That sinking feeling … and why funds run dry
It’s something of a cliché – the ageing apartment block crumbling slowly before your eyes while the oldies on the committee zealously guard the plump sinking fund (as it used…
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Roundup: We’re back … with the odd hiccup
It’s been a tough week at Flat Chat Central. Our fabulous website developers (Liveby5) have been working overtime to fix a range of problems that have been increasingly causing irritating…
Opportunists swoop and buyers walk as apartment prices plummet
Apartment owners trying to sell out of the now notorious Opal Tower block are being offered knock-down prices for their apartments, according to newspaper and online news reports. And neighbouring…
Podcast: On air with Josh Zepps and Part 2 of the strata disaster
Every so often, I get invited on to a radio or TV show to talk about apartments. This week I’ve been on Breakfast on ABC 702 with Josh Zepps, (usually…
How Airbnb votes could shape state government
The spread of short-term holiday letting into residential homes could be a significant local factor in the up-coming state election, according to Independent Sydney MP Alex Greenwich. And, depending on…
High anxiety – how truly safe is your balcony?
How safe is your balcony? That little bit of the outdoors leading from your lounge room, could be an accident waiting to happen. In 2017 two people died and 17…
Roundup – Return of the Zombie Forum topics
Jeez, there are some people who just shouldn’t be living in strata, aren’t there? As I said last week, it’s one of quirks of this website that we occasionally have…
Can you ban monster utes from your car park?
Have things been getting a bit squeezy in your apartment parking lots recently? Are you one of those unfortunates who have to push your Toyota Corolla in and out between…
Podcast: Inside a strata disaster … a pet ban backfires
I am occasionally asked how come I ever got into writing about apartment living. After all, I’m a published author, have been a reasonabIy successful TV scriptwriter and occasionally still…
Roundup: Strata chair blocks Airbnb by-law vote
Can anyone give us a definitive answer on whether or not it’s OK to pass by-laws banning Airbnb? We ask because this week we received an email from a Flatchatter…
Opal report targets beams as well as panels
Significant rectification works will be needed in the beleaguered Opal Tower in Sydney’s Olympic Park.to repair and strengthen damaged hob beams and in some cases the panels that rest on…
Lambert lambasts NSW government over defects
By Sue Williams and Jimmy Thomson The NSW Government-appointed expert who wrote its report into building industry standards says that had his 2016 recommendations been followed, the Opal Tower crisis,…