CHU Strata Index Reveals Pathway to Creating Healthier Strata Communities
SYDNEY, Australia – 18 November 2025 – CHU, Australia's largest strata insurance underwriting agency, has released the inaugural CHU Strata Index, a comprehensive study examining the attitudes, perceptions, and behaviours of owners in strata across Australia.
The research surveyed 1,000 owners involved in their Owners Corporation across Australia, finding there are significant building maintenance gaps as more than one quarter (28%) of properties are checked irregularly, or not at all.
The research also revealed opportunities for strata professionals to strengthen their role as both educators and trusted partners. While almost half (40%) of owners see strata managers as essential to making property management easier, respondents voiced their opinions on the value and cost of strata managers. The findings point to clear opportunities for strata managers to build on this foundation by adapting how they communicate their value to owners.
“Our new research reveals an opportunity for strata professionals to shift their mindset, from service providers to business partners who provide critical information and support. When owners understand how maintenance, insurance, and professional management protect their investment, everyone benefits. That's the future of resilient and healthy strata communities,” said Kimberley Jonsson, Chief Executive Officer at CHU.
Maintenance gaps across Australian strata schemes
The Index uncovered a maintenance crisis waiting to happen. One quarter (28%) of properties are checked irregularly - or not at all - for maintenance issues, and over a third (35%) don’t have a maintenance action plan in place. These gaps signal future building risks and financial shocks for Owners Corporations, as unaddressed maintenance can escalate into major repairs.
“Proper maintenance is one of the keys to more resilient communities. I believe maintenance is just as much of an investment in safeguarding communities as insurance is”, Ms Jonsson said.
“Every strata professional has a role to play — starting with helping owners understand what good building maintenance looks like and how their decisions affect resilience, risk management, and long-term value. By doing so, we can all contribute to strengthening strata communities”
Attitudes to strata management
The research reveals a varied relationship between owners and strata managers, highlighting an opportunity for strata managers to articulate the value of their work, and to support education of owners.
Almost half of respondents (40%) are supporters of strata managers and believe they make property management easier for owners, while 43% believe strata managers are essential for handling complex compliance and safety issues. When asked why they work with strata managers, half (50%) recognise their work ensuring regulatory and safety needs are met for their buildings. However, many are concerned with fees as almost half (40%) of respondents perceive strata manager fees as too high for the value received.
Understanding and perceptions vary across different property types and values. One third of respondents (32%) believe strata managers are unnecessary for property management tasks, while another third (34%) believe complex compliance and safety issues could be handled by owners without a strata manager.
“This data shows some owners are yet to recognise the role strata managers play as partners, supporting the community they live in. Those communities that recognise this value and tap into the expertise and capabilities of their strata managers, are more likely to be regularly maintained, compliant and safe communities. These are all qualities of healthy strata,” added Ms Jonsson.
Attitudes towards strata insurance
Appropriate strata insurance cover is critical to protect shared properties and foster more resilient communities, yet it remains one of the least understood aspects of strata ownership.
The Index found gaps in insurance understanding, with more than one-third (39%) of respondents wanting only the bare minimum insurance coverage, while nearly one-fifth (17%) are unsure how their strata insurance is purchased.
The findings suggest many owners don't understand the complexity of strata insurance or the risks of underinsurance, or view insurance as essential protection for their investment.
The research showed these attitudes shift when strata managers and brokers are involved in the insurance process. In these instances, owner satisfaction rates increase, demonstrating a clear opportunity for strata professionals to build trust and support owners as they navigate this critical area.
To download the full CHU Strata Index, visit the CHU website here.
Methodology
This research was conducted by the independent research agency Fuller, on behalf of CHU Group. The findings are based on a national online survey of 1,000 strata lot owners who are involved in the management of their body corporate. Fieldwork was conducted between December 5 and 19, 2024, via an external research panel.
About CHU
Since creating the first strata plan insurance policy in 1978, CHU Underwriting Agencies has grown to become one of Australia’s largest strata insurance specialists. CHU strata insurance covers approximately 1 million apartments, units, villas and townhouses across Australia. CHU also offers Commercial Strata Insurance as well as Contents Insurance and Landlords Insurance for strata property owners. To learn more about CHU, visit the website here.
Media Contacts
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