Developers are often unsure as to when they should involve a strata manager. Often a strata manager is not contacted until the strata plan has been registered at the Land Titles Office.

There is a real benefit for the strata manager to become involved at the very early stages of the scheme to view either the concept plans or preliminary plans of the development. Specialist input is also very helpful when formulating a Community Management Statement. At this stage, any potential problems can be identified concerning lot boundaries and common property areas and also any aspects that impact on the long term management of the scheme. From experience, we can often identify areas unique to strata developments that can pose problems for either long term management or impact on the marketability of particular lots.

We can provide advice on an ad hoc basis and be involved as part of the development team, as little or as much, as the developer requires. We aim to ensure that the whole process from a strata viewpoint runs as smoothly as possible.

We have 2 main aims in ongoing strata management:

1. Our focus is service - to meet the needs of the owners and to work with property managers of investor owned units

2. To ensure that the properties are consistently maintained to a very high standard

We like to take a "Team Approach" as we are aware of the need for customer care for new owners when they become part of a strata scheme. 

The One Phone Call Set-Up Service
Our strata SET UP SERVICE has proven to be a very economical and efficient way for developers wanting to finalise the strata paperwork on their projects - just one phone call and we handle the rest!!

Consultancy Service
We can tailor our services, depending on your particular requirements.

Pre-Consultancy
We can assist to overcome potential strata and management problems by working with architect, surveyor, developer and solicitor during initial planning stages

• Advice on common property areas, lot boundaries and exclusive use areas
• Arrange preparation of strata plan or liaise with surveyor
• Assist with preparation of by-laws to ensure they cover all aspects necessary for the particular scheme
• Input into Community Management Statement (Community Schemes)
• Streamline the process of the strata plan through Council and Land Titles Office.

After the Strata Plan is Registered
We can:

• Arrange insurance cover
• Establish books and records required by Strata Schemes Management Act 1996
• Assist with budget preparation
• Attend to statutory requirements of original owner and owners corporation
• Provide total management package, record-keeping service or consultancy

How to Handle the Strata Scheme Set-Up

Establishing of records:

We have found the simplest way for the original owner (developer) and everyone concerned, is to handle the strata scheme in 3 stages:

Stage 1:

• Advise us of the estimated registration date of the strata plan and anticipated completion date of construction

Stage 2:

• Advise us when the strata plan has been registered

We Then:

1. Immediately arrange insurance cover in accordance with requirements of the Strata Schemes Management Act 1996. Due to our high volume of business, we can arrange a very competitive premium. NOTE: If construction insurance expires before the strata plan is registered, call us so we can arrange insurance cover for the owners corporation.

2. Convene and hold the inaugural meeting in liaison with developer.

3. Attend to any particular requirements of the scheme

4. Establish the books and records required by the Strata Schemes Management Act 1996. We hold these records until the First Annual General Meeting.

5. Issue Section 109 certificates, as each lot is sold. As the issuing party, the statutory fee is payable to us - this is adjusted on settlement and paid by the purchaser.

6. Discuss with you the anticipated time frame for the sale of the units.

Stage 3:

• Initial period expires
• First annual General Meeting must be convened and held
• Site inspection

 

O'Connors Strata & Property Specialists Pty. Ltd.

ABN 24 002 854 739
Level 1, 24 Ross St. PARRAMATTA 2150
Phone: (02) 9683 1811 Fax: (02) 9630 4279