Strata Plus News
Last gasp: not even the balcony is safe for a puff
SMH, 2-3 April, 2011
"A small Block of flats in Sydney's inner west has made history by becoming what is believed to be the first residential building in Australia to ban smoking inside all residents' homes."
Puff no more says by-law
North Shore Times, January 28, 2011
"The smoking ban is not that common at present, but is fast becoming popular with owners corporations tired of complaints from their neighbours drifting into their properties," he said.
Victim in his own home
Mosman Daily, January 13, 2011
Strata Title Management president David Ferguson said it would be "close to impossible" to get a by-law through in a building where there were smokers.
Consider others if you party
Daily Telegraph, December 22, 2010
"Even something as innocent as sitting outside on your balcony having a drink and talking with friends can get you off-side with the neighbours if there's a bit of noise," he said.
Pets get a taste of the high life
SMH Domain, November 27, 2010
The president of the ISTM, David Ferguson, says: "There is plenty of evidence to suggest pet ownership is good for our health and good for the health of the communities."
Unit car parks on the way out
AFR, October 5 2010
"I think people are now moving to a much more car-free existence," he said.
Keeping up appearances
SMH Domain, September 18, 2010
"I think now apartment owners are beginning to realise that updating the building is a good way to maximise their potential value of their own apartment, and it's money worth spending," says the president of the ISTM, David Ferguson.
Strata Plus' new CEO
AFR, September 18, 2010
Strata Plus has appointed Bill Wawn as the new CEO.
Happy Campers – Our friendliest apartment blocks
SMH Domain, July 10-11 2010
"It's the tone of a building that's important" says the president of ISTM, David Ferguson, "...Where a building is known for a good living environment, there's more demand for apartments and inevitably the competition will force prices up."
Christmas: the lonely season
Wentworth Courier Mail, 16 Dec 2009
David Ferguson, president of the Institute of Strata Title Management, is encouraging apartment owners and renters to make an effort to get to know the person down the hall to spread some Christmas cheer...
Pre-purchase unit inspections are an absolute must
North Shore Times, 22 May 2009
ISTM President, David Ferguson, said more than 14,000 people in NSW have taken advantage of the first homebuyers grant, yet few carried out a strata inspection before buying
Caution for property buyers
Inner Western Suburbs Courier, 5 May 2009
Industry insiders are warning property buyers to do their homework on their new homes...
In brief
SMH, 21 March 2009
"The strata industry is weathering the downturn better than many others and new workers are needed," a peak body says.
When something fishy is going on up there
Northern District Times, 18 March 2009
For most people, living in a strata complex offers a peaceful lifestyle. However problems and complaints can sometimes arise. Buyers, particularly first time strata buyers are urged to do some digging first.
Warning to unit buyers
Daily Telegraph, 18 March 2009
First home buyers are being warned to get a thorough strata inspection before they buy a unit.
Last line of defence - Independent strata managers play a vital role
Flat Chat Jimmy Thomson SMH Nov 1-2, 2008.
"The practising strata manager is best able to carry out their fiduciary duty when they are fully at arm's lengths from the developer," says David Ferguson, newly elected chairman of the Institute of Strata Title Management.
Ghettos in the sky
For many tenants, living the high life in an overcrowded unit can be far from mighty, writes Justin Vallejo, Daily Telegraph, Sep 27, 2008.
"It's not that these kinds of short term rentals should be stamped out, they need to be separated from long-term residents so checks and balances can be introduced." ISTM director David Ferguson says...
It can be tough for those of a different strata
As the push to urban consolidation grows, many find the move from home to unit a challenge, writes Sue Williams, AFR Sept 12-14, 2008.
"One of the ideals of strata living is the fact that you live in a community that can offer great support, a vertical cul de sac, with the same feel as living in a cul de sac in a conventional street," says Ferguson...
