Strata living offers convenience, community, and shared amenities — but it also comes with unique rules and responsibilities. Whether you’re looking to buy your first strata property or sell an existing one, it’s important to understand how the process differs from freehold (standalone) properties. Here’s a straightforward overview of what to consider when buying or selling in a strata scheme. 

Buying in a Strata Scheme 

When purchasing a strata property, you’re not just buying an apartment or townhouse — you’re also buying into a community and a set of legal and financial obligations. Here’s what you need to check before signing a contract: 

1. Review the Strata Records 
Before committing to a purchase, complete a comprehensive strata records inspection. This will show you: 

The financial position of the body corporate 

Any past or pending building defect issues 

Details of insurance cover 

Minutes from recent meetings 

Special levies or fee increases in the pipeline 

This report gives insight into how well the building is run and whether any costly surprises could be coming. 

2. Understand the By-Laws  
Every strata scheme has by-laws that regulate how owners and occupants use their lots and common property. These may cover pet ownership, renovations, noise, parking, and use of communal facilities. Make sure you’re happy to live with them — and factor in whether you’ll need to apply for approvals (e.g. for pets) or alterations. 

3. Check the Fees 
Strata properties come with ongoing levies to cover insurance, maintenance, and shared services. Understand both the regular contributions and any history of special levies. If future works are flagged, you could be up for extra costs shortly after purchase. 

4. Know What’s Common Property and What’s Yours 
Ownership boundaries in strata can be complicated. It’s important to understand where your private lot ends and what parts of the building are common property, as this affects maintenance responsibilities and renovation approvals. 

Selling a Strata Property 

Selling in a strata scheme involves a few extra steps compared to a standalone property: 

1. Provide a Body Corporate Certificate (formerly the Strata Information Certificate or Section 206 Disclosure) 

From 1 August 2025, significant changes to Queensland’s disclosure requirements for selling a strata property will take effect under the Property Law Act 2023. Sellers must now provide a Form 33 Body Corporate Certificate before a buyer signs the contract. This replaces both the previous Information Certificate and the Section 206 Disclosure Statement. 

This new mandatory certificate applies to lots in community titles schemes governed by the Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997 (BCCM Act) or the Building Units and Group Titles Act 1980 (BUGTA). It must be provided before contract signing — if not, buyers may have the right to terminate the contract at any time prior to settlement. 

Form 33 includes essential information such as: 

• Current levies and financial contributions 

• Details of any special levies, penalties or arrears 

• By-laws affecting the lot 

• Insurance cover 

• Service contracts, embedded networks, and common property details 

• The financial health of the body corporate (administrative and sinking funds) 

Your strata manager can help prepare and issue this certificate in line with the new legislative requirements. 

2. Be Transparent About By-Laws and Restrictions 
Prospective buyers will want to know about any by-laws or restrictions that might affect them. Disclose rules around pets, renovations, and short-term letting upfront to avoid issues during settlement. 

3. Understand the Impact of Upcoming Works or Levies 
If major works or special levies have been approved, these can affect buyer interest and price. You’ll need to be clear about whether the seller or buyer will cover these costs after settlement — this should be negotiated and documented in the contract. 

4. Work with a Strata-Savvy Agent 
Not all agents are experienced in selling strata properties. It’s worth choosing one who understands strata documentation, by-law implications, and the nuances of marketing to strata buyers. 

Buying or selling in a strata scheme isn’t difficult — but it is different. Both buyers and sellers need to be clear on their rights, responsibilities, and the rules of the scheme they’re dealing with. Taking the time to review records, understand by-laws, and check financial details can save you from costly mistakes and disputes down the track. 

When in doubt, engage a professional — whether it’s a solicitor, conveyancer, or experienced strata manager — to help navigate the process. 

Need more help with strata property management? 
At SSKB, we specialise in supporting strata communities through every stage of property ownership. Contact us today for expert advice.