NSW strata law is constantly changing. We break down what's new from NCAT, Fair Trading and the regulators — in plain English, with what it actually means for your townhouse or villa scheme.
What is this page?
A running summary of changes that affect townhouse and villa schemes in NSW. New articles are added every couple of months. If you'd like to be emailed when we publish, sign up below — no spam, just the changes that matter.
Fair Trading Updates
The whole reform programme in one place — four stages from February 2025 through April 2026, plus what's still coming.
Read article → Fair Trading · Strata Hub AnnualEvery NSW strata scheme must lodge an annual return on Strata Hub. Who's responsible, what's reported, deadlines, penalties.
Read article → Fair Trading From 1 Jul 2025If the committee doesn't respond in writing within 3 months, the renovation is automatically approved. Real teeth, real change.
Read article → Fair Trading From 27 Oct 2025A standard form, a 28-day response rule, and no fees. The new way to deal with arrears, fairly.
Read article → Fair Trading From 1 Jul 2025By-laws blocking solar or EV chargers on appearance grounds are now banned. AGMs must consider sustainability every year.
Read article → Fair Trading From 1 Apr 2026Standard form, 5-year reviews, and Fair Trading enforcement powers if work isn't done. Why "we can't afford it" is no longer a defence.
Read article → Fair Trading From 3 Feb 2025Commissions, supplier connections, itemised insurance quotes. The 2025 transparency rules — and what to ask your manager.
Read article →NCAT & Court Decisions
Stratum height notations on a strata plan actually define lot boundaries. The leading authority on what's inside your lot and what's common property.
Read article → NSW Supreme Court Decided 2009Brereton J held that improvements built on common property stay common property — even with an exclusive-use by-law. Foundational for townhouse pergolas, sheds and additions.
Read article → NSW Court of Appeal Decided 2020The landmark NSW Court of Appeal decision: blanket pet bans are harsh, unconscionable and oppressive. Plus what's happened since.
Read article → NSW Court of Appeal Decided 2020The case that opened the gate for significant NCAT damages awards under s106(5). $97,000 in lost rent — and many larger awards since.
Read article → High Court / NCAT Decided 2022Applying the High Court's Ainsworth v Albrecht test, NCAT overrode the OC's refusal of a renovation by-law. Useful list of which objections work, and which don't.
Read article → NCAT Decided 2022Owner did unauthorised balcony works in 2005. When the OC tried to regularise it 17 years later, he refused. NCAT ordered the by-law made anyway under s149.
Read article → NSW Supreme Court Decided 2024NSW Supreme Court held that special levies raised by an owners corporation to fund its legal action against a lot owner were unreasonable. Section 87 SSMA in action.
Read article → NCAT Decided 2025A by-law that let the committee silently ignore owners and exposed owners to costs if they chased a reply. NCAT said it crossed the line.
Read article → NCAT Decided 2025NCAT declared a by-law invalid for giving the owners corporation "unfettered discretion" over $1,000 bonds and admin fees.
Read article →Regulation Changes
2-lot schemes will be reclassified as "small strata schemes" with most formal meeting requirements removed. Decisions by unanimous written resolution.
Read article → Bill 2025 · Pending 12 May 2026Written notice, a 3-month committee deadline, deemed approval if no response. Plus committees can't unreasonably object.
Read article →Bill 2025 also reshapes building manager duties. Article to follow.
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Get in touchAlan Hunter · (02) 4971 0363 · alan@townhousestrata.com.au