Michael Teys is the founder of The Strata Professionals Group and the architect of the professional standard every office in the network operates to.
He brings more than 40 years in strata — including over 30 years as a specialist strata lawyer — a decade of strata business ownership, and an active programme of academic research into multi-owned property governance.
Michael practised as a specialist strata lawyer from 1994, advising committees, developers, and owners across the full spectrum of strata disputes, compliance, and governance, and served as a Fellow of the Australian College of Strata Law. He went on to own and run strata management companies across New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, and Western Australia, managing a combined portfolio of tens of thousands of apartments. Running those businesses gave him direct exposure to the operational pressures strata managers face — and revealed the structural weaknesses that became the catalyst for founding the network.
He holds a Master of Philosophy (Built Environment) from UNSW, where his thesis examined how mixed-use strata developments create anti-commons risks that impede urban renewal, completed under an Australian Research Council scholarship. He has been accepted at the University of Oxford to undertake a Doctorate of Philosophy in Law. He has held research positions at the City Futures Research Centre (UNSW) and Deakin University, and presents regularly at international forums including Oxford, the House of Commons, and the International Research Forum on Multi-Owned Properties in Spain, Canada and Australia.
Michael writes The Strata Professional, a weekly newsletter on strata law, committee governance, and why true professionalism matters in this industry. You can learn more about him at michaelteys.com.
This combination of legal practice, business ownership, and research is the foundation of the franchise standard. Every element of how the network operates — from the no-commission pricing structure to the Balanced Strata Method™ — is grounded in something tested rather than assumed.
This video presents a compelling argument for strata managers to embrace professionalism as a means to increase profitability. Michael Teys, a seasoned expert in the field, delves into the key aspects of strata management professionalism.
This article discusses the importance of efficient strata management and highlights the benefits of utilising a ticketing system. It compares traditional manual methods (like Excel spreadsheets) to modern software solutions such as HappyFox.
Struggling to manage overwhelming workloads in your strata management business? You're not alone. By applying proven business principles, you can transform your company and improve your quality of life.
A new law in New South Wales, Australia is set to increase regulations around insurance commissions for strata managers. This includes stricter disclosure requirements, increased penalties for non-compliance, and a mandate for obtaining multiple insurance quotes. While aiming to improve transparency, the law is criticised for adding complexity without effectively addressing conflicts of interest within the strata management industry.
Tired of spending countless hours drafting meeting minutes? Discover the future of meeting management with Fathom, an AI-powered notetaker that generates comprehensive and accurate minutes in mere minutes.
Keynote presentation: Sustainably managing the HUMAN capital presented by Michael Teys, Strata management consultant & researcher
This issue of The Strata Professional highlights a solution to a common strata management pain point: slow invoice processing. Strata Ap Connect, a new product from BBC Digital and Strata Max.
This article discusses the common challenges faced by new strata management businesses. It highlights the "entrepreneurial seizure" that leads to new business formation and the initial thrill of client acquisition. However, it warns of the "Founder's Trap" - the cycle of busyness without financial reward. The article emphasizes the importance of raising prices before increasing headcount and investing in robust operating systems to avoid this trap.
Discover essential insights for strata managers from the inaugural Strata Impact Conference. Learn about passive fire safety, mould prevention, effective meetings, sustainable apartments, and automated building inspections.
This article delves into the critical issue of compliance risk in strata management, highlighted by a recent tragic incident involving a fatal accident on common property. The article explores the severe consequences faced by the strata manager, including potential hefty fines and the devastating personal impact of such a tragedy. It argues for a greater recognition of the significant risks inherent in strata management, emphasising the need for increased professional training, improved service delivery, and a commensurate adjustment of management fees to reflect these heightened responsibilities.
