Cracks in the Foundation: Why Strata Needs a Maintenance Revolution

Australia’s strata landscape is aging—and cracking under the pressure.

According to the 2024 Australasian Strata Insights Report, nearly half of all strata buildings in Australia are over 25 years old. That statistic alone would be enough to raise concern. But when you add in the widespread defects in newer buildings—flammable cladding, poor construction standards, and inadequate warranties—the picture becomes even more urgent.

The Cost of Delay

Aging infrastructure isn’t just a cosmetic issue. It’s a safety risk, a financial burden, and a ticking time bomb for owners corporations already stretched thin. From concrete cancer and failing waterproofing to outdated fire systems and structural instability, the cost of inaction is mounting.

And it’s not just older buildings. Newer developments, too, are plagued by defects—often hidden until it’s too late. The legacy of poor regulation and rushed construction has left many owners with buildings that are barely a decade old but already in need of major repairs.

What Needs to Change

The industry is calling for a multi-pronged response:

• Large-scale investment in maintenance and upgrades, especially for buildings over 20 years old.

• Stronger building codes and warranty protections to prevent defects in new developments.

• Policy reform that addresses both legacy issues and future-proofing, with a focus on transparency, accountability, and long-term planning.

  
  

How Kobode Can Help

At Kobode, we believe technology can be a powerful ally in this fight.

Our AI-powered platform helps strata communities:

• Track and manage building history and maintenance schedules.

• Surface relevant legislation and warranty timelines to support informed decision-making.

• Automate communication between owners, managers, and contractors to reduce delays and misunderstandings.

• Forecast financial needs based on building age, condition, and historical data.

By digitising records and making them accessible through natural language interfaces like WhatsApp and email, Kobode empowers strata professionals and owners to act early—and act smart.

A Call to Action

The cracks in our buildings are a reflection of cracks in our systems. It’s time to rethink how we manage, maintain, and future-proof the places we call home.

Let’s not wait for the next defect report or emergency repair. Let’s build a strata sector that’s proactive, not reactive. Because when we invest in our buildings, we invest in our communities.