Strata & apartments
Strata fees in Australia, explained
If you own - or are buying - an apartment, townhouse or unit, strata fees are one of the regular costs of owning your home. They are also one of the most commonly misunderstood.
Here is what strata fees actually are, what they cover, and how to think about them alongside everything else your home costs.
What are strata fees?
Strata fees are regular contributions paid by owners in a strata scheme to cover shared costs of the building and common property. They are set by the owners corporation (the body of all owners) and usually paid quarterly.
The name differs by state. In NSW, WA, SA, Tasmania and the ACT it is generally called "strata". In Victoria it is an "owners corporation". In Queensland it is a "body corporate". The idea is the same.
What do strata fees cover?
- Building insurance for common property
- Maintenance and cleaning of common areas
- Lifts, gardens, lighting and shared facilities
- Administration - strata manager fees, accounting, meetings
- A capital works / sinking fund for future major works and repairs
How much are strata fees?
There is no single number. Strata fees depend on the building size, age, facilities (pools, lifts, gyms), location and the state of the capital works fund. A modest block with few facilities will be much cheaper than a high-rise with a pool, lifts and a building manager.
Always ask for recent strata records and the last financial statements before buying - this is one of the single most useful things you can do.
Administration fund vs capital works fund
Most strata fees are split between an administration fund (day-to-day running costs) and a capital works fund (sometimes called a sinking fund) for future major works like painting, roof repairs or lift replacement. A healthy capital works fund means fewer special levies later.
Frequently asked questions
How often do you pay strata fees?
Strata fees are usually paid quarterly, though some schemes offer other arrangements. They are set by the owners corporation and can change from year to year.
What is the difference between strata and body corporate?
They describe the same idea in different states. "Strata" is the common term in NSW, WA, SA, Tasmania and the ACT; Victoria uses "owners corporation" and Queensland uses "body corporate".
Can strata fees go up?
Yes. They are set each year based on the building’s budget and can rise with maintenance costs, insurance and major works. A well-run scheme with a healthy capital works fund is generally less likely to need large increases or special levies.
Last reviewed: 19 August 2026
