At Progressive Strata, we understand that strata levies can be confusing, especially for new owners. But these contributions are essential to keeping your building safe, compliant, and well maintained.
With over 20 years of experience managing strata schemes across Sydney, we’ve helped thousands of owners navigate their levy obligations with clarity and confidence. In this guide, we’ll explain what strata levies are, how they’re set, and what’s changed under the latest NSW legislation.
Strata levies are payments made by all owners in a strata scheme. These funds cover everything from routine maintenance to long-term upgrades and emergency repairs.
Each owner's share is based on their unit entitlement, which reflects the size and value of their lot. Levies are usually billed quarterly and help ensure the common property is properly managed.
We help owners understand the three main types of levies:
This covers regular costs like cleaning, gardening, insurance, and minor repairs.
These contributions are set aside for major projects such as painting, roofing, or replacing essential infrastructure.
Raised when additional funds are needed for urgent or unexpected expenses. These are less common in well-managed buildings with strong financial planning.
Levies are decided at the Annual General Meeting by the owners corporation. We work closely with committees to develop realistic budgets that reflect the needs of the building while planning ahead for future expenses.
Our team provides detailed forecasting, transparent reporting, and guidance throughout the process. Clear communication helps ensure that all owners understand what they’re paying for, and why it matters.
From 1 July 2025, the NSW Government introduced significant reforms to strata laws, aiming to enhance transparency, accountability, and financial management within strata schemes. These changes directly impact how strata levies are managed and collected. Key updates include:
Strata managers must now provide more detailed financial statements and disclose any connections with suppliers. This ensures owners have a clear picture of where their money is going.
Owners corporations are now expected to consider payment plans for owners experiencing financial hardship. The NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) can step in to help resolve disputes.
The notice period for raising special levies in emergencies has been reduced from 30 days to 14. This helps buildings act quickly when urgent repairs are needed.
These reforms are designed to foster a more transparent and fair environment within strata communities, ensuring that levy management practices are equitable and responsive to the needs of all owners.
How often can strata levies increase?
Levies can increase annually if approved by the owners corporation. Increases are usually tied to rising maintenance costs, insurance premiums, or planned capital works.
Can I challenge a levy?
You can raise concerns at your strata meetings or speak with your strata manager. If needed, you can apply to NCAT to have a levy reviewed. Further reforms are rolling out later in 2025 to assist owners with financial hardship.
What happens if I don’t pay on time?
Unpaid levies can attract interest and legal recovery action. We always encourage early communication if you’re experiencing financial hardship.
At Progressive Strata, managing levies is a core part of what we do. But effective levy management doesn’t happen in isolation, it’s tied to budgeting, planning, communication, and compliance.
We help owners corporations take control of levy processes through:
We work with committees to prepare accurate budgets and forecasts. Our accounting services ensure levies are calculated fairly and aligned with the building’s needs.
Owners receive detailed financial reports showing how levy funds are allocated and spent.
Through our insurance services, we ensure your scheme is properly covered, which affects levy costs and risk planning.
We manage levy arrears professionally and in accordance with NSW legislation, supporting financial health without unnecessary conflict.
Levies are set and approved at annual general meetings. We prepare the financial motions, issue notices, and manage strata meetings to keep the process compliant and transparent.
At Progressive Strata, we believe that strata management should be transparent, proactive, and people-focused. Our Director, Karina Heinz, brings over 30 years of experience in strata and has served on industry panels, regulatory reviews, and education programs across NSW.
We don’t just manage levies. We help owners understand them, prepare for them, and avoid unnecessary surprises. Good communication and careful planning are key to reducing financial stress in your building.