Strata living in NSW has undergone its biggest shake-up since the Strata Titles Act was introduced in 1973. In 2015, the NSW Government passed the Strata Schemes Development Act 2015, which set the stage for more than 90 reforms that came into effect through the Strata Schemes Management Regulation 2016 and the Strata Schemes Development Regulation 2016.

These reforms are designed to modernise strata living and address issues that have frustrated owners and committees for decades. But what do they actually mean for you?

Key Changes for Owners and Committees

1. Renovations made simpler

• Cosmetic renovations (like painting, installing picture hooks, or laying carpet) no longer require owners corporation approval.
• Minor renovations (like kitchen updates or floorboards) can now be approved with a simple majority vote (50% support).
• Structural renovations (like removing a wall) still require a special resolution.

This makes it much easier for owners to improve their homes without months of red tape.

2. Modern voting options

Owners corporations can now use:

• Electronic voting
• Pre-meeting voting
• Secret ballots
• Remote participation

This is aimed at making meetings more inclusive and accessible—especially for owners who may not live on-site.

3. Stronger financial protections

To prevent financial mismanagement, owners will now have easier access to strata records, including financial statements. Prospective buyers can also review records more transparently before purchasing.

4. Disputes resolved faster

The reforms introduce mandatory Fair Trading mediation before most disputes can escalate to NCAT. This means faster, cheaper resolution for common issues like by-law breaches or maintenance disagreements.

5. Building bonds for new developments

Developers are now required to set aside a building bond to cover potential defects in new strata properties. This ensures defects are identified, documented, and fixed within the warranty period—rather than leaving owners corporations with the bill.

Why This Matters for Strata Communities

For owners, these reforms mean greater flexibility and transparency. For committees, they provide clearer frameworks to manage buildings fairly and efficiently. Importantly, they also encourage modern practices—like electronic voting—that reflect how communities live today.

Metro Strata’s Guidance

At Metro Strata, we’ve been guiding Sydney communities through these reforms since they came into effect. From helping owners navigate renovation approvals to ensuring committees meet their new compliance obligations, our role is to simplify the complex and keep strata living stress-free.

If your scheme hasn’t yet reviewed its by-laws or governance processes in light of the reforms, now is the time.