What exactly do strata fees in Perth include, and how are they calculated? Strata fees, also known as levies, help keep your property well-maintained, compliant and financially healthy. Understanding how they’re calculated can help you budget better and make more informed decisions at your next annual general meeting.
If you’re new to strata ownership, you may also find our guide on Strata Title vs Freehold Properties helpful.
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What Do Strata Fees Cover?
Strata fees are collected to cover the shared costs of managing and maintaining the property’s common areas and assets. These usually include building insurance and public liability insurance, cleaning and maintenance of gardens, hallways and pools, as well as repairs to shared facilities and infrastructure.
They also cover strata management costs in Perth, which involve administration, record-keeping and ensuring compliance with WA strata laws. A portion of these fees is often allocated to long-term maintenance funds, sometimes called sinking or reserve funds, to ensure that major future repairs are accounted for.
Each strata scheme may have slightly different inclusions depending on its size, location and the amenities it offers.
How Are Strata Fees Calculated?
The cost of strata fees in Perth is based on the annual budget approved by the strata council and property owners.
Your strata manager usually oversees this process, learn more about the role of a strata manager in Perth
This budget outlines the expected expenses for the coming year, which are then divided among owners according to their unit entitlement.
For example, if an owner’s unit entitlement represents ten percent of the total property, they will contribute ten percent of the total strata budget. These fees are typically charged on a quarterly basis.
The Strata Titles Act 1985 (WA) sets out the legal framework for calculating and managing these fees. You can find helpful information and guides on strata management on the Landgate website.
Understanding Your Strata Budget Breakdown
A clear strata budget breakdown helps owners understand where their money is going. It usually includes operating costs, such as cleaning, insurance and management services, as well as a reserve fund that sets money aside for future or major repairs. Sometimes, special levies may be introduced to cover unexpected expenses or larger-scale projects.
Property owners have the right to review and question the proposed budget during the annual general meeting before levies are finalised, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Here are some of the most common questions we hear from Perth property owners about strata levies and management costs.
For insights into how rising costs and new legislation may affect future levies, see our article on Strata Management Trends in Perth and WA
FAQs: Strata Fees in Western Australia
How often are strata fees paid?
Most strata fees in Perth are billed quarterly, though some schemes choose to issue payments monthly or annually, depending on the property’s budget and the Council of Owners’ preferences.
Can strata fees increase?
Yes. Strata fees can rise when operating costs increase, the Council of Owners builds up reserves for future maintenance, or new services and facilities are added to the property.
Are strata fees tax-deductible?
For investment properties, strata fees in Perth are generally tax-deductible as ongoing expenses. However, it’s best to confirm this with your accountant so your individual circumstances are correctly assessed.
How much are strata fees in Western Australia?
Strata fees in WA commonly range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per quarter, depending on building size, age, amenities, and maintenance needs. Larger or amenity-rich complexes typically attract higher levies.
What do strata fees cover?
Strata fees cover shared property costs such as building insurance, cleaning, gardening, common-area utilities, repairs, and contributions to a reserve (sinking) fund for future works.
How are strata fees calculated in WA?
Fees are set from the scheme’s annual budget and apportioned to each lot according to unit entitlement under the Strata Titles Act 1985 (WA). Official guidance is available via Landgate.
Why do strata fees increase?
Levies rise when operating costs increase, typically insurance premiums, repairs and maintenance, cleaning, landscaping, utilities, and administrative costs.
Is strata insurance mandatory in WA?
Yes. Strata companies must insure buildings and common property and hold public liability cover in accordance with WA legislation and their scheme requirements.
What happens if I don’t pay my strata fees?
Overdue levies may attract interest, recovery action, and loss of voting rights until paid, as provided for under the scheme’s by-laws and applicable legislation.
Are strata fees based on apartment size?
Contributions are usually tied to unit entitlement, which commonly correlates with lot size and amenity; larger lots typically pay a greater share.
Where can I find the legal framework for strata fees in WA?
The framework is set out in the Strata Titles Act 1985 (WA) and supported by resources from Landgate, WA’s land and property authority.
If you want to better understand strata fees in Perth or find a manager who keeps costs transparent, try Strata Manager Finder WA. It’s free and connects you with trusted local experts who balance budgets without cutting corners.
