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Strata

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Housing from the 1970s may not have the glamour of some modern buildings, but it is functional and comfortable.

I’m retired and sick of strata fees. Should I sell up and rent instead?

The costs that come with owning an apartment such as special levies and strata fees can quickly build up.

  • Paul Benson

Latest

A strata manager has been disqualified.

Apartment owners jubilant as dodgy strata manager banned for life

Michael Lee once hired six burly security guards to prevent some owners attending their AGM. He’s now been banned.

  • Sue Williams
Maria and John Tsolakis bought an apartment in 2021 but it has had multiple defects which have resulted in multiple water leaks and mould issues in their Ettalong Bay townhouse.

Maria thought her townhouse was ‘perfect’. Then her bedroom ceiling began to drip

Defects are being kept out of strata reports and the building commission is removing defects notices from public view - all of which creates a trap for prospective buyers such as the Tsolakis family.

  • Anthony Segaert
Photo of (L-R) Adrian Cropley, Jenny Holmes and Ian Henson in front of their apartment at AC Marriott, Normanby Building in Southbank

Adrian bought a glamorous new home. Then there was a $3000-a-year catch

It looked a fabulous prospect: living above a five-star hotel with a rooftop pool and gym. Then things went downhill.

  • Sue Williams
Stuart McLean considered an apartment for sale, then had second thoughts.

Stuart found the ideal home - until he found out it was tainted

At first glance, it was a stunning $4 million penthouse. But when he looked into the building further, he had second thoughts.

  • Sue Williams
Miguel Frohlich wants to charge his electric car at home, but can’t.

Miguel bought a car. Then there was a $2000 cost to charge it

He was thrilled to have a car that would be so much cheaper to run – but then he drove straight into a metaphorical wall.

  • Sue Williams
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Nature’s dryer.

In our block of flats, the majority was hung out to dry

A fraction shy of 75 per cent of the vote supported our right to put a clothes-drying rack on our balconies. That wasn’t enough. Strata law needs to change.

  • Vaidehi Shah
Vaidehi Shah has a drying rack set up in their living room because the strata bylaws prohibit it from going on the balcony.

Apartment dwellers push for the right to air their clean laundry

Millions of Australians live in apartments, but many new developments ban washing from being hung outdoors.

  • Caitlin Fitzsimmons
Rob Chan at his North Sydney apartment building.

A place in the sun: How to get solar to 2.5m apartment dwellers

Australia has the highest uptake of rooftop solar in the world, but the growing number of apartment dwellers has been left behind. This is how to turn the tables.

  • Caitlin Fitzsimmons and Bianca Hall
Strata residents are being advised to cross-check maintenance and repair quotes to ensure they’re getting value for money.

Strata residents warned of inflated invoices for trades work

The Australian Consumers Insurance Lobby has warned maintenance quotes are being inflated by up to 120 per cent for people in strata units amid limited oversight by committees.

  • Amber Schultz

Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/topic/strata-hqk