New South Wales · City of Newcastle

Buying a strata apartment in Newcastle 2300

What to check before you bid on a unit or townhouse in Newcastle, under New South Wales rules. Search a full address for a free building report.

Strata law

Strata Schemes Management Act 2015

The contract must attach a s 10.7 planning certificate, title search and sewer diagram; a strata report is optional but strongly advised.

5 business days, waivable with a s 66W certificate; 0.25% forfeit if you withdraw.

Ask the strata manager for a s 184 strata information certificate and inspect the records (AGM minutes, capital works fund plan).

Read the last three years of AGM minutes for defects, disputes and repeated repairs.
Compare the capital works / sinking fund balance with the forecast under the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015.
Look for special levies already raised or proposed — they usually pass to the buyer.
Check building insurance is current and covers the full replacement value.
Ask about combustible cladding, waterproofing and any building-defect claims.
Run the contract through a clause check before cooling-off ends.

General information on state rules, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with your conveyancer.