Hoists on high'' if the state government proceeds with environment-friendly strata regulations to allow residents to hang their washing outside.

The Department of Fair Trading has proposed a change to strata by-laws which prohibit washing from being hung on anything except designated clotheslines without the permission of the owners' corporation - a measure many believe has contributed to high use of greenhouse gas-producing clothes dryers.

Read the full article by Josephine Tovey & Jonathan Chancellor in the Sydney Morning Herald

Safety fears for apartment dwellers

16 Jul 2010

RESIDENTS of a Brighton-Le-Sands apartment block claim they are being refused access to information concerning fire safety and insurance for their building.

Residents of the Oceanview Apartments, above Coles, Brighton-Le-Sands, are struggling to find out whether their building is fireproof.

Read the full article by Marianna Papadakis in The Leader

Invitation to Comment: Proposed Strata Schemes Management Regulation 2010

The Subordinate Legislation Act 1989 generally provides for the automatic repeal of statutory rules (regulations) after they have been in force for five years. The Strata Schemes Management Regulation 2005 is due for repeal on 1 September 2010. To ensure that the requirements of the Strata Schemes Management Act 1996 can continue to apply, it is proposed to make a replacement Regulation with a number of amendments to reduce red tape for strata owners. A draft Strata Schemes Management Regulation 2010 has been prepared and is available for public comment along with a Regulatory Impact Statement, which discusses the costs and benefits of the proposed Regulation.

Have your say

One-vehicle policy: high rise residents feel the pinch

15 Jul 2010

Clogged roads have convinced Canada Bay Council to force developers of new high-rise apartment blocks to limit car ownership and provide access to car-share schemes for all residents in the planned high-rise towers.

Households in the new developments will be restricted from owning multiple cars, with rules forbidding developers from providing more than one car space for each unit, even those with three or more bedrooms.

Read the full article by Matthew Moore in the Sydney Morning Herald

Friendly neighbours can increase property prices

10 Jul 2010

When good neighbours become good friends, it can not only make apartment buildings much more enjoyable places to live but also boost the price of the property.

One of the key things professional strata record searchers look at in apartment blocks or complexes when they're examining buildings on behalf of potential purchasers is how friendly, harmonious and happy the residents are.

Read the full article by Susan Wellings in Domain

It's easier being green

03 Jul 2010

The supply of eco-friendly developments is blooming, writes Jane Burton Taylor.

The demand for green apartments is growing and looks set to rocket. Government initiatives are fuelling the trend but so too are people who have already experienced living in sustainable houses.

Read the full article by Jane Burton Taylor in Domain

Off-plan contract changes help buyer

01 Jul 2010

People who buy properties off the plan will have greater protection from developers who wish to make last-minute changes to homes such as switching the light fittings or reducing precious floor space.

Property lawyers say new legislation about unfair contract terms could leave some developers exposed to contract terminations if they neglect to review their purchase agreements.

Read the full article by Melissa Singer in the Sydney Morning Herald