Insights from the CHU 2026 Strata Index
CHU’s 2026 Strata Index highlights a significant opportunity for strata professionals to make their value more visible to owners, and maintenance could be the key.
Much of the work that of strata professionals, from maintenance planning and risk management to guiding complex decisions, happens behind the scenes, making it easy for owners to overlook the role professional expertise plays in protecting their property
These activities are becoming increasingly important as Australia’s strata buildings age and the expectations placed on strata professionals continue to grow. Yet many owners still struggle to see the connection between professional services, proactive maintenance and long-term asset protection.
For strata professionals, this presents a significant opportunity.
Australia’s strata buildings are ageing
The CHU 2026 Strata Index reveals that one in three strata schemes still does not have a regular maintenance action plan in place (see figure 1.1), unchanged from 2025.
The CHU 2026 Strata Index reveals that one in three strata schemes still does not have a regular maintenance action plan in place (see figure 1.1), unchanged from 2025.
At the same time, the frequency of maintenance checks varies significantly across schemes, with some conducted regularly while others occur infrequently or without clear oversight.
This matters because maintenance is no longer simply a building management issue; it is a risk management issue. When maintenance is delayed, small problems can escalate rapidly.
For many strata owners, their lot represents their most significant financial asset. Protecting that asset increasingly relies on proactive planning rather than reactive repairs.
The challenge isn’t always doing the work; it’s demonstrating the value
The Index also highlights an important finding: owners generally value strata managers, but they do not always fully understand the work being undertaken on their behalf. Two-thirds of strata schemes engage a strata manager, and of those, 70% are satisfied. Owners particularly value regulatory compliance, expert advice and communication support.
However, much of the work associated with maintenance planning, risk management and long-term asset protection occurs behind the scenes. The challenge for strata professionals is making that value visible.
Maintenance is one of the clearest demonstrations of professional value
The Index suggests a strong relationship between building condition and owner satisfaction.
Among owners who describe their properties as perfectly maintained, 79% report being very or extremely satisfied with their strata manager. Satisfaction falls significantly among owners who perceive their buildings to be less well maintained.
Among owners who describe their properties as perfectly maintained, 79% report being very or extremely satisfied with their strata manager. Satisfaction falls significantly among owners who perceive their buildings to be less well maintained.
This highlights a powerful connection: when buildings are better maintained, owner satisfaction with strata management increases.
While committees ultimately approve many maintenance decisions, strata managers are often the professionals identifying risks, presenting options and helping owners understand the consequences of inaction.
In many cases, maintenance is where professional expertise becomes most tangible.
Communication is the missing link
The CHU 2026 Strata Index found that 64% of owners would like more frequent communication from their strata manager. However, more communication is not necessarily the answer. Better communication is.
Owners want to understand:
- Why maintenance is being recommended
- What risks are being addressed
- What could happen if action is delayed
- What decisions need to be made
- How proposed works support long-term property value
When maintenance discussions are framed around asset protection, resilience and risk reduction, owners are more likely to appreciate the value being delivered.
The opportunity for strata professionals
The opportunity for strata professionals is not simply to coordinate maintenance.
It is to help owners understand that maintenance is risk management, that proactive planning protects property values, and that professional support often prevents costly issues before they emerge.
When strata professionals connect maintenance activities to owner outcomes, they make their value more visible. The result is greater owner confidence, better-maintained buildings and more resilient strata communities.
Learn More
The CHU 2026 Strata Index provides valuable insights into strata owner attitudes, maintenance behaviours, and professional service expectations across the strata sector.
Download the 2026 CHU Strata Index at: www.chu.com.au/resource-hub/chu-strata-index-2026/
This article was supplied by CHU.
DISCLAIMER: CHU Underwriting Agencies Pty Ltd (ABN 18 001 580 070, AFS Licence No: 243261) acts under a binding authority as agent of the insurer QBE Insurance (Australia) Limited (ABN 78 003 191 035, AFS Licence No: 239545). Terms, conditions, limits and exclusions apply to the products referred to above. Any advice in this article is general advice only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making a decision to acquire any product(s) or to continue to hold any product we recommend that you consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances and read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (‘PDS’), Financial Services Guide (‘FSG’), and the Target Market Determination (‘TMD’) which can be viewed at www.chu.com.au or obtained by contacting CHU directly.
