Each week, get a concise, trustworthy wrap of the biggest strata and property stories across Australia. We scan rule changes, tribunal decisions, insurance trends, construction and defect updates, and real-world case studies to keep committees, managers and owners informed. Expect plain-English summaries, key takeaways, and practical context so you can navigate obligations with confidence and stay ahead of emerging risks. A steady, no-fuss briefing designed for Australians living in or managing strata communities.
This Week:
Paige covers four developments for Australian strata owners. ASIC flags risks with cash settlements after Cyclone Jasper, urging committees to scope works and get multiple quotes. ARPCs new plan highlights data sharing and notes cyclone-pool payouts and significant premium relief in high‑risk areas. The Bathla Groups administration raises concerns about delays and defects around NSW projects, with owners urged to keep records and clarify insurance boundaries. APRA reports home insurance returned to profit in the June quarter, hinting at stabilising conditions as committees review cover and costs ahead of renewals.
Hello and welcome to Strata Cover Australia Weekly News, Im Paige Estritori, and its Saturday, 5 September 2026.
First up, a warning on cash settlements. ASIC, the corporate regulator, reviewed home-claim cash settlements and found many offers were based on a single quote, with a high share of claims fully or partly paid in cash after Cyclone Jasper. That can leave owners short and juggling trades and overruns. For strata committees, the lesson is simple: before accepting cash, get proper scope and multiple quotes, and consider letting the insurer manage repairs so cover, quality and timelines are clearer.
Meanwhile, ARPC — the Australian Reinsurance Pool Corporation — set out its 2026 to 2030 plan, promising more data sharing on cyclone and terrorism risks. It reports the cyclone pool has paid over a billion dollars in claims and says average home premiums in the highest‑risk areas have fallen by about 37 per cent since 2022. If your scheme is in a cyclone‑exposed region, ask your broker how your policy is treated under the pool and whether mitigation data on your building is up to date.
On the construction front, the Bathla Group remains in administration after a turbulent week, with partial payrolls met on Thursday while lenders discussed short‑term funding. Thousands of homes across New South Wales are tied to its pipeline, so buyers and recent completions may face delays or defect uncertainty. For existing owners, keep defect registers current, document communications, and clarify with your insurer whats covered versus maintenance, so youre prepared if issues surface.
And a quick pulse check on insurance market conditions. APRA, the prudential regulator, says householders insurance moved back to an underwriting profit in the June quarter after two losing quarters, helped by a quieter catastrophe period. It doesnt mean premiums will suddenly fall, but its a stabilising sign. As renewals approach, its a good time to review sums insured, excesses and risk measures, and compare options to balance cover and cost.
Thats the wrap. For expert help comparing strata insurance and keeping your building properly protected, visit strata-cover.com.au. Im Paige Estritori — talk soon.
The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.
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Strata insurance is a specific type of insurance designed to cover shared property and common areas within a strata-titled property. This includes coverage for dwelling structures, common hallways, roofs, and sometimes even shared swimming pools or gardens. - read more
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When it comes to strata insurance, making a claim can feel daunting if you're not familiar with the process. A vital first step is understanding what constitutes a claimable event. Typically, these are events that lead to damage or loss in the common areas of a property, such as fire, storm damage, or vandalism. However, each policy can vary, so it’s important to check the specifics of what your coverage includes. - read more
Knowledgebase
Aggregate Limit: The maximum amount an insurer will pay for all covered losses during a policy period.
