Important: Changes to Credit and Debit Card Payment Options

Published by SSKB Strata Management Recent changes to Australian payment regulations mean that from 1 October 2026, payment providers will no longer be able to charge credit card surcharges directly to the person making the payment. Why is this changing? Until now, owners who chose to pay levies by credit and debit card paid the […]
Negative Gearing Changes: What Tweed and Northern Rivers Strata Committees Need to Know

Published by SSKB Strata Management | Trusted strata management across Northern NSW The 2026–27 Federal Budget’s changes to negative gearing and Capital Gains Tax have generated significant national commentary — almost all of it focused on Sydney and the major capital city apartment markets. But for strata committees managing buildings in the Tweed, Byron Bay, and the […]
Smoke Alarm Compliance: What Owners and Strata Communities Need to Know

Why Smoke Alarm Compliance Remains Essential Smoke alarms are one of the most important safety devices in any residential property. They provide early warning of fire, helping occupants respond quickly and potentially saving lives. For apartment owners, landlords, tenants and strata communities, maintaining compliant and operational smoke alarms is an important part of overall building safety. While legislation and […]
Financial expertise you can trust

A high-functioning body corporate requires more than just a capable manager, it requires strong financial expertise, structured processes, and meticulous oversight. At SSKB, our dedicated Client Financials Team works alongside your Community Manager to ensure your scheme’s finances are managed with precision, transparency, and professionalism. With extensive experience in strata-specific matters as well as corporate […]
How to spot red flags in your strata financials.

Buying into a strata property is more than just buying your dream apartment, it’s also buying into a shared financial system. While many tend to focus on the apartment itself, the financial health of the strata scheme plays a huge role in protecting the long-term value of the property. While it may be intimidating to […]
When your neighbour has paws: Balancing pets in strata living

For many Australians, pets are very much a part of the family and as more people choose apartment living, pets are becoming increasingly common in strata communities. While most buildings welcome pets, shared living spaces also means striking a balance between the needs of pet owners as well as the comfort and safety of the […]
Think you own it? Hidden fine prints owners should know

So you’ve got the keys to your new apartment. Congratulations! With your renovation plans in place, you’re ready to get started. You’ve looked up thousands of designs, you’ve done your research and called the contractors, you’ve negotiated the prices, and you’re just a step closer to creating your dream home. But hold up. Did you […]
Between a leak and a claim: Insurance vs Maintenance

In one of the greatest debates in strata living, the battle over the boundaries between insurance coverage and maintenance responsibility has long been one of the most persistent sources of confusion for property owners. While insurance is a great safety net for your property, it’s not a magic fix for a lack of maintenance which […]
Noise Complaints in Strata: What You Can Do (and What Actually Works)

Noise complaints in strata are best handled by following a clear, step-by-step process — start with respectful communication, check your by-laws, document the issue, and escalate through the body corporate if necessary. Key Facts: Noise Complaints in Strata Who This Applies To This article applies to: If you live or work in a strata or […]
How Australia’s 2026 Fuel Crisis Is Affecting Strata Communities

If you’ve opened a recent quote or invoice from a contractor and noticed a fuel surcharge you haven’t seen before — you’re not alone. Across SSKB’s portfolio, committees are flagging exactly this. It’s a direct consequence of the fuel crisis gripping Australia right now, and it’s worth understanding what’s driving it and what your body […]