Synopses & Reviews
Buying a property is an exciting time, but for people purchasing into a body corporate, there might be some unexpected - and unpleasant - surprises lurking around the corner. Many people don't realise that they may not, for example, have the flexibility to make certain alterations to the exterior of their unit, park their cars anywhere they like, maintain the garden in front of their unit, keep pets or, in the case of commercial properties, paint their shop windows. But body corporate properties also have plenty of benefits for owners, investors and tenants too - cost savings and a community lifestyle being prime amongst these.
The pros and cons of owning, investing and living in a body corporate property are covered in this comprehensive book giving readers the opportunity to use this information to protect themselves and enhance their investment. If you are aware of the traps then you can avoid heartache down the track and ensure that you get value for your purchase dollar. The book also covers: state and territory legislation covering bodies corporate how to find and buy your ideal property how bodies corporate and executive committees operate rights and responsibilities associated with owning a strata property (and who pays for them) managing disputes selling a strata property.
Synopsis
Population growth, rising property prices and the dream of a new lifestyle have made body corporate living more and more popular in Australia. Living in an apartment, unit or townhouse can be a rewarding experience, but body corporate life can also be confusing. In this book, expert author Stephen Raff clarifies the rules and answers vital questions such as:
What should I look out for when buying a strata property?
What are the responsibilities of the body corporate, owners and tenants?
How do committee meetings work?
What fees will I have to pay?
Who takes care of maintenance?
What happens if I get into a dispute?
Packed with revealing case studies and state-specific information, The Body Corporate Handbook is a comprehensive guide to every aspect of strata life for owneroccupiers, tenants and investors.
About the Author
Stephen Raff is the CEO of Ace Body Corporate Management, an international body corporate management company based in Melbourne. Stephen has lived in and owned strata properties and served on committees of management for more than 20 years, and has been in body corporate practice as a manager for more than 14 years.
Table of Contents
About the author.
Acknowledgements.
Preface.
Chapter 1 - Is a strata property right for you?
Chapter 2 - Seeking out that perfect place.
Chapter 3 - Assessing the building and surrounding property.
Chapter 4- Ways to buy.
Chapter 5 - Responsibilities of bodies corporate ...and owners.
Chapter 6 - Fees and financial management.
Chapter 7 - Executive committees and meetings.
Chapter 8 - Maintenance.
Chapter 9 - Resolving disputes.
Chapter 10 - Selling up.
A final word from the author.
Glossary.
Appendix A: What's yours and what's common property?
Appendix B: Dispute resolution process, by region.
Appendix C: Investigating body corporate records before you buy.
Appendix D: Helpful resources.
Contributors.
Index.