By Nikki D’Agostino — Managing Director & Principal, Rezzi Strata
The start of a new year always makes me pause.
In strata, it’s a natural moment to step back and ask some honest questions — not just about budgets or meeting dates, but about how a scheme is actually being supported day to day. Are decisions clear? Are owners confident? Does the building feel looked after, or are issues constantly being dealt with under pressure?
I’ve worked with strata communities long enough to know that when management is done well, you feel it. And when it’s not, you feel that too.
Starting the year right often comes down to one thing: having the right strata management in place.
Strata management is more than administration
Strata management is often mistaken for admin — notices, AGMs, records, emails. Those tasks matter, but they’re only the foundation.
For me, good strata management is about leadership.
It’s about protecting the value of the asset, reducing risk, and supporting people who are sharing space, responsibilities, and long-term decisions. In Western Australia, where strata living and investing is such a big part of our landscape, the difference between reactive management and considered management shows up quickly.
You see it in communication.
You see it in levy stability.
You see it in how confident owners feel about the future of their building.
1. Clear communication sets the tone
Most of the challenges I see in strata start with uncertainty.
When communication is vague, delayed, or overly technical, frustration builds fast. Good management removes that pressure by being clear and consistent from the outset.
That means:
- Communicating early, before issues escalate
- Setting clear processes so councils and owners know what to expect
- Making information easy to access
- Explaining things in plain language, without jargon
It’s the difference between saying “We’re looking into it” and “Here’s the process, here’s where we’re up to, and here’s when I’ll update you next.”
That clarity changes the entire tone of a community. People feel informed, respected, and far more confident.
2. Financial leadership matters more than people realise
At the start of the year, conversations often turn to budgets and levies. This is where good strata management really counts.
Levies aren’t just a cost — they’re what keeps a building functioning properly over time. In my experience, strong management means helping councils:
- Plan for the next decade, not just the next 12 months
- Budget for maintenance instead of reacting to emergencies
- Understand the long-term impact of short-term savings
Keeping levies low can feel like the easy option, but it often leads to bigger issues later. Sound financial planning protects owners from unexpected special levies and supports stability year after year.
Transparency is critical here too. Advice should always be independent and free from commissions or conflicting incentives.
3. Proactive maintenance protects everyone
Every building has a lifecycle. The earlier that’s acknowledged, the smoother things tend to be.
Good strata management means staying ahead by:
- Tracking major assets and infrastructure
- Planning preventative maintenance
- Running fair and transparent tender processes
- Prioritising quality work over quick fixes
This approach isn’t just about maintenance — it’s about protecting the investment owners have made and giving people peace of mind that the building is being looked after properly.
4. People are at the centre of everything
Strata isn’t just about buildings. It’s about people.
Often, when someone reaches out to their strata manager, they’re already feeling frustrated or stressed. I believe good management starts with listening — really listening — before responding.
In practice, that means:
- Treating concerns with respect
- Explaining decisions calmly and clearly
- Helping resolve issues before they escalate
People might forget the details of a problem, but they remember how they were spoken to. Respectful communication makes a real difference to how a community functions.
5. Integrity builds trust over time
The strata industry hasn’t always earned the trust of owners, and I understand why. That’s why integrity matters so much.
For me, that looks like:
- No insurance commissions
- Transparent procurement
- Clear governance and accountability
Trust isn’t something you claim — it’s something you build through consistent, ethical decisions made over time.
Why starting the year right matters
Your strata manager influences far more than day-to-day operations. They shape:
- Asset value
- Financial stability
- Community wellbeing
- Long-term resilience
Good strata management creates places where people feel supported, informed, and confident about what lies ahead.
If the new year is a chance to reset, it’s also a chance to make sure your strata scheme has the right guidance in place.
