An apartment purchase includes an interest in a shared building arrangement, not just the rooms you inspect. Review the property and scheme records together so you can ask better questions about costs and responsibilities.
Start with the correct scheme and lot
Confirm the title details with your conveyancer and ensure reports relate to the actual property. Ask who commissioned a supplied report, when records were inspected and what limitations apply. An older report may need updating, especially if meetings or works have occurred since it was prepared.
Read finances and decisions together
Discuss levy information, financial records and meeting decisions with an appropriate adviser. Ask whether planned work, disputes or identified defects require further investigation. A low current levy should not be treated as proof that future expenditure will remain low. Record unresolved items and who will clarify them.
Practical rule: record the evidence behind each option before you compare it. A consistent written process makes the final decision easier to explain and revisit.
Inspect the dwelling separately
A records review and a physical inspection answer different questions. Ask a qualified inspector what can be assessed and what access is required. Observe common areas as well as the lot, but do not treat your own walkthrough as a technical assessment of the building.
Check intended use and daily life
Ask about applicable by-laws and arrangements affecting pets, renovations, parking or letting. Review the documents with your adviser rather than relying on an informal statement. Consider layout, noise, access and shared facilities alongside the purchase price and ongoing costs.
Your practical checklist
- ✓Confirm report scope, lot and date.
- ✓Investigate planned works and cost questions.
- ✓Check rules relevant to your intended use.
What to record before you decide
| Decision point | What to keep |
|---|---|
| Start with the correct scheme and lot | Record the facts, documents and questions relevant to this step before moving on. |
| Read finances and decisions together | Record the facts, documents and questions relevant to this step before moving on. |
| Inspect the dwelling separately | Record the facts, documents and questions relevant to this step before moving on. |
| Check intended use and daily life | Record the facts, documents and questions relevant to this step before moving on. |
Frequently asked question
Is this the same process everywhere in Australia?
Terminology and legal arrangements vary. This guide uses NSW strata guidance as a reference; seek local advice for other jurisdictions.
Sources and further reading
