_{Highlight segments:}

_{2.42 – Cate defines the various title types associated with apartments}

_{7.22 – Dave and Cate chat about the conversion process for changing stratum to strata}

_{11.45 – Dave gives some good examples of LVR restrictions when it comes to apartments}

_{14.52 – “Always get a contract review”}

_{15.25 – Mike shares a real life story about proxy votes and separate unit entitlements}

_{19.15 – Can you bank on strata fees matching what you were quoted when you purchase an off the plan property?}

_{19.41 – Teaser for next week’s show – Sam asks about equity access for renovating and/or investing}

_{21.05 – Dave asks Cate to chat about the challenges and risks of high density high rise apartments}

_{27.18 – Mike challenges Cate to expand on what she loves about boutique blocks}

_{34.15 – And our gold nuggets!}

Cate kicks off the episode with some quirky title types that can be sometimes found for apartments. Particularly when considering an Art Deco era apartment, buyers need to brace themselves for Company Share and Stratum titles. They are generally cheaper products, but they come with danger for some borrowers…. Cate explains the differences between these types and she expands on why buyers need to exercise caution when deposit funds on hand are less than 40%.

Can Stratum and Company Share be converted to Strata?

Yes, indeed they can, but it’s not always straight forward and it’s often more than the mere cost of the legal fees and the subdivision.

Dave discusses the options that buyers have when it comes to lending policy restrictions for apartments. Small apartments can wreak havoc for some borrowers, as can apartments with commercial zoning. Dave ponders whether zoning will be altered for office spaces that are being converted to residential products.

Mike’s high rise apartment case study is alarming; and it goes to show how rules can be changed within a development. Owning an apartment in a complex is nothing short of complex!

Cate talks about the elephant in the room; strata fees for off the plan apartments. It’s a must-listen!

Dave opens Pandora’s Box when he asks Cate about the risks of high rise, high density properties. From cladding issues to to Air BnB issues, car stackers, special levies and location woes, Cate drags out her laundry list.

Cate details what it is she loves about boutique blocks. The list is broad, but downsides do exist. Tune in to find out!

And… what do you do if pets aren’t allowed in an apartment block?

Lastly, our gold nuggets……

Mike Mortlock’s gold nugget: Too many investors think that low strata fees are attractive, but they need to think about their sinking fund schedule and the long term cost of ignoring important things.

Cate Bakos’s gold nugget: Cate also chats about low strata fees. It’s a bit of a Goldilocks conundrum. Too low, or too high… there is a sweet spot when it comes to strata fees. And high-rise apartment owners need to be prepared for higher fees.

Resources:

Flat Chat

If you enjoyed this episode, you may also enjoy these:

Ep. 16 – Unpacking land to asset ratio

Ep. 32 – Misunderstanding what makes a good property investment

Ep. 58 – Everything you need to know about off the plan part 1

Ep. 59 – Everything you need to know about off the plan part 2

Ep. 89 – Capital growth – what increases property value

Ep. 212 – Unlocking the secrets of inspecting property