Where's the Strata Thinking for Tomorrow?

Despite the hyperactivity on Australian strata law reforms (at least 4 of 8 states and territories underway at present) and the grand statements made in NSW that the new laws will 'future proof' strata title, the various proposals and draft reforms are typically more of the same.

For the most part they are backwards focused; reacting to vocal interest groups and minorities; dealing with problems that have already occurred; merely recognise current technologies rather than prepare for the future; and; continue the default position in current urban planning and real estate rather than adapt or advance them to deal with a higher density future for strata stakeholders.

In short, there's no real innovation or deep thinking about strata and community title fundamentals.

Fortunately some people are thinking about the future of strata, what issues will arise (and why) and some new ways to think about those things.

A good example of that is the recent paper by academics Hazel Easthope, Jan Warnken, Cathy Sherry, Eddo Coiacetto, Dianne Dredge, Chris Guilding, Nicole Johnston, Dawne Lamminmaki & Sacha Reid called How Property Title Impacts Urban Consolidation: A Life Cycle Examination of Multi-title Developments is a must read.  Or, at least read the Abstract below.

Abstract

Continuing urbanisation is triggering an increase in multi-titled housing internationally. This trend has given rise to a substantial research interest in the social consequences of higher density living. Fewer enquiries have been directed to examining how property title subdivisions generate social issues in multi-titled housing. This is a significant gap in the literature, as the tensions inherent in multi-title developments have significant implications for individuals, developments and entire metropolitan areas. This article employs a life cycle framework to examine the profound operational and governance challenges that are associated with the fusion of private lot ownership with common property ownership. The article calls for a more explicit recognition of these challenges by academics, policymakers, practitioners and the broader community.

Scattered through the broad ranging discussion in the paper, they've identified a range of day-to-day and policy issues that need grappling with if Australian strata and community title wants to avoid becoming second tier real estate.

You can find the entire paper here (but unless you're a student or academic) you'll have to pay to get.


Francesco ...