There are two types of Strata properties in WA: Strata Schemes and Survey-Strata Schemes.

Lots contained in a Strata Scheme are also known as “Strata plan or Building Strata”. Lots may be contained with a particular building (for lots zoned before 30 June 1985) or they may be contained both within a building and include land outside the building.
In 1995 the Act was further amended to allow more flexible plans called Survey-strata Scheme” In this arraignment Lots may have certain limits placed on height and can include common property which is separately identified as a Lot prefixed with the Letters “CP” For the most part the other features and obligations are common between the two types of Schemes.

There are benefits to developers as well as to owners of Strata property. Residential strata schemes provide for grouped housing with a community atmosphere. This combined with smaller areas, such as gardens to maintain, and the use of common facilities, such as gymnasiums, club houses and swimming pools, can make strata schemes attractive for many people. Strata schemes are also very practical for commercial and industrial estates and similar developments.

The Strata Titles Act is the legislation and laws that relate to developing, owning and the property management for property that is zoned as Strata Title or Survey Strata.
In Australia, the laws for properties classified as Strata vary from state to state. The current Strata Titles Act for Western Australia can be viewed on the State Government Website, click here to view or downloaded.

A lot is the term used to define a portion of a strata scheme which is defined on the strata plan as being a lot or part of a lot. A lot has its own title that can be bought and sold. It is very important to have clear understanding of where your lot boundaries are as these generally determine what you are responsible for and what the strata company is responsible for in the form of Common Property.

The major difference between owning a house and owning a unit or apartment (known as a ‘lot’) in a strata scheme, is that the external walls, the floor and roof do not usually belong to the lot owner. These areas are usually common property and generally the responsibility of the strata company.

As the visitor car bay is common property, you would need to seek approval and exclusive use from the Strata Council.

This is the legally incorporated body that represents all the owners of the strata plan as constituted under section 32 of the Strata Titles Act 1985.

As per Schedule 1 By-law 8. 2) (b) the Council of Owners has the power to employ on behalf of the Strata Company such agents and employees as it thinks fit in connection with the control and management of the common property and the exercise and performance of the power and duties of the Strata Company.

The Council of Owners shall perform the functions of a Strata Company under the Strata Titles Act subject to the Act and to any restriction imposed or direction given at a General Meeting; every Strata Company has a range of duties and the Council of Owners has to ensure that those duties and powers are performed.

A licensed valuer determines the capital value of each lot and then determines the capital value of each lot in proportion to the total capital value for all lots and devises a schedule of unit entitlement that is attached to the strata plan. Unit entitlements determine not only share of ownership but also the level of contributions required towards strata company expenses, unless varied through a registered bylaw of the strata company.

An owner, occupier or other resident of a lot cannot park or stand any motor or other vehicle on common property except with the written approval of the Strata Council.

While there is no obligation to do so, it is highly recommended that you take out adequate insurance on the contents of your unit. Contents such as your furniture, electrical appliances, curtains and carpets would not be covered. Owners can suffer major loss if their personal property is not insured in the event of a fire or through water damage. In addition, contents insurance usually covers your paint finishes on walls and ceilings.