Buying into a strata property isn’t just about the unit, it’s about the entire building.

And that’s where many buyers get caught out. Very often, the information you need is not offered or supplied by the selling agent.

At BCI WA, we regularly assess strata properties across Perth, helping buyers and agents understand the risks that aren’t visible during a standard viewing.

When you buy into strata, you’re also buying a share of:

• The building structure
• Roofing and external walls
• Common areas (stairs, lifts, carparks)
• Shared services and infrastructure

That means issues outside your unit can still impact you financially and structurally.

A standard pre-purchase inspection won’t always capture these broader risks. Due to access limitations, i.e. apartments may not have subfloor or roof access.

One of the most overlooked aspects of strata ownership is the 10-year maintenance and Reserve Fund plan.

This plan outlines anticipated major works and expenses over the coming decade, things like:

• Roof replacement or repairs
• External painting
• Concrete repairs (including balconies and carparks)
• Waterproofing upgrades
• Lift or service replacements

If a plan is missing, outdated, or unrealistic, it can be a red flag. Because if the work hasn’t been planned for, it hasn’t been budgeted for.

And that often leads to special levies.

Special levies are additional contributions raised to fund unexpected or underfunded works. They can range from a few thousand dollars to significantly more, depending on the issue. Schemes that we see special levies being introduced:

• Major structural repairs
• Water ingress issues
• Deferred maintenance
• Inadequate reserve fund

Without a clear understanding of the building’s condition and forward planning, these costs can come as a surprise.

Even well-presented complexes can have underlying problems. We regularly identify:

• • Water ingress – often from the roof, balconies, pools, and decking areas.
  • Concrete cracking and spalling
  • Roofing and drainage failures
  • Balcony deterioration
  • Poor or inconsistent maintenance

For buyers, a strata inspection provides clarity on:

• The true condition of the complex
• Likely future costs
• Whether the property is being well managed
• Potential risks that could impact value

For agents, it helps:

• Reduce uncertainty
• Build trust with buyers
• Support smoother, more informed transactions

A ten-year maintenance plan is only as good as the inspection behind it. Figures can look reasonable on paper while real issues go uncosted and unnoticed.

Our team offers free advice to review ten-year plans, identify costs that have been left out, and flag concerns that don't always make it onto the page.

When you buy a strata property, you’re not only liable for the lot you purchase. A portion of the common areas becomes your responsibility as well.

By Understanding:

• • The condition of the building
  • The quality of management
  • And the likelihood of future costs

You can make a more informed investment without an expensive surprise.

BCI WA provides detailed strata inspections across Perth, helping buyers and agents understand the full picture before making a decision.

BCI WA
Clear advice. Confident decisions.