Strata Title Lawyers – Strata Title Properties

Watson & Watson have lawyers experienced with strata titles and other multi ownership of property such as company titles with over 20 years experience handling strata matters, ranging from those that arise within residential strata schemes, commercial strata schemes and industrial strata schemes and company title ownership. Watson & Watson act for Owners Corporations, Strata Managers, strata title property owners, and developers of strata properties.

Strata title refers to the ownership of a building by separate owners for separate lots within building or property and separate owners can own a unit within a high-rise building, or a townhouse within a complex or offices within a office building that has been strataed. While owners have their own defined part of the building (their ‘lot’), there is also common property, which all of the owners own collectively. When an individual or other entity buys a lot within a strata they become a member of the Owners Corporation. There are specific rules and regulations that govern the owners and occupiers of strata units these rules and regulations are in addition to other rules and regulations which operate in relation to property, ownership property, development and related matters.

The Owners Corporation through the Executive Committee who are appointed by the owners is responsible for controlling and managing all matters concerning the management of the common property including matters such as general maintenance of common areas, maintenance of structural components.

Often the Executive Committee engage Strata Managers who are in the business of managing strata schemes and they manage the strata schemes on behalf of the Owners Corporation. As with any large building there are very many obligations with which the Strata Managers assist the Executive Committee.

A large proportion of residents within New South Wales and other States now live in strata units and strata property and there many disputes that arise that require specialised professional advice. The laws around strata schemes are complex and constantly changing.

Watson & Watson can provide specialist advice in relation to:
• Obligations concerning the management of the Owners Corporation
• By Laws required
• Registration of Strata Plans
• Agreements entered into by Owners Corporations on behalf of the various members including: maintenance agreements, finance agreements, management agreements such as service agreements.
• Agreement entered into with Builders and other Consultants in relation to building works or rectification of existing building defects.

With the aging of many of the buildings which have been constructed and are now strataed and contain various strata lots from being a two lot development to many that have hundreds of lots within the development, the buildings require substantial maintenance and upgrade. Also the development of the strata residential units and some having been developed in a standard less than one would expect has caused numerous and very extensive issues relating to the building works and the building quality and many of the units have been found to have many defects. As with other buildings there are requirements to properly engage in protection of one's assets and necessary recovery from the entities that have caused the problems. As part of engaging the appropriate building and construction consultants there is a need to understand and be able to enter into appropriate contracts for the protection of the Owners Corporations. Watson & Watson are experts in this aspect.

Unfortunately not all engaged consultants and builders undertake the work in a fashion that is within the requirements of the law or satisfactory or that are within reasonable building standards. When an Owners Corporation is faced with these problems there are substantial issues that arise. Watson & Watson have been engaged in acting on behalf of many Owners Corporations in the protection of the property and in the recovery of the damages or obtaining orders for work to be undertaken associated with defective and incomplete building works initially by the developer or subsequently.

Please note that our provision of any telephone advice to you is only a general discussion to assist as to whether you wish to instruct us. Telephone discussions should not be construed as legal advice and are not to be relied upon. Legal advice which you can rely on can only be properly provided by us to you at or following an initial conference. We are not responsible for any action you may take or fail to take based upon the provision of our telephone advice to you. If you wish to arrange a conference, please contact us.

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Recent Cases

The Collapse of a Young Couple's Dream Home - 17/05/2012

David Quinn was approached by a young married couple with infant children who had purchased the “Dream Home” in a satellite suburb of Campbelltown in the early 1980s. The young couple’s “Dream Home” collapsed around them in 1984.

Successfully Defending a Property Relationships Act, 1984 Claim - $482,500.00 - 17/05/2012

The principal of the firm, Richard Watson, was retained in 2009 to assist a middle aged female client in relation to a claim made by her former de facto spouse in respect of Supreme Court of New South Wales proceedings.

Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act - 30/09/2010

Adjudicator’s decision is now able to be challenged for jurisdictional error in the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court, Court of Appeal in September 2010 held that a decision of an adjudicator...

Defective Building Work Residential Home - Insolvency - 30/09/2010

Watson & Watson act on behalf of the Home Owner in relation to a claim against a Builder which became insolvent and was unable to complete their many projects. Generally, Creditors were out of pocket and an arrangement was entered...

Family Law Property Division - 30/09/2010

Watson & Watson acted on behalf of the Wife. There was a long marriage of approximately 20 years and there were significant assets, however, there were very substantial debts and the total net assets...

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Testimonials

14/05/2012

"Richard,
Many thanks for taking my call on Friday, your advice was very helpful.
Regards"
- J.M, Abu Dhabi

21/03/2012

"G’day Richard,
Thank you for the win at the Tribunal on Friday, I do appreciate the discount in fees that you gave me it has helped me out a lot. I also like to thank Dave and Kim for their mountain of paperwork they had to go through just to build the case."
- G.S, NSW

1/03/2012

"Dear Kathy
It was lovely meeting you, thank you for taking on my case and providing much appreciated support”
- M.R, North Sydney

28/02/2012

“Dear Richard,
Many thanks again for all your work on my family law matters & my will.
All the best,"
- N.G, Sydney

7/11/2011

Many thanks for all your support in securing our unit. We very much appreciate your help. Kind Regards.
- M & C, Hills District

1/11/2011

Absolutely fabulous, we are definitely keen on this strategy. Very happy with your process so far. Many thanks again.
- R.E, Sydney

9/10/2011

"Thank you for your email and effort to help me... I do not know what I would have done without you."
- K.S, Byron Bay

2/10/2011

"Thanks for yesterday, great advice and some more clarity in my mind on how we will be proceeding."
- P.B, Sydney

29/09/2011

"Richard. Many thanks. We are very appreciative of the professional assistance given to us in relation to our claim for defective building works. With your professional help we were able to come to a satisfactory resolution to our long standing problem"
- J.H, Gosford

20/09/2011

"Many thanks for all the work & effort you have done to help us secure our unit. We very much appreciate the time you have taken."
- M.C, Sydney

22/07/2011

"I am personally grateful for the effort put into this by all concerned. I do believe the issues have been thoroughly aired and we can now finalise the matter."
- J.T, Sydney

18/07/2011

"To Chris Jefferies,
We wish to thank you for the efficiency you have displayed in the Conciliation Conference and for settling the matter for us."
- Holden Barlow Solicitors, Perth

28/06/2011

"Thanks again for all your help. You've been an absolute delight to deal with."
-B.M, Sydney

3/06/2011

"Thank you for your advice and taking my case in this matter. Peter has spoken so highly of you."
- S.Y, Sydney

26/05/2011

"Wonderful news!
Thank you kindly for your great work, I am so very pleased and thrilled with the result.
My life is so much brighter and we can stay here in Australia.
All my family are grateful and so happy."
- L.S, Sydney

25/05/2011

"I would also like to acknowledge all Dennis' expertise and hard work."
- P.L, Sydney

17/05/2011

"Just to say a big thank you for today! I am delighted with the result."
- J.M, Eastern Suburbs

11/05/2011

"I am writing to send my deepest thanks for yesterday's outcome. Your efforts in pressing the case have been nothing short of magnificent.

I have been (in part) of a mind set that defeat and rejection was to be my soul mate on this issue. But yesterday's fine transition from nothing to something is such an incredibley happy outcome. Your considered opinitions, general care and legwork, as a commmiteed and compassionate advocate will stick as a life long memory. I feel extremely fortunate and proud of what has been achieved.

I understand too, with the joy comes the responsibility. The message of dilligence is not lost and is branded into the forefront of my mind.

Yours in sincere thanks."
- D.G, Sydney

11/05/2011

"Excellent! Progress. The ball is in your court. Congratulations."
- M.D, Sydney

4/05/2011

"Despite trying very hard to come to amicable agreement we found ourselves in the dreadful position of constant intimidation correspondence from the solicitors of the buildings who undertook residential renovations. As a result I instructed Richard Watson to act in the matter. It turned out that having a firm of solicitors highly experienced and qualified in the very complex area of building law proved essential and indeed saved the day. This together with their kindness and open and honest frankness made something that was looking impossible into a great success."
- M.N, Eastern Suburbs

21/04/2011

"The letters to the solicitors on the other side are perfect. Please send it."
- C.F, Lower North Shore

20/04/2011

"Thank you very much for you have done job for me!"
-S.L Parramatta

31/03/2011

"We greatly appreciate the efficiency and also the time to see us the Tuesday night before we exchanged contracts. We moved in on the weekend and are very happy."
- PB-H, Lower North Shore

29/03/2011

"I appreciate the professional assistance given."
- D.D, South West Suburbs

4/03/2011

"You have been wonderful and worth every penny."
- P.H, Canada

4/03/2011

"I'd just like to say a big thank you!
I appreciate your help and patience throughout."
- J.F, Eastern Suburbs

21/01/2011

"Thank you, thank you, thank you."
- Z.H, Sydney City

1/12/2010

"I found myself in a difficult situation and was fortunate to engage Richard Watson of Watson & Watson. Richard helped explain the options and alternatives available to me and the likely outcomes having regard to all matters to be taken into account. Richard helped me come to a very satisfactory resolution of the matters and as a result I have been able to secure accommodation for myself and children in the local district in a relatively short period of time. In addition to the advice as to the various alternatives, options and likely outcomes I found Richard caring.

Throughout when things were difficult Richard was a steady influence so that I could achieve the optimum outcome for all concerned. I recommend Watson & Watson for any other person in similar circumstances. "
-S.J.G Cremorne

1/11/2010

"Just would to wish you a very Merry Christmas. I will never forget your kindness and generosity - and strength at times I feel you worked with the mighty Lord - quite testifying!
I have so much gained from the experience in many ways."
Best Wishes and Many Regards,
-R.L

1/08/2010

"Hi Richard ,
This is just a brief note of thanks for taking care of me through this horrible situation.
I know you are a pro but for those of us that are faced with the reality... it's scary & sad. "
Best Regards,
-D.T

1/08/2010

"I was in a position that I had exchanged on the purchase of a property and I had agreement from my ex for funding the purchase, however, after I exchanged to purchase, my ex changed his verbal agreement. I came to Watson & Watson as my daughter had received a very good outcome with understanding. Watson & Watson in a very short period of time achieved a cost effective settlement which allowed me to complete my purchase. Their experience relating to various alternatives gave me other alternatives and allowed me to conclude the finalization of the property matter with my ex and the purchase of the property in a very short period of time and to my utmost satisfaction."
-K.S Leura

1/07/2010

"Watson & Watson have performed exceptionally in a cost effective manner for the Bank for in excess of 20 years and never recovered less than expectations. Their work is professional, cost effective and always above expectations. In all my years with Watson & Watson the Bank has only lost one case and that was the first case in which I was at the Bank instructing another solicitor for the Bank and Watson & Watson acted for the customer against the Bank, our solicitor lost, Watson & Watson acting for the customer against the Bank WON."

"I have been instructing legal firms in relation to litigation and recovery actions for the Bank for more than 20 years. Richard Watson and his team are result driven. The costs on a case by case basis is significantly less than other firms which I instruct from time to time on behalf of the Bank."
-H.B Bank Sydney

1/06/2010

"Dear Richard,,
Many thanks for all that you have done.
It is been a fantastic result."
Thank you
Best Wishes"
-R.L Surry Hills

31/05/2010

"My family bought property in the 1950's and registered it in the name of my brother. My brother assumed ownership of the property. Nothing was done until Richard Watson became involved and the matter was settled with a substantial payment to me, more than doubling my ample wealth."
-L.S Canberra

1/05/2010

"I was concerned as to the costs of the process. Watson & Watson are focused on results and means by which I could provide information required which assisted in a cost effective resolution. Watson & Watson assisted in identifying the issues, alternatives and options and what was the best way to resolution."
-R.B

1/02/2010

"I went to two other solicitors and then Watson & Watson before making a decision. Watson & Watson raised issues that other solicitors had not thought of. Richard Watson explained clearly issues relating to spousal maintenance that may arise now and in the future and a method of protection from future claims. Not only did Watson & Watson deal with the immediate needs but took steps relating to protection in the future and advice in relation to estate and other matters following the break up of my relationship. I have recommended Watson & Watson for others int he unfortunate position of break up of their relationship."
-A.L Pymble

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