Apartment living continues to grow across Victoria, and with more people living in strata communities than ever before, the way Owners Corporations are managed has become increasingly important.
Following an extensive review of the Owners Corporations Act 2006, the Victorian Government has announced a series of reforms aimed at strengthening governance, improving transparency and providing greater protections for lot owners. While not all of these reforms have commenced, they signal the future direction of strata management in Victoria.
Whether you're a committee member, lot owner or developer, understanding these proposed changes can help your Owners Corporation prepare and continue operating with confidence.
Over the past decade, apartment living has become one of the fastest-growing forms of housing in Victoria. As buildings have become larger and more complex, so too have the responsibilities of Owners Corporations.
The Government's review identified opportunities to modernise the legislation by:
The overall objective is to create better-managed communities while increasing confidence in apartment living across Victoria.
While implementation will occur progressively, several key reforms have been announced.
Committee members are expected to have clearer responsibilities and greater accountability when making decisions on behalf of owners.
This includes a stronger focus on:
Good governance helps create trust between committees, owners and residents.
Owners increasingly expect to understand how decisions are made and how their levies are being spent.
The proposed reforms aim to improve transparency around:
For many buildings, these are already considered best practice and are areas where experienced Owners Corporation Managers can provide valuable guidance.
The reforms also recognise that some owners may experience genuine financial hardship.
Proposed measures include more consistent approaches to hardship arrangements before debt recovery action is taken, helping balance the financial needs of the Owners Corporation with fair treatment of individual owners.
One of the most significant long-term reforms is the proposed introduction of stronger professional standards and increased oversight of Owners Corporation Managers.
While details are still being finalised, the reforms are expected to focus on:
Professional management plays an increasingly important role as apartment buildings become larger and more technically complex.
Committee members don't need to panic, but they should ensure their building is already operating in line with good governance principles.
Now is a great opportunity to review:
Many Owners Corporations already follow these practices, meaning any future legislative changes are likely to require only minor adjustments.
For lot owners, the proposed reforms are designed to provide greater confidence that their building is being managed professionally and transparently.
Owners should expect:
Ultimately, well-managed buildings are more likely to protect property values, reduce disputes and avoid costly unexpected expenses.
Regardless of legislative reforms, one thing remains unchanged—good financial management is the foundation of every successful Owners Corporation.
Committees should continue to focus on:
Buildings that plan ahead are generally better positioned to avoid significant special levies and unexpected financial pressure on owners.
Although many reforms are still being introduced, there are practical steps every Owners Corporation can take today.
Consider:
Preparing now will make future legislative changes easier to implement while improving the day-to-day operation of your building.
At Amity Strata, we believe great Owners Corporation management is about more than compliance—it's about creating well-managed communities that protect property values and deliver exceptional outcomes for owners.
Our experienced team stays up to date with legislative developments, governance best practice and industry changes, allowing committees to focus on making informed decisions with confidence.
Whether your building is newly completed or an established Owners Corporation, we can help you navigate changing legislation, improve governance and ensure your community is positioned for long-term success.
The Victorian Government is expected to continue implementing Owners Corporation reforms over time. As further details become available, committees and owners should ensure they stay informed about any changes that may affect their building.
If you have questions about your Owners Corporation or would like advice on governance, compliance or professional management, contact the team at Amity Strata. We're here to help your community stay ahead of legislative change and operate with confidence.
