Question: Can we combine 2 strata lots to create one large lot? What do we need to consider before planning the renovation?
We own a two-bedroom strata apartment and are considering buying the one-bedroom apartment next door to increase our overall space and give each of our daughters their own room, etc.
If no one else’s lots, building stability, etc. are affected and we engage a structural engineer to assess/advise on the work, then commit to make good repairs prior to our sale of either apartment downstream, could we install a doorway between the 2 lots?
Are there any existing precedents for this kind of thing in current strata law?
Answer: You will need a by-law to be passed by special resolution of the Owners Corporation to approve the creation of the doorway.
You will need a by-law to be passed by special resolution of the Owners Corporation to approve the creation of the doorway (together with structural engineering certifications/specifications etc) and the by-law can stipulate the reinstatement of the wall prior to re-sale of either lot if that is the intention. The by-law will also need to be registered on the folio of the common property (Owners Corporation’s certificate of title).
An alternative (but more expensive process) would be to combine the 2 lots by way of strata consolidation ie merge the 2 lots to be one and have the strata plan re-drawn to show both apartments as one. This is done through NSW Land Registry Services and requires a survey plan and various approvals from the Owners Corporation.
This post appears in the September 2021 edition of The NSW Strata Magazine.
Leanne Habib
Premium Strata
E: info@premiumstrata.com.au
P: 02 9281 6440
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