A strata scheme is a building or collection of buildings that has been divided into lots and common property. Lots are individual units, flats, apartments, townhouses, villas or duplexes. Common Property is the shared items in the scheme, such as common stairwells, driveways, visitor parking, roofs, gardens, lifts, gyms and pools. Strata living can provide a friendly community-style environment but differs from living in a freestanding house.