Strata living has become more common across Western Australia, particularly in well located suburbs close to jobs, transport and lifestyle amenities.
For many buyers, it offers a more affordable entry point. For others, it's about convenience and a better lifestyle. But it's important to understand that buying strata is different to buying a standalone home.
When you purchase a strata property, you are not just buying four walls. You are buying into a shared scheme with shared costs, shared rules and shared decision making.
What do you actually own?
Every strata property is part of a scheme.
You own your individual lot, which is defined on the strata plan. In most cases, this is the internal space of your apartment, townhouse or villa. The exact boundaries are set out in the plan, and they are not always what people assume.
You also own a share of the common property. This is owned collectively by all lot owners and can include:
- Roofs and external walls
- Driveways and gardens
- Lifts and stairwells
- Shared facilities including pools or gyms.
Understanding the difference between your lot and common property is important when it comes to maintenance and responsibility.
What is the strata company?
When you buy into a strata scheme in WA, you automatically become part of the strata company.
The strata company is made up of all owners in the complex. It is responsible for managing common property, arranging building insurance, and setting levies to cover shared expenses.
As a lot owner, you have voting rights and can attend Annual General Meetings (AGM) where decisions about budgets and maintenance are made.
At each AGM, owners elect a council of owners. The council acts on behalf of all owners and helps make decisions between general meetings. In many schemes, a licensed strata manager is also appointed to handle the administration and ensure the scheme meets its legal obligations.
What are strata levies?
Strata levies are regular payments made by owners to cover the costs of running the scheme.
These typically include:
- Day-to-day expenses such as cleaning, gardening and utilities for common areas
- Contributions to a reserve fund for future works, such as painting or major repairs.
Levies vary depending on the size of the complex and the facilities provided. A larger building with lifts and amenities will usually have higher ongoing costs than a small group of villas.
Before making an offer, you should review the scheme’s financial statements, current levy amounts and reserve fund balance.
What about the rules?
Each strata scheme operates under its own set of by laws.
These rules can cover pets, parking, renovations, noise and the use of common areas. They are legally enforceable and apply to all owners and residents.
Buyers should read the by-laws carefully to ensure the scheme suits their lifestyle and plans.
What documents should you check?
Western Australia has specific strata disclosure requirements.
Sellers must provide certain information to buyers before settlement, including financial information and recent meeting minutes. Reviewing these documents can help identify upcoming works, disputes, or potential costs.
A local REIWA agent can help guide buyers through the disclosure process and explain what to look for.
Strata properties can work well for many buyers. But like any purchase, understanding what you are buying into is key. Taking the time to review the details, and seeking professional advice, can help you make a confident and informed decision.
Live in strata, or thinking of moving into a strata complex? Landgate’s WA Strata Living Guide covers everything from by-laws and meetings to renovations and dispute processes, and is a useful resource for anyone living in, or considering, a strata property.
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