Strata Living on the Rise
The tasks undertaken by a strata manager are usually dictated by the owners’ corporation that employs them, although some have full authority with limitations. Responsibilities include coordinating and conducting meetings, collecting and banking levies, obtaining insurance, improving assets, and managing financial records.
Strata managers must have a detailed understanding of legislation and ensure the buildings they manage are compliant.
According to the State Government, there are currently more than 85,000 strata schemes in NSW. Around 50 per cent of Greater Sydney will be living in strata communities by 2040.
They are currently rolling out strata legislation reforms, such as improved planning for repairs and maintenance, as well as requirements for certain multi-storey strata schemes. From 1 October 2026, strata committee members must also complete mandatory training.
“A strata committee is not a social club; you shouldn’t join because your friends are on it, or you felt pressure to be on it because you are carrying some of that legal liability,” Ms Franzen said.
Why Reforms will Add Value
Reena Van Aalst, Chairperson of the REINSW Strata Management Chapter Committee, likens strata committees to a board of directors, with the strata manager acting as a company secretary but with more responsibilities.
She agrees legislative changes are a step in the right direction and will assist communities to further appreciate the work performed by their strata manager.
“There are no qualifications required to be on a strata committee - you don’t even have to own a property in the complex,” said Ms Van Aalst, Managing Director and Founder of Strata Central.
“Sometimes we can become the meat in the sandwich with an aggrieved owner or resident and the strata committee. Now with the compulsory training, people will be more aware of their role, and that will help us to be seen in a different light because they will realise our responsibilities.
“People who value their strata manager know it adds value to their property. But it is a job where you need to be all things to everyone, and currently, there is a lot of litigation within buildings.”
Complexity Requires Professional Insights
Strata management is also morphing into an advisory role that requires a detailed skill set, and professionalism says Ben Cabello, founder and licensee of Strata Embassy. He has seen massive changes in the job over the past two decades.
“We used to deal with pretty basic issues in smaller apartment blocks if you look at meeting minutes from 25 years ago, but we now have larger and more complex strata schemes and a multitude of compliance and remediation requirements,” he said.
“The industry has turned into a profession, and it is now one that people can’t live without. The number of self-managed schemes is reducing for this reason. As a result, strata management is seen as a career option with proper training, pathways and qualifications that just didn’t exist previously.”
While recently overseeing the upgrade of an inner-city apartment complex, Mr Cabello, who is Deputy Chairperson of REINSW’s Strata Management Chapter Committee, proposed giving the building a brand identity through a new name. The owners’ corporation agreed, and residents living in the 55-apartment complex created and voted on their preferred name. Agents selling properties within the newly revamped building believe that the idea of branding the building, along with the upgrade, has seen values within the complex increase by up to 20 per cent.
“Our job in strata management isn’t just to shuffle papers around a desk; we are here to make our clients’ money, to improve their assets and elevate the standard of living in the building,” Mr Cabello said.