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:
This week: a landmark court penalty underscores insurers duty of good faith and the importance of fast, clear claims handling; the Commonwealth keeps current disaster recovery funding settings, supporting resilience and post‑disaster rebuilds; industry seeks to exempt contents‑only insurance from the deferred sales model four‑day pause to close strata cover gaps; and rents soften as affordability bites, leaving less room to absorb rising building and insurance costs. Practical notes for committees: document claims, prioritise mitigation, clarify what strata insurance covers versus contents, and compare policies to maintain comprehensive, cost‑effective protection.
EPISODE 3199 | Strata Cover Australia Weekly News | Sat, 10th Oct 2026
15 Oct 2026 | Paige Estritori
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Read Full Transcript:
Hello and welcome to Strata Cover Australia Weekly News, Im Paige Estritori, and its Saturday, 10 October 2026.
First up, a Federal Court penalty has put claims handling back in the spotlight. Hollard has been fined two million dollars over severe delays on a storm-damage claim that left a home uninhabitable. Its the first civil penalty for breaching the duty of utmost good faith, and its a reminder that clear communication and timely make-safes matter. For committees, the takeaway is simple: document issues early, keep decision records tidy, and partner with insurers known for responsive claims support.
Meanwhile, the Commonwealth has scrapped plans to reduce its share of disaster recovery funding. The existing disaster recovery funding arrangements, known as the DRFA, stay in place, with the Commonwealth still able to cover up to about three-quarters of eligible costs when criteria are met. That should help councils rebuild faster after floods or storms and support resilience works that can limit future losses. If your building is in a risk hotspot, revisit mitigation priorities and ensure your insurance reflects current exposures.
Next up, a regulatory tweak that could close a common cover gap. Industry has urged Treasury to add contents-only insurance to the list of products exempt from the deferred sales model four‑day pause, which already covers home building and other essentials through to 2031. Why it matters: strata policies usually protect common property, while owners still need contents and fixtures cover for things like carpets and blinds. Committees can help by reminding owners where strata insurance stops and personal cover begins, and by pointing them to clear, apples‑to‑apples comparisons.
And finally, new rental data shows the market is hitting an affordability ceiling. Rents have largely flatlined across most capitals this quarter, with Sydney recording its first dip in house rents since 2024, even as vacancy nudges only slightly higher. For investors in strata buildings, that means less room to offset rising costs through higher rents. Build a lean budget, focus on essential protections, and compare policies to keep cover comprehensive yet cost‑effective.
Thats the wrap. For more resources and to compare tailored strata insurance options, head to strata-cover.com.au. Im Paige Estritori—thanks for listening, and Ill see you next week.
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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Knowledgebase
Coinsurance: A percentage of the cost of a covered healthcare service that you pay after you have paid your deductible.
