Strata volunteers manage buildings worth hundreds of billions of dollars, yet the Federal Government's National Volunteer Action Program doesn't mention them once. That's about to change.
Unfair lock-in management contracts have been the strata industry’s lifeline for decades. Dr Nicole Johnston’s research confirms what owners have long suspected: the standard agreement is designed to protect the manager, not the client. Read why this must change in this week’s edition of The Strata Professional newsletter.
Surgeons have a method. Accountants have a method. Engineers have a method. Strata managers have… an inbox and a prayer. After fifty years, it’s time to ask why no one has built a proper operational method for running a strata scheme. This week’s newsletter tackles the question.
Most businesses talk about what they do. The most disciplined ones start by deciding what they will never do. I'm announcing a new strata management firm built around an 11-point don't do list.
This article emphasises the critical role of timely Annual General Meetings (AGMs) in effective strata management. It argues that a organised AGM diary is a key indicator of a well-run strata management business. The article outlines common challenges in scheduling and conducting AGMs and provides practical solutions to overcome these obstacles. By sharing expert insights and real-world examples, this piece aims to assist strata managers in improving their AGM processes and ultimately enhancing overall strata management practices.
What Happens When You Let AI Analyse Your Strata Accounts? A Queensland Owner's Eye-Opening Experiment
Wasting Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars of Experts' Time
Strata managers often claim “transparency,” but hidden fees and undisclosed commissions tell another story. Owners must scrutinise agreements and financials to uncover the true cost of management.
Listen to the answers to the questions we didn't get to during a recent webinar with LookUpStrata on the new business environment for strata managers.
Johnny Bell of the Wingman Group with guest speaker Dr Sarah Bell, provide useful ideas for working with AI which are practical and human.
'Standard' strata management contracts across Australia's east coast are exposing professionals to serious liability. With new reforms tightening compliance, these agreements give you all the responsibility but none of the protection—leaving you vulnerable when things go wrong.
From Mascot Towers to Mandatory Compliance: The Game-Changing Reform That Could Save Strata Buildings
Learn essential meeting procedures and etiquette for strata managers. This resource provides a free template to help you navigate different scenarios, whether you're chairing the meeting or assisting the chairperson.
Learn how to present financial statements effectively at AGMs with our SOP. Overcome common challenges like inaccurate reports, accounting errors, and variances, and build trust with your clients through clear financial storytelling.
When your apartment suffers water damage, the last thing to ask is who should claim on their insurance. The first thing is who’s responsible, then ask what, where and why.
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.
A new statutory standard for conflict-of-interest disclosures in strata management has taken effect in NSW, requiring agencies to comply with 15 mandatory documents, including conflict of interest policies, staff training modules, pre-appointment disclosure statements, AGM disclosure motions, and insurance renewal disclosures. While positioned as ‘best practice,’ enforcement remains weak due to limited government funding, and major industry players (“Big Strata”) benefit from systemic conflicts of interest. With compliance becoming a bureaucratic burden rather than a safeguard for strata owners, the real issue is the need to eliminate conflicts altogether. Until meaningful reform happens, our Conflict of Interest Compliance Toolkit helps strata agencies navigate these complex new requirements. Download it today.
Beyond band-aid solutions: addressing the systemic failures in progressive repairs and maintenance of collectively owned properties worldwide.
Are you guilty of "I"-talk? Learn how to break the habit and captivate your audience with the power of "You."
A recent adjudication in the Queensland Body Corporate and Community Management Commission is an excellent reminder for all of us about living in communal properties.
We are proud to announce Fix My Strata, your new source for strata information you can trust. Our goal is to provide valuable information to strata owners and managers about how to fix strata property. Read to learn more about who we are, resources available now and resources coming soon.
The cancellation of Whitney Wang's strata management license and a 10-year ban is a significant development in the strata management industry. While the specific reasons for this action are not yet public, it has been reported that numerous statutory breaches were involved. This decision sets a new precedent for disciplinary actions against strata managers, potentially leading to increased complaints and scrutiny of the profession. Additionally, it may renew calls for stricter regulation of strata management in states and territories without existing licensing regimes. Ultimately, this case highlights the need for continued improvement and professionalism within the strata management industry.
Ready to elevate your strata management business? Here's how we can help you elevate your strata business for 2025.
Strata management doesn’t have to be reactive—introducing the Balanced Strata Method™, a structured approach to governance, compliance, maintenance, and finance. Be among the first to discover it at Amanda Farmer’s VIP Day on 27 March 2025!
From Ancient Athens to Modern Australia: The Case for Preserving Building Plans
This article explores how strata managers can learn from a cleaner's savvy pricing strategy to increase their own rates in 2025. Discover why embracing the "cop it or shop it" mentality and confidently communicating your value can lead to a significant income boost.
AI Tips for Strata Professionals - Legally compliant strata committee minutes without the hassle - save two hours for each set of minutes
Should strata law be simplified? This week, we challenge conventional wisdom on disclosure laws and the three-quote rule for insurance renewal. Share your thoughts and explore our Strata Conflicts Disclosure Toolkit today!
How Strata Managers Can Finally Gain Professional Respect (And Higher Profits)
This toolkit has been prepared to help strata management agencies navigate regulation changes and comply with the laws and new standards.
The article discusses the common tendency to seek quick fixes for overwhelming problems, using the analogy of impulse purchases. Michael Teys applies this to strata management software, where many don't fully utilise the new software's features after switching. Michael Teys suggests focusing on incremental improvements, starting with automating meeting papers and electronic voting. This approach saved one client an estimated three hours per AGM, translating to significant time savings over a year. The article concludes by offering help to overcome the reliance on quick fixes and achieve real improvements.
Paper notifications for strata meetings create unnecessary delays, added costs, and inefficiencies, often due to outdated legal requirements or strata managers benefiting financially from paper-based processes. A simple amendment to strata laws—requiring owners who can't use electronic communication to appoint an agent—could eliminate these disruptions and modernize strata management.
Explore Nicole Johnston’s explosive new report that exposes the hidden conflicts and ethical pitfalls at the heart of Australian strata management. Discover why voluntary reform isn’t enough, and what real change must look like. Don’t miss the inside story.
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.
Cities are under increasing pressure from climate shocks and social strains. So, resilience is now essential. Discover how Sydney’s Resilient Cities Strategy is reshaping the way strata communities adapt, thrive, and prepare for the unexpected. Learn how urban resilience begins at your apartment door. Find out what you can do to prepare for disruptions, no matter where your strata is in Australia.
I've been honoured to be selected to present a paper at the 8th International Research Forum on Multi-Owned Properties in January 2026. Here's an abstract for my paper.
Think Australian strata is tough? Try England's leasehold system. You buy your flat but never own it, pay ground rent forever, and have zero say in repairs - while footing the bill. Howard Stewart, my late, great patron, would be thrilled I'm speaking at Kings College London next week about why our "perfectly imperfect" strata system beats serving medieval lords.
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 explores the varying degrees of delegated authority in different Australian states and raises questions about these powers' practical use and consequences.
Discover a simple formula to quickly determine liability for property damage in strata schemes. Save time and reduce stress with this effective approach.
A recruiter posts a senior strata job with 'Schedule B's' as a perk. A LinkedIn storm erupts. And when called out, the response is chilling: 'it's just industry practice.' Sound familiar? It should — banking said the same thing before the Hayne Royal Commission tore it apart.
Struggling with neglected clients, overdue tasks, or that looming AGM? You're not alone. Every strata manager faces mental blocks, but they don't have to derail your business. This guide reveals a proven, three-step method to tackle your "mental block files," reclaim your productivity, and find peace of mind. Learn how to name, share, and conquer these challenges, and discover additional support to optimize your strata management practices.
There’s a certain sameness to the strata management proposals I’ve collected over the years. No matter what part of the nation they come from, and no matter whether from large or small practices, they tend to follow the same formula. This sameness makes it hard to choose one from the other, so the determining factor becomes price.
From Despair to Action: How Strata's Hidden Billions Could Fund Real Solutions
83% of Your Market Overlooked: Why Small Strata Schemes Require a Different Business Model
Revolutionary AI robot approves pets in 45 seconds—no human intervention needed. This isn't just automation; it's true decision-making AI that handles strata tasks independently. While competitors offer chatbots, we've built autonomous robots tackling real procedures. Pet approvals are just the beginning—64 more procedures await. Finally, a path to scaling strata management beyond the industry's stubborn 380 lots-per-FTE ceiling.
Beyond the Lot Count: Why Relationships Matter More in Strata Management
There's a renewed optimism within Strata Community Association’s newly elected boards in QLD, NSW, and Victoria, as they aim to rebuild public trust and elevate the profession. Despite recent controversies, experienced and fresh leaders are poised to strengthen governance and drive positive reform. Keywords: Strata Community Association, SCA governance, strata management, public trust, professionalisation.
Unlock this week's free template outlining 9 essential steps to winning new strata management business. Ensure you're not missing any key strategies and improve your operating procedures for success. Let us know how we can assist in refining your approach. Keywords: strata management business, winning strategies, free template, operating procedures, business success.
Breaking the Silence: How Smart Managers Turn Contract Discussions into Competitive Advantage
Three high-rise disasters. Three countries. Three completely different reform responses. While Florida hammered condo owners with structural inspections and reserve studies, and England went after developers with billion-dollar cladding bills, NSW took the most holistic approach - touching every stage of your building's lifecycle. Here's what comparative research reveals about building safety reform.
From Sydney's Toll Complaints to Istanbul's War Context: What Australian Strata Can Learn from Turkish Condos
Foundations That Last: Why Strata Needs More Than Quick Fixes
Is your inbox overwhelming you? Discover how to find peace and purpose in a time-limited life. Oliver Burkeman's Four Thousand Weeks offers practical strategies to resist the productivity trap and focus on what truly matters. Learn how to declutter your mind and embrace a more meaningful existence.
There are few people in the world that have seen and learnt as much about strata as Francesco Andreone. He’s controversial, but he is one of the few in the industry that thinks deeply about the strata condition and his views are always worth considering.
Are you a strata manager struggling with public speaking anxiety? This article offers practical advice on overcoming negative self-talk and building confidence for successful AGMs in the post-COVID era. Learn how to reframe your thoughts and deliver impactful presentations.
Requiring two quotes for major strata expenditure prioritizes price over quality and hinders trusted decision-making. It’s time to scrap outdated rules and let strata managers and committees do their job—choosing the best contractor, not just the cheapest. Scrap it or save it?
This article critically examines the Strata Community Association Australasia (SCA) in the wake of the Steadfast insurance brokerage scandal. It highlights the organisation's lack of leadership, the discredited Professional Standards Scheme, and the identity crisis it faces.
Explore the rising tensions in strata management post-pandemic, the impact on staff morale, and strategies to reduce workplace aggression and improve communication in the industry.
This article explores the ongoing push for strata management to achieve professional status. It delves into the key components of a profession, the benefits of professionalisation, and the steps required to achieve this goal. The article also discusses the current state of strata management in terms of these criteria and outlines the necessary actions to elevate the industry to professional standards.
This special edition of The Strata Professional delves into the recent strata management crisis, drawing parallels to the Alliance Strata scandal of the 1990s. The article explores the ongoing issue of undisclosed insurance commissions and the potential impact of federal intervention from the ACCC.
Is your building one of the 50% with serious defects? NSW's construction crisis has turned the dream of apartment ownership into a nightmare for thousands. But sweeping new reforms are finally shifting responsibility back where it belongs. Discover how the Building Commissioner's new powers and industry changes could protect your building—or help fix it. Read more in this week's The Strata Professional.
Crisis Point: Why Australia's $10 Billion Strata Sector Needs Emergency National Coordination
Tackle levy arrears effectively with our SOP for strata managers. Learn strategies for addressing common challenges like missed fee notices, owner ignorance, and financial hardship while maintaining compliance and delivering better outcomes.
Learn from a recent WHS prosecution where a strata management company was fined $150,000 for a fatal workplace accident. Discover key observations from the case and essential steps for strata management principals to manage their risk of personal liability in WHS incidents
Is the end nigh for the traditional strata management model? NSW's new laws are set to disrupt the industry.
Learn how to streamline insurance arrangements for owners corporations with our Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). Discover common challenges—like missed deadlines, premium objections, or funding issues—and practical solutions to stay on top of this crucial task.
This article challenges the necessity of NSW strata laws requiring summary financial statements, arguing that they duplicate existing work without adding value. Instead, it advocates for full financial statements at AGMs to promote transparency and trust while questioning whether outdated regulations should be scrapped or retained.
Don't let your AGMs be a flop! Learn how to elevate your meetings and build stronger relationships with your clients.
When banks introduced ATMs, they slashed transaction costs by 75% and improved customer satisfaction—yet employment actually increased. Fifty years later, strata management faces the same opportunity. Technology can reduce operating costs, boost margins, and eliminate email overload, all without cutting staff. The ASM revolution is here.
For forty years, the strata industry's answer to dysfunctional committees has been the same: education. This October, NSW mandates compulsory training for committee members. Other states are thinking of doing the same. I think it will backfire, and there's solid psychological science to explain why.
Simplify issuing quotes and work orders with our SOP for strata managers. Avoid common pitfalls, streamline your process, and reduce WHS liability with practical solutions and best practices.
Discover how to stand out in the competitive search for strata management talent, where staff turnover is at an all-time high. With 15 million Australians on LinkedIn, it's the perfect platform to showcase your company culture and attract top talent. Learn the latest tips, including how to avoid buzzwords and make your LinkedIn profile shine in 2024. Keywords: strata management talent, LinkedIn tips, staff turnover, competitive hiring, company culture
Four Corners Exposes Strata Manager Scandals: Get ahead of the crisis with expert advice. Learn how to handle tough questions, protect your reputation, and maintain client trust in the face of industry scrutiny. Don't miss this essential guide for strata managers navigating the aftermath of the Four Corners investigation.
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.
This article discusses critical issues affecting the strata management industry. It features an interview with industry experts on a podcast, delving into topics such as questionable charging practices, accountability gaps, and the challenges of industry reform.
A deadly pattern is emerging in the world’s high rise disasters. From Wang Fuk to Grenfell to Champlain Towers, residents warned, experts hesitated and regulators failed to act. Australia has escaped mass casualties so far—but is that design, response, or luck? This blog asks the hard questions about what must change.
Upcoming webinar: How strata managers are adapting to a new business environment
In December, I'll be presenting with Free Leaseholder in London, to talk about how Australia's strata management system compares to the leaseholder system in the UK.
New conflict of interest disclosure standards are coming into effect for NSW strata management companies on February 3, 2025, impacting how they operate and interact with suppliers. This toolkit explores the 7 key areas managers must now disclose, going beyond insurance commissions to ensure transparency and ethical practices.
Announcing a new training session for real estate property managers
Through the Lens of a Strata Manager: The Practice Behind the Process
Strata Sundowners with Michael Teys, Perth WA, 18 November 2025
Our WA Strata Sundowner is sold out!
The United States of Strata Australia - Part 4
NSW strata owners face tougher regulations. Learn about the new powers of government regulators and how they will impact the industry.
The United States of Strata Australia - Part 6
The United States of Strata Australia - Part 3
The United States of Strata Australia - Part 5
This article challenges the race to the bottom in strata management fees, offering a strategic framework for strata managers to initiate fee discussions, showcase their value, and build stronger client relationships. Discover five key opportunities to address fees throughout the client lifecycle, from pre-appointment discussions to contract renewals, and shift the focus from price to value.
The United States of Strata Australia - Part 2
