Introduction to the Strata System

For those who are new to the Australian real estate the term “Strata” can be quite confusing. Many people might be more used to the terms flats or apartments, well the concept is pretty much the same. There is a big plot of land and each owner, owns a small piece of it. They have exclusively ownership of their own lot but will have joint ownership of the common property that is the yards, the roof, the parking, etc. Each owner has to contribute some specific amount to the fund that will be used to carry out the maintenance of the common property. This makes painting the property a bit of a bother. You need to be very clear about which part of the property you actually own before you call in the strata painters in the area.

The one possible difference between a strata lot and an apartment could be that the apartment is usually found in high rises while a strata lot can be anywhere. Even townhouses and duplexes can be owned according to the strata system. Painters in Sydney are aware of the concept so they know that when they are called to paint your lot, they are supposed to paint your lot alone. You need to specify to him, which part of the property is yours and where your property ends. You do not want to start a row with your neighbor for having accidentally painted their sides!

The strata system allows you to own a beautiful property but at affordable rates. Imagine owning a property with pools, gyms and other facilities. These would be way beyond the budget of a common man. But since many strata title properties have these facilities included, you can enjoy these facilities and only pay a small price for it. The joint ownership makes it a lot more affordable. The only problem is that you have some restrictions. Like, before you can call in the strata painters of Sydney to paint the exterior walls, you need to consult all the lot members and jointly make a decision which becomes bothersome sometimes.