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International Condo & HOA News Archives

/ Owner - May 15, 2014
  • Italy: The Social Condominium of San Nicola a Nilo: A Co-Housing Experiment in Naples March 28, 2024
    Protecting residence in the historical center and promoting collaborative living among fragile family units and the elderly. These are the goals of the project “Social Condominium of San Nicola a Nilo”, the first experiment carried out by the Manfredi administration aimed at developing a new housing model where cooperation and mutual solidarity are the leitmotifs.     Read the article…………………………….
  • Australia: Strata practices report unleashes torrent of criticism March 25, 2024
    Allegations that a major NSW strata management firm has been charging excessive fees for insurance services without full disclosure of the arrangements have touched a nerve and triggered a torrent of criticism directed at practices within the sector.    Read the article…………………………….
  • Australia: Strata lawyers back Trowbridge-recommended reforms March 25, 2024
    The Australian College of Strata Lawyers says it supports the introduction of reforms recommended by consultant John Trowbridge in his review of practices in the sector.  The college, in response to ABC reporting on apartment owners paying excessive insurance fees through arrangements with Netstrata and associated entities, says it supports Mr Trowbridge’s reform proposals, including the phasing out of commission rebate/broker fee arrangements.    Read the article…………………………….
  • Australia: High-profile strata company Netstrata caught charging excessive fees and taking kickbacks March 20, 2024
    One of the country’s most high-profile strata management firms has been using its wholly owned insurance arm to charge apartment owners insurance brokerage fees as high as three times the typical rate.  The company, Netstrata, has also been taking kickbacks from contractors and suppliers it hires using the strata funds of more than 1,000 buildings, and 35,000 apartments, across NSW.   Read the article…………………………….
  • Australia: ‘Money and energy to be saved’: how to get Australia’s bodies corporate to go green March 20, 2024
    A good first step, according to Megan Chatterton, chief resilience officer for the Owners Corporation Network, is to get an energy efficiency assessment done on your building. This is something the body corporate will have to pay for – although there are grants in some states to offset the costs, and you may end up saving money overall.     Read the article…………………………….
  • Nigeria: Court dismisses developer’s suit against homeowners March 20, 2024
    Lagos State High Court has dismissed a suit filed by CMB Building Maintenance and Investment Company against Pearl Gardens Estate, homeowners in Sangotedo Village, Eti-Osa Local Government.  The plaintiff sought the exclusive right to take over management of the estate.    Read the article…………………………….
  • Singapore: 7 Hidden “Small” Condo Issues That May Become Bigger Problems Later March 20, 2024
    We tend to focus on bigger issues when picking a condo, such as proximity to MRT stations, developer track records, pricing, etc. And that’s definitely a good practice, but there are some smaller factors that seem trivial at first, but could grow to be a huge annoyance later (some may eventually even be surprising dealbreakers). Here are some of the common issues that homeowners wish they hadn’t ignored earlier on:      Read the article…………………………….
  • Thailand: Mass evacuation after fire erupts at high-rise Pattaya condo March 17, 2024
    A fire broke out on the 11th floor of the EDGE Central Pattaya Condo, a 31-story condominium on Second Road, on March 16, leading to a frantic evacuation of residents from the high-rise building.  The blaze originated in unit 158, with flames and smoke billowing out of the windows, prompting the swift evacuation of predominantly foreign residents from the premises.   Read the article…………………………….
  • Australia: What’s Your Strata Code Of Conduct? March 8, 2024
    In light of recent changes to NSW Strata legislation, it’s time to review your Strata Committee Code of Conduct.  Conduct such as bullying, intimidation or other abusive behaviours are never ok. Unfortunately, strata living can create a situation where this behaviour emerges.  The revised strata laws now make it easier to remove a strata committee member. So it is timely to look at how to navigate and manage these situations and avoid becoming a dysfunctional strata committee.       Read ...
  • Australia: What’s Your Strata Code Of Conduct? March 8, 2024
    In light of recent changes to NSW Strata legislation, it’s time to review your Strata Committee Code of Conduct.  Conduct such as bullying, intimidation or other abusive behaviours are never ok. Unfortunately, strata living can create a situation where this behaviour emerges.  The revised strata laws now make it easier to remove a strata committee member. So it is timely to look at how to navigate and manage these situations and avoid becoming a dysfunctional strata committee.   Read the article…………………………….
  • Columbia: Who is responsible if a private asset suffers damage within the horizontal property? March 5, 2024
    The regulation indicates that the effects can be assumed by the co-owner or the administration, depending on the areas where the damage occurs.  Living in condominiums poses greater challenges to maintaining harmony in the community. Although there are some facilities such as common spaces and security, there are also differences between neighbors or situations of damage to private property that can be generated by sharing some areas.    Read the article…………………………….
  • Australia: Lithium-ion batteries in strata buildings March 4, 2024
    Owners and occupiers of strata buildings are increasingly asking about what to do to prevent fires caused by exploding lithium-ion battery powered household products, including eBikes, eScooters and eTools. These products are injuring people on a weekly basis globally and there has been fatalities and multiple injuries in Australia. They are often cheaper, lower quality, and not subject to the higher standards and laws that apply to, for example, batteries in vehicles that must be road registered such as cars ...
  • Australia: ACCC ‘continuing to engage’ on strata issues February 29, 2024
    The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission says it is examining lobby group information that highlights poor conduct by some strata managers in arranging insurance.  The Australian Consumers Insurance Lobby (ACIL) has presented its concerns to the consumer commission and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, giving examples that it says should be reviewed and asking the regulators to consider a wider investigation.   Read the article…………………………….
  • Laos Details Procedures for Condominium Ownership and Operations February 28, 2024
    On February 1, 2024, Laos’ Decree on Condominiums No. 352/GOV took effect. This decree expands on the Law on Land (2019), which introduced the concept of condominiums into the Lao regulatory framework and opened the possibility for foreigners to own apartment units (redefined as “condominium units”—see below). The Law on Land revolutionized concepts of property ownership and investment in a country where foreign ownership is still uncommon.   Read the article…………………………….
  • Mysterious Stains and Tenant Misconduct: Unraveling Condo Controversies in Thailand February 28, 2024
    A recent post on a popular Facebook page has ignited a fiery debate among netizens in Thailand. The post, featuring images of unexplained stains on a condo sofa, alongside a separate incident of severe tenant neglect, highlights the unpredictable nature of renting properties and the mysteries that can accompany it.    Read the article…………………………….
  • South Africa: Mooikloof estate takes man to court to seize his stand after failing to build within a year February 26, 2024
    The Mooikloof Glen Estates Home Owners Association took a stand owner to the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria in an effort to seize his stand after he failed to build a house within a year of buying the piece of land.  Read the article…………………………….
  • Australia: Landmark Ruling in NSW Court of Appeal Changes the Game for Builders and Developers February 26, 2024
    In a bustling courtroom filled with legal practitioners, developers, and contractors, the New South Wales Court of Appeal delivered a judgment that has sent ripples through the construction industry. At the heart of this legal battle was the question of whether a builder and developer, accused of constructing a defective building, could share the blame—and thus the financial responsibility—with nine independent contractors.    Read the article…………………………….
  • Philippines: Disqualification of a director of a homeowner’s association February 20, 2024
    Dear PAO,  I own a house and lot inside a subdivision in Pasig City, where I am a member of the Board of Directors of its registered homeowner’s association (HOA). Last month, I bought another residential property in the neighboring subdivision where my current house is. I would like to know if, as a member of the HOA of the subdivision where my second property is located, I am qualified to be a member of its Board of Directors even ...
  • Gatekeepers of Property: Unveiling Unethical HOA Fees in South African Estates February 19, 2024
    In the serene, gated communities of South Africa, where security and exclusivity offer a promise of tranquility, a storm brews beneath the surface. At the heart of this tempest are the Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs), embroiled in controversial practices that may not only be unethical but potentially illegal. It’s a narrative that delves deep into the dynamics of power, ambition, and the seismic shifts in the property market, unwrapped by Jan le Roux, CEO of the Real Estate Business Owners of ...
  • Philippines: Homeowners ‘refused’ access to subdivision facilities February 17, 2024
    HOMEOWNERS of Sunberry Homes in Sudtonggan, Barangay Basak, Lapu-Lapu City continue to complain about exorbitant water rates a year after raising the matter before the government.  Now, they have a new axe to grind: they are accusing the developer of preventing them from using the subdivision’s facilities.   Read the article…………………………….
  • Malaysia: Navigating the complexities of strata ownership February 15, 2024
    It is increasingly commonplace these days to find strata commercial properties that are mixed-use developments and integrated with multiple components such as offices, retail, serviced apartments, SoHos/SoFos, hotels, medical centres and even industrial warehouses and shoplots.   Read the article…………………………….
  • Portugal: Condominiums call for access to bank loans February 15, 2024
    Today, for a condominium to be able to request bank financing it needs to obtain the green light unanimously at the Condominium Assembly, which becomes very difficult, especially in buildings with several floors and dozens of residents. This is why the majority of management companies, which participated in a study by UCI Portugal, argue that there must be a legislative change    Read the article…………………………….
  • Australia: Don’t get caught out! Changes to strata title legislation February 2, 2024
    The NSW Government reviewed the Strata Schemes Development Act 2015 (‘SSDA’) and the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 (‘SSMA’) with some 139 reforms recommended. As stated by the Hon. Mark Buttigieg in the second reading speech, the aim of the Strata Legislation Amendment Act 2023 is ‘to improve the governance, accountability and effectiveness of strata and community land schemes’.Read the article…………………………….
  • Malta: Navigating Change: Examining Proposed Amendments to the Condominium Act January 30, 2024
    The Government recently released a White Paper entitled “Reforming the Condominium Act” which invited comments on proposed changes to be made to such Act. This is a positive development as it is an area of law which needs reform considering that property complexes have developed to a larger scale in Malta in recent years.Read the article…………………………….
  • Singapore: ‘MCST vs Resident’ crazy cases: Riviera 38 sets an example with MCST responsible practices December 23, 2023
    Navigating Singapore’s real estate market goes beyond finding the perfect property. Amid the many crazy ‘MCST vs Resident’ cases this year, Riviera 38 sets an example with MCST responsible practices in Singapore.    Read the article……………………………..
  • Singapore: ‘This is not a high-end development’: More condo residents hit by surge in maintenance fees December 21, 2023
    Disputes over maintenance fees have cropped up at two more condominiums, with residents being charged as much as 65 per cent more than what was initially marketed.    Read the article…………………………………
  • Australia: ‘Unbelievably cruel’: Mascot Towers residents continue to pay fees for units they can’t live in December 20, 2023
    For hundreds of unit owners from Sydney’s doomed Mascot Towers, this year marks their fourth Christmas paying fees for homes too unsafe to live in.  In June 2019 residents of the towers were ordered to evacuate due to cracking in the walls.   Read the article………………………….
  • Philippines: Lazy volunteers must be kicked out December 18, 2023
    IF a volunteer-dentist offers to serve the needs of an impoverished community on a certain day and time and comes in two hours late, would you fault him for that? Some people say no. The dentist is offering his free time and services, so better ignore that minor lapse. In a homeowners’ association, if a retired accountant volunteers her expertise to prepare their financial statements and she fails to do her job, would you blame her for that?    Read the ...
  • Australia: How stratas are derailing unit owners’ bid to lower bills December 18, 2023
    Unmotivated owners and strata policies are preventing more apartment blocks from moving to renewable energy.  ReNewCo founder and CEO Matthew Summerville has recently installed solar to a block of units in Clovelly and said that unit owners have more options than they realise.   Read the article…………………………….
  • Great Britain: ‘Numb with outrage’: Residents associations ‘debanked’ by Barclays December 16, 2023
    Residents associations have had their Barclays accounts closed or restricted with little warning in recent months, This is Money can reveal.    Read the article…………………………….
  • Australia: Five ways strata owners can stem the tide of rising insurance December 14, 2023
    Climate change is driving insurance premiums higher – in strata properties premiums are set to rise nationally by 15-20 per cent from the start of FY24, according to Honan Insurance Group, driven by “claims costs inflation, rising building valuations, and insurers raising rates after periods of losses”.    Read the article……………………………….
  • Australia: Repairs v Improvements to the Common Property: When is a repair a repair? December 13, 2023
    This is a tricky question and it will always depend on the facts of your owners corporation’s situation. In Marks v Owners SP 30190 NSWCATAP 21 the Appeal Panel made a number of findings about the requirement of an owners corporation to repair, maintain, renew and replace the common property when resolving a dispute about resolutions for works and a special levy to pay for the work.    Read the article……………………………..
  • Australia: Strata association produces insurance disclosure guide December 12, 2023
    Strata Community Association (SCA) has produced a best practice guide that aims to improve disclosure in areas such as commissions, conflicts of interest and the allocation of remuneration.  The release of the guide comes after recommendations made by consultant John Trowbridge in the first phase of an independent review of strata insurance practices and draws on previous work commissioned by the SCA.   Read the article…………………………….
  • Australia: Serious defects found in more than 50% of NSW strata buildings December 11, 2023
    More than half of NSW strata buildings have serious defects, with an estimated $79 million being spent by owners’ corporations to rectify the issues, a survey has found.  The joint initiative between Strata Community Association (SCA) NSW and the Office of the Building Commissioner found 53% of buildings had serious defects between 2016-2022, up from 39% in a 2021 survey.    Read the article…………………………….
  • South Africa: Community Harmony: Your Guide to Ideal Living Spaces December 11, 2023
    It doesn’t matter if you’re a potential tenant, first-time home owner, investor owner, new family, empty nester or retired, if you’re looking for a community of like-minded individuals, with a mutual interest in protecting your investment with priorities of security, aesthetics, financial stability and maintaining value, then community scheme living is for you.    Read the article…………………………………
  • Australia: Resolving Ripples: The Art of Diplomacy in Strata Disputes December 9, 2023
    In the tapestry of communal living, disagreements are like ripples on the surface of a tranquil pond. Strata living, with its shared spaces and interconnected lifestyles, often witnesses the emergence of disputes, creating waves that can either disrupt harmony or be skillfully navigated to maintain equilibrium. Welcome to the realm of “Resolving Ripples,” where the art of diplomacy takes center stage in resolving strata disputes.    Read the article……………………………….
  • Australia: Dispute resolution in strata communities: strategies for keeping the peace December 8, 2023
    We all need somewhere to live – housing is a fundamental human right. Rent, own or share housing – all are valid and reasonable ways to live.  For those looking to buy on a budget, a strata community such as an apartment block, unit or townhouse development can be a great way to break into the housing market.   Read the article…………………………….
  • Australia: Is Mascot Towers a Wake Up Call for Strata Owners? December 6, 2023
    In today’s guest-writer article by well-known strata commentator and consultant, Michael Teys, he discusses the latest setback for the ill-fated Mascot Towers building after a NSW Supreme Court decision, explains his alternate view of their situation, and reminds us of his strata ownership mantras. It’s a bit of tough strata love.   Read the article…………………………
  • Netherlands: The Dutch homeowner’s association (VvE) explained December 6, 2023
    I’ve come across several cases recently in which buyers have been hit with unexpected bills, but this can be avoided if you are aware of your rights and obligations with regard to the VvE. Your makelaar (real estate agent) and notary are better placed than I am to help you with questions about the VvE for a particular property, but there are some general things you should know.    Read the article……………………………….
  • Philippines: Structural hazards found in Davao City condo December 5, 2023
    A unit owner, choosing to remain anonymous, disclosed in a Messenger interview with SunStar Davao that they have already evacuated their unit. They sought repairs for the unit after feeling an intensity 4 earthquake in the city on Friday afternoon, November 17.    Read the article…………………………
  • Australia: Victorian government cracks down on bizarre three-storey rule after 77 apartment owners ruined November 29, 2023
    The Victorian government is considering a major change to the process of building apartment blocks after multiple homeowners were stung by a blind spot in the law.  Read the article…………………………………
  • Nigeria: Tension grips prestigious 1004 estate in lagos as resident go on the “warpath November 19, 2023
    Tempers are currently flaring today (November 18th) in the 1004 Estate, as residents have massed up in protest over what they have regarded as years of neglect by the management of the prestigious housing complex.   Read the article………………………..
  • Malaysia: JB condo owners ‘left in limbo since 2019’ November 19, 2023
    The 160 owners say there has been no AGM of the management board since 2019 and the city council had also failed to act on their complaints.   Read the article…………………………….
  • Australia: Your Strata Scheme is Being Sued for $850 Million November 17, 2023
    Generally we use these bulletins for educational purposes, but it’s getting toward that time of the year when everything goes a little crazy in the world of strata title, and so today the emphasis is on providing you with sheer relief that your strata scheme is not tied up with the sort of case in which a decision was recently made by the Supreme Court of New South Wales, where a lot owner commenced proceedings against the owners corporation claiming ...
  • Thailand – Condominiums Cannot Be Used For Hotel Operations November 17, 2023
    On November 6, 2023, Thailand’s Department of Lands issued a circular letter clarifying that the use of units in condominium buildings for hotel business operations is not allowed. Circular Letter No. Mor Tor 0517.3/Wor 23302, which was sent to all provincial governors in Thailand, explains this by emphasizing that although the Condominium Act (No. 4) B.E. 2551 (2008) rules that some condominium units can be used for commercial operations purposes, the term “commercial operations” does not include hotel business operations.  ...
  • Philippines: Residents around condominium in Davao City told to leave after quake November 17, 2023
    A total of 174 individuals residing around the construction site of the high-rise condominium tower The Paragon Davao of Cebu Landmasters were advised to vacate after a crane collapsed in the magnitude-6.8 earthquake that rocked this city and a southern Mindanao on Friday, November 17.   Read the article……………………………….
  • Singapore: Man fined S$1.4 million for running illegal short-term rental business at 19 properties November 16, 2023
    A man ran a lucrative illegal business renting out short-term stays to locals and tourists at 19 properties, roping in four of his former maids to help run the operations.    Read the article……………………………….
  • Australia: Our most frequently asked strata management questions November 12, 2023
    This month we asked our Strata Managers what their most frequently asked questions of the year were – and the answers were surprising! Over the last 5 years, ESM Strata has prioritised educating our stakeholders and customers to ensure they are empowered with as much knowledge about their strata property as possible.    Read the article………………………………..
  • Australia: NSW Government grant program will assist buildings become EV ready November 11, 2023
    The NSW Government is investing $10 million to assist NSW strata apartments by co-funding the assessment and installation of electric vehicle infrastructure upgrades. Find out more about the Electric Vehicle Ready Buildings (EVRB) grants in this webinar with the program.    Read the article……………………………..
  • India: 3 balconies collapse at unsafe Chintels tower November 11, 2023
    Incident a stark reminder to events of February last year when 6 floors collapsed partially in a similar domino like fashion, killing two residents   Read the article………………………………
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