Latest news.

Feb 19

Pets in Strata: The Legal Landscape After Recent Tribunal Rulings Across Australia

Blanket pet bans in strata are dead. But that doesn't mean it's a free-for-all. Here's the current legal position on keeping pets in Australian apartments — state by state — and what it means for owners, tenants and committees.

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UnitBuddy Team

Feb 18

How a Building's Sinking Fund (Capital Works Fund) Affects Your Apartment's Resale Value

Your apartment's value isn't just about location and floor plan — it's deeply connected to your building's financial health. Here's how the capital works fund directly impacts what buyers will pay for your property.

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UnitBuddy Team

Feb 17

The Strata Report Decoded: 10 Red Flags to Look for Before Buying an Apartment

A strata report is your single most important document when buying an apartment. Knowing how to read it — and what warning signs to watch for — can save you tens of thousands of dollars.

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UnitBuddy Team

Feb 16

Short-Term Rentals Like Airbnb in Strata — What Your By-Laws Say and What's Changing

Airbnb and short-term letting in strata buildings is one of the most divisive issues in Australian apartment living. From mandatory registration to new levies and strata banning powers, here's the full picture for 2026.

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UnitBuddy Team

Feb 15

How to Raise a Strata Dispute Without Making Enemies of Your Neighbours

Strata disputes are inevitable — but how you handle them determines whether you resolve the issue or create a years-long feud. Here's a practical guide to raising disputes effectively while preserving your relationships.

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UnitBuddy Team

Feb 14

Noise Complaints in Apartments: What Strata Can and Can't Enforce

Noise is the number one cause of strata disputes in Australia. Understanding what's enforceable, what isn't, and how to resolve issues before they escalate can save you years of frustration.

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UnitBuddy Team

Feb 12

Smart Technology in Strata Buildings — From Digital Intercoms to AI Maintenance Alerts

Smart building technology is transforming apartment living — reducing costs, improving security and predicting maintenance needs before they become expensive problems. Here's what's available and how to get your building on board.

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UnitBuddy Team

Feb 11

Solar Panels on Strata Buildings: How to Get It Approved and Who Benefits

Solar energy can slash common area electricity costs and boost property values — but getting approval in a strata building involves navigating by-laws, shared benefits and installation logistics. Here's how to make it happen.

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UnitBuddy Team

Feb 9

Installing EV Charging in Your Apartment Building: How to Get Strata Approval

EV ownership is surging but apartment dwellers face unique challenges. From sustainability infrastructure laws to load management and government grants, here's your complete guide to getting EV charging approved in strata.

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UnitBuddy Team

Feb 7

How to Force a Strata Scheme to Fix a Defect When They Keep Ignoring You

Your strata committee won't act on a serious defect. Here's how to escalate — from formal notices to Fair Trading complaints to tribunal orders — with the new 2025 enforcement powers on your side.

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UnitBuddy Team

Feb 5

Building Defects After Settlement: Your Legal Rights as a New Apartment Owner

Discovered defects in your new apartment? From waterproofing failures to structural cracks, here's what the law says about your rights, who's liable, and the critical time limits you need to know.

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UnitBuddy Team

Feb 3

Who Is Responsible for Repairs in a Strata Building? Common Lot vs. Common Property Explained

When something breaks in your apartment, who pays? The answer depends on whether it's common property or part of your lot — and the boundary isn't always where you think it is.

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UnitBuddy Team

Feb 1

Combustible Cladding in Australian Apartments: Where Things Stand in 2026

Years after the cladding crisis began, thousands of Australian buildings still have combustible cladding. Here's the current state of rectification programs, insurance implications, and what owners need to know.

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UnitBuddy Team

Jan 30

Contents vs. Strata Insurance: What Apartment Owners Must Have in 2026

Your strata scheme's insurance doesn't cover everything you think it does. Here's a clear breakdown of what the building policy covers, what you need to insure yourself, and the costly gap in between.

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UnitBuddy Team

Jan 27

What Strata Insurance Actually Covers (And What It Doesn't) — A State-by-State Breakdown

Strata insurance is mandatory, but what it covers varies between states and policies. From common property to fixtures and fittings, here's what's included — and the gaps that could cost you thousands.

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UnitBuddy Team

Jan 24

Why Strata Insurance Premiums Have Skyrocketed — And What You Can Do About It

Strata insurance premiums have been the single biggest driver of levy increases. With premiums up 40-80% for many buildings since 2022, we explain the forces at play and the practical steps committees can take to fight back.

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UnitBuddy Team

Jan 22

Proxy Voting in Strata Meetings: How It Works and How It's Abused

Proxy voting is essential for strata democracy — but it's also one of the most commonly abused mechanisms. Learn how proxies work, what the 2025 reforms changed, and how to protect your building from proxy farming.

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UnitBuddy Team

Jan 19

Strata AGMs Explained: What Every Owner Should Do Before, During and After

Your AGM is the single most important event in your strata calendar. It's where budgets are set, committees elected and major decisions made. Here's how to make your attendance count.

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UnitBuddy Team

Jan 16

How to Remove a Strata Committee Member: Your Rights as an Owner

Dealing with a problematic committee member? The 2025 NSW reforms made it easier to remove officers. Here's a step-by-step guide to your options, from ordinary resolutions to NCAT applications.

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UnitBuddy Team

Jan 14

What Strata Committee Members Can (and Can't) Do — A Plain-English Guide for 2026

Strata committees hold significant power over your building — but that power has limits. With the 2025 NSW reforms now in force and mandatory training coming in 2026, here's a clear guide to what your committee can and can't do.

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UnitBuddy Team

Jan 11

Interactive Tools for Strata Owners: See Where Your Money Goes

Explore UnitBuddy's suite of interactive tools — from levy forecasters to maintenance trackers — designed to help apartment owners understand their building's finances and make informed decisions.

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UnitBuddy Team

Jan 8

The Rising Costs of Strata Living: What Australian Owners Need to Know in 2026

Strata levies have surged by 20-30% across many Australian buildings in the last two years alone. We break down the key cost drivers — from insurance to construction inflation — and what owners and committees can do about it.

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UnitBuddy Team

Jan 6

The Complete Guide to Understanding Your Strata Levies in 2026

Most apartment owners pay thousands in strata levies each year without truly understanding where the money goes. This guide breaks down admin fund vs capital works, what healthy reserves look like, and how to spot red flags.

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UnitBuddy Team