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: Flood cover gaps are widening in high‑risk regions, with strata contents take‑up notably low. AFCA releases claims‑handling guidance stressing timely decisions, detailed scopes and transparency over costs. A review of Queenslands Resilient Homes Fund shows resilience upgrades speed recovery and support insurability lessons. Housing supply targets slip to 2030, with NSW later, meaning longer lead times for repairs and projects. Takeaways: verify flood inclusions, keep valuations current, document claims thoroughly, and plan resilience works.
EPISODE 2730 | Strata Cover Australia Weekly News | Sat, 22nd Aug 2026
25 Aug 2026 | Paige Estritori
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Read Full Transcript:
Hello and welcome to Strata Cover Australia Weekly News with Paige Estritori for Saturday, 22 August 2026.
First, a new analysis from the cyclone reinsurance pool administrator, the Australian Reinsurance Pool Corporation, shows a widening flood cover gap in the highest‑risk areas. Overall home building insurance is high, but flood cover drops sharply in extreme‑risk zones, and contents cover is even lower—especially in attached dwellings like strata. For committees, its a prompt to check if your buildings policy includes flood, confirm how storm surge is treated, and make sure residents know contents and landlord contents are separate. If you need help comparing wordings, we can walk you through it.
Meanwhile, the Australian Financial Complaints Authority, or AFCA, has issued fresh guidance on what fair and timely claims handling looks like. Insurers should decide within about four months, with simpler claims much sooner. AFCA highlights that a detailed scope of works, clear communication, and access to unredacted costings matter. Cash settlements shouldnt be the default. For strata managers, lock in a thorough scope, keep records of all contact, and set realistic timelines with your builder so repairs and temporary accommodation can be managed smoothly.
In Queensland, an independent review finds the Resilient Homes Fund has made a real difference for flood‑affected households through buybacks, house raising and resilient retrofits. The lesson for strata is that targeted upgrades—think flood barriers, drainage and plant‑room protection—can speed recovery and support ongoing insurability. If your building sits near waterways or overland‑flow paths, consider a resilience plan before storm season and ensure sums insured reflect code‑driven rebuild costs.
And on supply, Australias one‑point‑two million‑home target has slipped further, with the latest outlook pushing completion to the end of 2030 and New South Wales trailing into 2032. Approvals are up on last year, but higher costs and financing conditions are still slowing delivery. For owners and committees, expect longer lead times for trades and materials, and build sensible contingencies into maintenance and defect budgets. Keeping your insurance valuation current helps avoid nasty gaps if works escalate.
Thats it for this week. For plain‑English help and a tailored strata insurance comparison, head to strata‑cover.com.au. Im Paige Estritori—thanks for listening and stay safe.
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
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
Deductible: The amount you must pay out-of-pocket for expenses before your insurance company covers the remaining costs.
