Strata consultants prove crucial for new development projects
Increasingly, body corporate companies are being brought in at the consulting stage of new developments, to ensure projects align with strata requirements and are designed in lieu of these considerations.
According to one body corporate company, strata consultants provide developers with valuable insights into logistical concerns, budgets and recommended strata levies during a project’s infancy.
Archers the Strata Professionals partner Andrew Staehr said consulting services provide property developers with cost effective strata management solutions.
“We consult with developers every step of the way; from planning and design, to sales and development, and the establishment of the body corporate,” Mr Staehr said.
“This ensures the entire consulting team is familiar with, and understands the operational requirements of the body corporate structure, so realistic budgets can be developed to benefit both the developer and property buyers.
“Strata consultants also focus attention on the end-user experience, by predicting how decisions made during the design stage will effect management of the finished building.”
Mr Staehr said a number of factors must to be considered when establishing a body corporate.
“A new body corporate requires the establishment of insurance, accounts, forecasts and financials – details that are often overlooked by newcomers to the process,” he said.
“Often these considerations are disregarded by inexperienced developers looking to minimise costs, but they are an imperative part of the legal compliance process, which requires due diligence and an experienced and certified strata manager.”
“Establishing body corporate regulations also involves understanding the process of registering the body corporate and obtaining titles and certificates, in addition to resolving construction issues and legal compliances.”
Mr Staehr said developers should engage a body corporate manager during the very early stages of a development, to maximise savings and guide the establishment of a body corporate during the stages of construction.
“This will reduce the risks and body corporate costs for the developer, as well as provide a source of free professional advice,” he said.
Archers the Strata Professionals was engaged by Wanda Ridong to provide consulting advice on its $1 billion Surfers Paradise Jewel development.
“The three-tower luxury development will have over 500 apartments, 171 hotel rooms, resort-style swimming pools, and parking for 816 cars,” Mr Staehr said.
“With a residential development of this size, it’s integral that firm strata management foundations are established from the outset, to facilitate a smooth transition to ownership.”
Archers the Strata Professionals works with a number of Australia’s largest developers, including Stockland, Blue Sky Private Real Estate, Anthony John Group, Banyan Tree Group, and many more.
“Ultimately, strata consultants add value to a project by creating a framework to build a successful and harmonious place to live, work in or visit,” Mr Staehr said.
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