International News/Articles

International Condo & HOA News

Australia: NSW Fair Trading to review Netstrata May 4, 2024
After their media investigation @LintonBesser and @NinahKopel from @ABCNews published an article High-profile strata company Netstrata caught charging excessive fees and taking kickbacks reporting on their business practices relating to insurance premiums, commissions, and brokerage, fire services, plumbing and building maintenance. Read the article…………………………….
Singapore: Flooding at condominium car park at Balmoral Crescent not caused by rainfall: PUB May 4, 2024
Flooding at a condominium car park along Balmoral Crescent was not caused by rainfall but by a faulty valve at a sprinkler storage tank, national water agency PUB said on Saturday (May 4). “This is an isolated incident not caused by rainfall. At the time of the incident, rainfall over the area was not heavy and the nearby drains were not flowing at full capacity,” PUB said in a Facebook post. Read the article…………………………….
Dubai homeowner associations can use emergency funds to take on repair works from April 16 rains May 3, 2024
Homeowner associations in Dubai have started to receive approvals from RERA to use their emergency/reserve funds to take on urgent repair works of common areas in communities and high-rises alike. This will come as much-needed relief for homeowners and residents at these properties as that would reduce the chances of any delays in initiating damage repairs. Read the article…………………………….
Spain: Community president in Marbella bans Airbnbs’ without any warning or permission May 2, 2024
Property firm Homewatch claims the Vicario Tercera Fase Homeowners Association, in Ojen, unilaterally outlawed Airbnb-style lets without any warning at a General Meeting on December 15 last year. The estate agency has now taken the matter to the courts and is demanding the ban be declared null and void, given it was allegedly made by the president of the community unilaterally. Read the article…………………………….
Australia Op/Ed: There’s more trouble coming for apartment owners. Here’s why May 1, 2024
The Netstrata insurance scandal rocked the strata management industry in NSW but that’s just the beginning as an independent inquiry starts to dig deeper. Strata management in NSW is in turmoil after an ABC TV expose in March alleged that the strata managing giant Netstrata has been benefitting from significant hidden income via its insurance subsidiaries. Read the article…………………………….
Ukraine: In Odesa region, a condominium association received 40% savings due to thermal modernization of a building May 1, 2024
“We started the energy modernization of the house back in 19. At that time, we had the highest tariff in the city. We searched for a long time for ways to save money and came across the wonderful “Energodim” program. Then there was a lot of preparatory work, because at that time there were no changes to the Program were adopted, which greatly simplified the participation of all condominiums of Ukraine” Read the article…………………………….
Philippines: Lob thy neighbor: Homeowners’ war in Dasmariñas Village heats up with Loinaz- Arroyo group aiming to topple Fortun’s group May 1, 2024
A leadership battle involving abogados, milyonaryos and veteran bankers is shaping up inside Dasmariñas Village, home to some bilyonaryos and celebrities. Two camps are fighting for control of the homeowners association inside one of the most exclusive enclaves in the country, where prices of properties range from P110 million to P1.3 billion. Read the article…………………………….

International Condo & HOA News Archives

International Condo & HOA Articles

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…………………………….
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……………………………….
Australia: Why do Good Owners make Bad Strata Decisions? November 17, 2023
Even though strata buildings are full of good, smart and well-intentioned people, they don’t always make great decisions. And sometimes strata buildings delay important decisions or, worse still, actually make really bad decisions. Why is that and what dynamics create those kinds of counterinitiative outcomes? The many potential reasons for the phenomenon should be studied by experts. Read the article…………………………………
Turks and Caicos Islands: A Guide To Purchasing Property October 2, 2023
Purchasing a property can be one of the most stressful experiences in life, especially when also contending with a foreign country and unfamiliar jurisdiction. However, purchasing your dream property on a paradise island may not be as complicated or scary as you think. We have set out below a guide to the main steps involved when purchasing a property in the Turks and Caicos Islands (“TCI”). Read the article…………………………………
Europe: Mastering the Art of Strata Management Transformation September 20, 2023
Strata management, often regarded as the backbone of well-run residential complexes, is a multifaceted discipline with a profound impact on daily life. For residents in condominiums or apartment complexes, the seamless operation and maintenance of these properties are attributed to the art of strata management. Far from a simple task, strata management involves a meticulous blend of responsibilities aimed at fostering a harmonious coexistence among residents. Read the article………………………..
Australia: Demystifying Unit Entitlement (WA) August 16, 2023
If you’re a proud strata owner in Western Australia, understanding “Unit Entitlement” (UE) is vital. This term plays a pivotal role in defining your rights, responsibilities, and financial commitments within WA’s unique strata landscape. In this article, we’ll delve into the intricacies of Unit Entitlement as outlined by the current Strata Titles Act in Western Australia. Read the article………………………..
Australia: Don’t You Dare Sue Me – Overstepping the Mark August 16, 2023
Is it legitimate for a lot owner to pressure an owners corporation not to sue her or defend legal action she takes against the owners corporation? And what happens when the lot owner oversteps the mark? Can the owner be held in contempt of court? A recent NCAT case considered that very issue. Read the article………………………..

International Condo & HOA Article Archives