LOWER PRICE
Great starter home. The benefit is that the strata lots can be built at a lower cost than a stand-alone house in the same area.

SECURITY
Many bare land strata developments are gated offering security to the residences. Apartment living means living in a community. Newer condos are accessible by elevators and have cameras installed throughout.

LOCK & LEAVE
Many strata corporation maintain the gardens and other common properties. You can pack your bags at any time without worrying about any outside yard work.

ACCESS TO MODERN AMENITIES
Many onsite facilities offer a gym, pool, games room, tennis court, on-site secure car parking, clubhouses and much more. Its similar to living in a hotel.

GREAT VIEWS
Depending on which floor and location, many units offer great views.

MAINTENANCE
The exterior is maintained and repaired by the strata corporation and included in the strata corporation’s insurance policy.

NO YARD WORK
Many complexes maintain the yard, gardens and common areas which is included in your strata fees. No cleaning gutters, mowing lawns, weeding, cleaning windows, watering flowers etc.

INCLUDED UTILTIES
Some complexes may include some or all the utilities.

MEETING NEW PEOPLE
Strata living creates opportunities to meet many new people because of the opportunity to socialize with your neighbors.

ACCESSIBLE LOCATION
Strata properties are often located in medium to high density areas where you get immediate access to transportation, groceries, malls, restaurants etc.

RULES AND BYLAWS
Many complexes do not allow any pets, and others restrict the amount, size or weight of your pets. Some may also restrict rentals.

NOISY NEIGHBORS
In strata, you cannot choose your neighbors. Neighbors can easily interrupt your comfort and enjoyment at the property. There can be parking issues, inter-personal disputes, excessive noise which can reduce the enjoyment of living at the property.

RESTRICTIONS ON DELIVERIES
There may be restrictions on deliveries.

MAINTENANCE FEES
Each month you will be charged a strata fee which generally will go up as the building and it’s amenities ages and more updates are required to keep the building in a healthy condition.

SPECIAL LEVIES
If some work or major repairs need to be carried out, such as roof replacement, boiler etc.… a special levy can be charged to your unit which can hurt your pocket as they can be anywhere between hundreds and thousands of dollars. As the buildings age and require more costly upgrades, the higher the possibility of special levies being imposed.

LIMITATIONS ON RENOVATIONS
If you like to change the appearance, upgrade, or modify the structure of your unit, approval is required. Approval processes can be very lengthy and if are permits required, can take an additional length of time.

LOSS OF VALUE
“Freehold” strata titles do not last for ever. With the value of your unit being closely tied with the value of the entire building, if the building drops in value, so does your unit. The last 10 years of life left in the building rapidly diminishes the value.

LENGTHY DECISION MAKING
If for example you request the installation of an air conditioner, summer could be over before you receive final approval.

NEIGHBOURS PROBLEMS COULD BECOME YOUR PROBLEM
If your neighbors above you has a leaky sink, dishwater or accidently overfill their bathtub, this will likely be an issues you may also need to address. Your next door neighbors poor hygiene could cause insect infestation spreading to your unit.