What are Strata Fees and How are they Calculated?

Are you planning on buying a unit, townhouse or strata property? If so, you should be aware of what strata fees are and how they are calculated. Strata fees are fees that are paid by owners of units or strata properties https://www.empireestateagents.com/post/what-are-strata-fees-and-how-to-calculate-them to cover expenses associated with common areas of the property. These fees can vary depending on the size of the property, the number of occupants and the geographical location of the building. Knowing how these fees are determined is essential for potential homebuyers to understand the total costs associated with their purchase.

 

What are Strata Fees?

Strata fees, also known as body corporate levies or maintenance fees, are charges paid by owners of units, townhouses or villas in order to cover ongoing expenses associated with the maintenance and management of shared common spaces within a complex. Common expenses covered by strata fees include utilities such as electricity, water and gas, as well as the upkeep of gardens, pools, security gates, lifts and other common facilities. Strata fees enable owners to share the cost of maintaining common spaces to ensure that they remain well-maintained and attractive.

Explanation: Importance and Purpose of Strata Fees

Strata fees are important as they provide a source of income to pay for the upkeep and maintenance of the common areas of a property. As all the owners in the complex are paying into the strata fund, it ensures that the common areas remain well-maintained. This is especially important if there are multiple occupiers within the property, as each unit owner has an equal responsibility to contribute to the ongoing upkeep of the property. Strata fees help to protect the value of the property as they maintain the complex’s aesthetic appeal and prevent potential problems that may arise from neglecting common areas of the building.

Factors to Consider when Calculating Strata Fees

When determining the amount of strata fees for a property, there are several factors that need to be taken into consideration. These include the size of the property, number of occupants, geographical location, utility costs and the requirements of the Body Corporate. The size of the property is important, as larger properties typically require more expensive maintenance. The geographical location of the property may also affect the amount of strata fees if the area has different regulations or taxes. In addition, utility costs are a significant factor to take into account, as all the occupants must pay their own share of the bills. Finally, the Body Corporate will have its own set of requirements for the upkeep of the complex, which can also affect the amount of strata fees.

Methods for Calculating Strata Fees

The method used to calculate strata fees will depend on the individual situation and the type of property. Generally, strata fees are calculated on a per-square-meter basis or on the number of units on the property. For example, in a complex with ten apartments, the fees are usually divided evenly amongst all the apartments. Alternatively, a professional strata manager may charge a set fee for managing the common areas and collecting the strata fees. The type of fees that need to be paid will also depend on the specific requirements of the property, such as insurance, repairs or refurbishments.

Common Expenses Covered by Strata Fees

Strata fees cover a range of expenses related to common areas of the property. These may include building insurance, maintenance and repairs, landscaping, painting, pest control, security services, rubbish collection, utilities, and any other related costs. It is important to note that some strata fees may not be applicable in certain properties, such as pet fees or bulky waste collection fees.

Conclusion

Strata fees are an important part of owning a unit, townhouse or villa. Knowing what they are and how they are calculated can help potential homeowners manage their budget and understand the full cost of their purchase. By understanding the factors that go into calculating strata fees and the common expenses they cover, owners can make sure they are prepared for the costs associated with owning a unit in a strata property.