More strata schemes are choosing to self-manage to reduce costs, regain control, and improve oversight of building decisions. However, transitioning away from a strata manager requires proper planning, clear processes, and an understanding of what must be handled internally.
This guide outlines the essential steps for becoming self-managed in NSW, including how Strata On Demand can help, meeting requirements, financial setup, compliance, and the operational framework your committee will need.
Self-managed strata is no longer a high-risk or time-consuming option.
For many Australia-wide schemes, it’s a simpler, cheaper, and more transparent way to run their building — especially when professional support is used strategically.
Lower ongoing costs
No long-term management contracts, no hidden fees, and no unnecessary mark-ups. You pay only for what you use.
Greater control and faster decisions
Committees approve spending, choose contractors, and resolve issues without delays or third-party bottlenecks.
Clearer financial visibility
Committees can see exactly where money is going and why, with full transparency over levies and expenditure.
Flexibility to outsource only what you want
Self-managed does not mean doing everything yourself. Most schemes outsource meetings, compliance, insurance, and technical work.
Strata On Demand provides expert strata services on a pay-as-you-go basis, allowing schemes to stay independent without being overloaded.
Self-management is about removing unnecessary layers, not creating more work.
We provide support across all areas needed for successful self-management, including:
Pay-as-you-go support means no contracts, no lock-ins and no hidden extras.
If your committee is planning to self-manage or needs help transitioning, Strata On Demand can support you at any stage, with clear pricing and no long-term commitments.
A self-managed strata scheme does not appoint a licensed strata managing agent.
Instead, the committee oversees the scheme and outsources tasks as required.
This usually includes oversight of:
Most self-managed schemes do not perform all of this internally.
Strata On Demand provides all of these services individually, with no contracts and no lock-in, making self-management practical and low-risk.
Self-management works best when:
Many schemes move to self-management specifically because professional support is available when needed.
Owners should meet to discuss:
The decision should be recorded in formal minutes.
Strata On Demand can draft the agenda, chair the meeting, and prepare compliant minutes to properly document the decision.
If the scheme is currently managed, review:
Termination must follow the agreement.
Strata On Demand can review the agreement and guide the transition to avoid disputes or delays.
The committee must obtain:
Strata On Demand can assist with Strata Roll Setup, record collation, and identifying missing or incomplete documents.
Every self-managed scheme must have its own bank account.
Account name:
“The Owners – Strata Plan XXXX”
Never use a personal account.
What the account is used for:
Best practice includes dual signatories and monthly reconciliation.
Strata On Demand can assist with financial setup, levy structures, and compliance-ready processes.
Ensure:
Strata On Demand can coordinate insurance quotes, renewals, valuations, and claims as required.
A self-managed scheme needs clear but simple processes for:
These do not need to be complex.
Strata On Demand can handle meeting administration, minutes, work orders, correspondence, and documentation whenever the committee prefers.
Self-managed schemes must still meet all legislative obligations, including:
Strata On Demand provides pay-as-you-go coordination and lodgement for all compliance obligations.
Most self-managed schemes outsource:
Strata On Demand supports this hybrid model by handling only the tasks the committee does not want to manage internally.
Once the scheme has:
…it can operate confidently without a strata manager.
Strata On Demand remains available for ongoing support with no contracts, no retainers, and no lock-in.
Common issues include:
Strata On Demand helps self-managed schemes avoid these risks while staying fully independent.
Self-management is not about taking on extra work.
It’s about control, transparency, and flexibility — with professional support available when needed.
Strata On Demand makes self-managed strata achievable, compliant, and low-stress.
We provide support across all areas needed for successful self-management, including:
Pay-as-you-go support means no contracts, no lock-ins and no hidden extras.
If your committee is planning to self-manage or needs help transitioning, Strata On Demand can support you at any stage, with clear pricing and no long-term commitments.