Why Strata Technology is Failing—and What Needs to Change

Introduction

Strata living is on the rise in NSW, with thousands of apartment complexes and mixed-use developments shaping our cities. Yet, the technology designed to support owners, strata managers, and committees hasn’t kept pace. Instead of streamlining operations and improving transparency, outdated systems are creating frustration, inefficiency, and governance risks.

This blog explores where current strata technology falls short, why it matters, and what needs to change to meet the demands of modern strata communities.

The Current State of Strata Tech

Despite advances in technology, strata management often relies on manual processes and fragmented systems. Here’s what that looks like in practice:

• Paper-based workflows and spreadsheets dominate record-keeping.

• Email chains and phone calls remain the primary communication tools.

• Multiple disconnected platforms for accounting, compliance, and maintenance create data silos.

The result? Slow response times, poor visibility, and unnecessary administrative burden for managers and committees.

How This Lets Down Stakeholders

Owners

• Lack of real-time updates on repairs and maintenance.

• Limited access to financial information and meeting decisions.

• Frustration over delays and lack of transparency.

Strata Managers

• Overwhelmed by repetitive admin tasks.

• Difficulty tracking compliance deadlines and defect rectification.

• No integrated tools for managing large portfolios efficiently.

Committees

• Governance risks due to poor audit trails.

• Challenges in enforcing by-laws and managing disputes.

• Limited ability to make data-driven decisions.

Key Gaps in Current Technology

1. Manual Processes Dominate Spreadsheets and paper-based workflows slow everything down—from defect reporting to compliance checks.

2. Poor Communication & Transparency Owners often feel “in the dark” about maintenance, finances, and decisions, leading to mistrust and disputes.

3. Limited Integration Most platforms don’t talk to each other, creating duplicated effort and inconsistent data.

4. Underutilisation of Smart Tech Predictive maintenance, IoT sensors, and automation are almost non-existent in strata management.

5. Governance Gaps Technology hasn’t solved proxy farming, audit trail issues, or transparency around commissions.

What Needs to Change in NSW

To modernise strata management and align with legislative reforms, technology must evolve in these areas:

✅ End-to-End Digital Platforms

• Unified systems for repairs, compliance, insurance, and financials.

• Real-time dashboards for owners and committees.

✅ AI-Powered Compliance & Decision Support

• Automated interpretation of the Strata Schemes Management Act and by-laws.

• Smart workflows for approvals, defect triage, and meeting management.

✅ Transparent Communication Tools

• Broadcast updates and notifications for all stakeholders.

• Secure digital voting and meeting participation.

✅ Predictive Maintenance & Smart Building Tech

• IoT sensors for early detection of defects (e.g., leaks, fire safety).

• Integration with sustainability initiatives like EV charging and solar.

✅ Compliance with New Laws

• Digital record-keeping aligned with NSW reforms (e.g., mandatory electronic access to financials, meeting minutes, and compliance certificates).

• Automated alerts for legislative deadlines and reporting obligations.

The Bottom Line

Current strata technology is reactive, fragmented, and outdated, leaving owners frustrated, managers overwhelmed, and committees vulnerable to governance failures. NSW reforms and rising consumer expectations demand future-ready platforms that combine automation, AI, and transparency to deliver a seamless strata experience. Kobode is building the next generation of strata technology—designed for transparency, efficiency, and compliance.