Ever wondered what your strata levies really say about a building? Far more than just a quarterly bill, strata fees reveal crucial insights into property health that savvy buyers need to understand.

Think of strata as your building's compulsory savings account. Those quarterly payments fund everything from day-to-day operations to major future repairs. But contrary to popular belief, high levies aren't necessarily a red flag – they might actually signal a proactive owners corporation that's planning ahead. Conversely, suspiciously low levies could indicate an inactive strata unwilling to invest in proper maintenance, potentially leaving you facing surprise special levies later.

Diving deeper, we explore how to decode the real story behind strata finances. The capital works fund (formerly the sinking fund) should maintain a healthy balance to cover future projects without resorting to special levies. We analyze what those one-off special payments really mean – are they normal maintenance or signs of deeper problems? Plus, we reveal what to look for during inspections: from common area conditions to fire safety compliance and the enlightening details hidden in AGM minutes.

For prospective apartment buyers, this knowledge is power. We provide actionable due diligence steps including obtaining comprehensive strata reports, reviewing bylaws, researching developers' track records, and engaging specialists who understand the nuances of strata purchases. Don't make the mistake of judging a building solely on levy amounts – the story behind those numbers matters far more.

Have questions about strata properties or need guidance navigating your next apartment purchase? Contact us directly – we're passionate about helping buyers make informed decisions in the complex world of strata living.

Wondering where all the property bargains have gone? You're not alone. The Northern Beaches real estate market has undergone a dramatic transformation that's changing the game for buyers and sellers alike.

Today we dive deep into what we're calling "bracket creep" - a permanent upward shift in entry-level price points that's reshaping the market landscape. The numbers tell a compelling story: two-bedroom apartments in beachside suburbs like Dee Why that were available for $800,000 just 18 months ago now command a median price of $995,000. This 20% jump creates a particularly steep hurdle for first-time buyers who don't have existing property equity to leverage.

The housing market presents its own fascinating dynamic. While prices have been trending upward over the past year, they're essentially recovering lost ground rather than breaking new highs. The result? Many buyers feel they've missed the bottom of the market but remain hesitant to commit at current prices. We share concrete data from suburbs like Allambie Heights to help you understand whether today's prices truly represent value or not.

Perhaps most striking is the dramatic reduction in available properties. Our decade-long tracking reveals Northern Beaches listings have plummeted from nearly 900 in late 2022 to just 634 today. Combined with improved borrowing capacity as interest rates trend downward, this supply-demand imbalance continues driving prices upward, especially in the chronically undersupplied apartment sector.

Whether you're looking to buy your first home, upgrade to something larger, or strategically time your sale, understanding these market fundamentals is crucial. Reach out with your questions as you navigate this challenging but opportunity-rich real estate environment.

Debt might be the most misunderstood tool in wealth creation. While most Australians see debt as something to eliminate, the wealthy understand it's something to structure strategically.

In this illuminating conversation with Vasco Duarte, a senior debt advisor with 28 years of industry experience, we explore the sophisticated approaches to debt management that separate ordinary investors from truly successful ones. Vasco breaks down how financial planning evolves through life stages – from getting your first foothold in property during your twenties, to maximizing borrowing capacity in your thirties, aggressively accumulating assets in your forties, and finally transitioning toward retirement planning in your fifties.

The discussion delves deep into crucial considerations rarely addressed in mainstream financial advice: how to effectively separate business assets from personal investments, protect family wealth when helping children enter the property market, and maintain liquidity for future opportunities. Vasco reveals that what truly distinguishes high-net-worth families isn't just their goals or vision – it's their execution capability and foresight to plan 5-10 years ahead, surrounding themselves with trusted experts who bring specialized knowledge to the table.

Perhaps most valuable is Vasco's perspective shift on what many borrowers experience as "mortgage prison." Rather than seeing lending limitations as constraints, he reframes them as potential opportunities through alternative lending sources – where slightly higher costs can be justified by the returns generated from new investment opportunities. Whether you're a business owner looking to de-risk your personal assets, a parent wanting to help your children without exposing your wealth, or simply someone seeking to optimize your financial structures, this episode provides rare insights into the strategies employed by Australia's most financially sophisticated families. Listen now to transform your approach to debt from a burden to a powerful wealth-building tool.