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Australia is growing, and it’s taking the strata management industry with it. As NSW makes way for an estimated 904,000 homes by 2041 to accommodate population growth, apartment living is expected to rise exponentially.
Take Greater Sydney, for example, where the population is expected to reach 6.1 million in the next 15 to 20 years. Landlocked with national parks to the north and south, mountains to the west, and oceans to the east, there remains only one solution to the city’s growing housing needs — the only way to grow is up.
With strata management playing a pivotal role in apartment living, there’s never been a more exciting time to join the industry.
Apply your skill set in a new way
Despite being an industry that many people know little about, a career in strata management relies heavily on skills that you would find in many other roles. With the ability to obtain a Certificate of Registration via a three-day course in NSW, it’s common for professionals across law, accounting, project management, hospitality, and property management to transfer their professional skills to a career in strata management — a move made all the more attractive thanks to its competitive salary and vast opportunities for career progression.
To be successful in strata, you need to be a confident decision-maker and a level-headed mediator. People with strong problem-solving, administrative, and customer service skills tend to thrive in the field, as much of the job is spent figuring out the best and most efficient way to resolve a problem or dispute. Some days, you’re a peace-maker, other days you’re a project manager. The ever-changing nature of the job is what makes it such an exciting industry to work in.
Feel fulfilled in your role
Most people dream of a job where they can go to work and feel like they’re making a difference, and as a strata manager, that is exactly what you can look forward to. At its core, strata management is about helping people maintain their most important and most valuable asset — their home.
The opportunities to do this are varied, and no two days are ever the same in the strata industry. For example, when flash flooding was impacting thousands of homes across NSW in 2022, strata managers were integral to ensuring that community members were supported and informed every step of the way. Whether it be organising repairs or keeping occupiers up to date with the latest developments, the strata industry was a pillar of strength during an otherwise turbulent time.
Across the board, a strata manager is responsible for helping to maintain a happy and harmonious living experience. For many industry professionals, the opportunities to connect and help clients navigate otherwise difficult circumstances is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.
Work in a collaborative and social industry
The ability to collaborate and build strong relationships with clients and colleagues is essential to success in the strata management industry. Whether it’s working harmoniously with multiple owners to rectify an issue or seamlessly organising repairs and maintenance work, a strata manager keeps the wheels turning by working with a vast network of people.
The collaborative nature of the industry makes for a rewarding workplace culture that can enrich both your personal and professional life. Regular industry events provide opportunities for networking and socialising, whether it’s at a conference, a team getaway, or an awards night. This emphasis on balancing work with a rich social culture is what makes the strata management industry such a fun and rewarding place to work.
Future-proof your career
In a time where economic uncertainty is putting strain on industries far and wide, strata management is one of the few professions that offer job security in both the short and long term. The reason for this is simple: cities are growing, and apartment living is becoming the preference for many Australians.
Ever since the strata industry was introduced in Australia over 60 years ago, it has experienced a steady increase in demand. And as apartment living becomes even more popular, it shows no sign of slowing down. With the population of NSW set to boom in the coming decades, strata managers will be more important than ever to the communities that live in residential complexes.
As the saying goes: “It’s been a long time since an apartment building was knocked down and a house built.” As long as people continue to seek out apartment living, strata managers will be here to provide support, every step of the way.
Stephen Brell is the president of Strata Community Association (NSW). He is also a licensed real estate agent, qualified property valuer, and chair of the NSW risk and finance committee.
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