If you are purchasing a property on a strata title, you will want to view a copy of a strata plan prior to making your decision to place an offer. A copy of the strata plan will state what you own within a complex and what is deemed common areas.  Strata plans may also give you a description of unit entitlement and common property, as well as notifications and encumbrances (lodged over common property only). You should also make sure that you have been designated the correct car parking area, if this is part of your advertised property. As an owner of a strata property, you will also need to be aware of your responsibilities. These include:

• Becoming a member of the strata company: The strata company or body corporate make decisions regarding the maintenance and general day-to-day running of the strata complex. It is a good idea to ask the real estate agent for a copy of the minutes from the last strata company meeting. This will give you a better understanding of how the complex is being operated, and highlight any grievances that may be applicable within the complex.

• You are subject to any laws or rules of the strata company. for example there may be restrictions as to the allowance of pets within your property.
• You will have to include in your budget extra expenses as you will be required to pay levies to administer the strata scheme, including insurance for the common areas, and maintenance and repairs of the common property.
• Be sure to educate yourself on who your 'council of owners' or 'board of directors' are. These are the people who will make informed decisions on when to spend your levies contributed. You should decide early on whether you wish participate in strata board meetings or wish to become a member of your buildings strata council.
  

A good neighbour is someone who smiles at you over the back fence, but doesn't climb over it.

Before you buy a strata titled property, the property seller must give you the following:

• A form called Disclosure Statement: Sale of Strata Titled Lot or Proposed Strata Titled Lot (Form 28) - Form 28 sets out a list of all the information you should receive before buying a strata titled property and your rights if you do not receive the information.
• A form called Buying and Selling a Strata Titled Lot (Form 29) -  Form 29 outlines your rights and obligations if you decide to become an owner of a strata titled property.
• A copy of the strata plan, which indicates the lot being sold and provides information relating specifically to the lot.
• A copy of the standard by-laws (and amendments) and any non-standard by-laws.

Only if you are happy with the content of the forms should you sign them. It should be noted that signing the forms is not an offer or contract to buy the strata titled property–it simply shows that you have received and understood the information provided.

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