Community Insights

A recent court ruling (SafeWork NSW v The Owners – Strata Plan No 93899) has sent shockwaves through owners corporations across New South Wales, especially those with commercial enterprises, including short-term holiday lets, within their buildings. A Wollongong strata scheme was slapped with a hefty penalty of over a quarter of a million dollars following the tragic death of a worker in an avoidable accident. This case underscores the critical need for strata schemes to re-e

With rising rent and cost of living pressures, overcrowded apartments may become a more prevalent issue for communities across Sydney. As more individuals and families are forced to squeeze into smaller spaces, the consequences of overcrowding become increasingly apparent, impacting health, safety, and the overall quality of life for residents. While council rules set occupancy limits, the role of by-laws in ensuring these limits are adhered to is critical. By empowering owne

Apartment living has transformed dramatically over the decades, reflecting shifts in societal norms, economic conditions, technological advancements, and lifestyle preferences. Let's take a journey through time to explore how apartment design has evolved, from the early 20th century to the modern day. 1920s-1940s: The Birth of Apartment Living In the early 20th century, urbanisation spurred the demand for apartment buildings in major cities. These early apartments often featu

Neglecting gutters can lead to serious consequences, including water damage to the property's foundation, basement, walls, and roof, as clogged gutters prevent proper water drainage and may cause overflow. This can result in roof leaks, rot, structural damage, and the growth of mould and pests. Additionally, overflowing gutters can saturate the soil around the foundation, leading to soil erosion, settling, and cracks. That's why regular gutter cleaning should be on the list o

If you live in NSW, you'll have heard of the NSW government's Transport-Oriented Development or TOD planning reforms. These groundbreaking changes are reshaping urban landscapes, offering residents a new way to live, work, and play. Let's explore what these reforms mean for apartment living and how they're revolutionising the way we think about housing and transportation. What is Transport-Oriented Development (TOD)? The Transport Oriented Development (TOD) program aims to ad

Compass Strata had the pleasure of attending Strata Community Insurance's 2024 Autumn Forum where keynote speaker Dr Nicole Johnston shared her research findings on Building Care Action in Ageing Strata Properties: Facilitating Better Outcomes. Dr. Johnston is the Founder and Director of Strata Knowledge, and former lecturer at Deakin and Griffith Universities. She leads impactful projects, advises governments, and chairs international forums on strata and community title law