What are strata fees for condos and townhouses?
Why is your condo bill numbered like a utility bill? What are strata fees for condos and townhouses — and who pays for what?
Quick answer: what strata fees cover
Strata fees are the monthly charges owners pay to run the shared parts of a condo or townhouse community. They cover common expenses that affect every owner: building insurance, common-area repairs, utilities for shared spaces, management, landscaping, security, and the reserve fund for big repairs.
How strata fees work — simple breakdown
- Common services: cleaning, snow removal, elevators, pool, gym.
- Insurance: building insurance for common areas. Owners still need individual condo insurance for inside their unit.
- Management and admin: property manager, accounting, legal.
- Reserve fund: money set aside for major repairs like roofs, exterior painting, boiler replacement.
Example: a $500 monthly strata fee
- Reserve fund: $150
- Maintenance & repairs: $140
- Building insurance: $80
- Utilities (common areas): $70
- Management & admin: $60
This example shows where your money goes. Numbers vary by building and amenities.
Typical price range and what changes the cost
Strata fees vary widely. Expect a low-rise townhouse complex with minimal amenities to charge much less than a high-rise condo with a pool, gym, concierge, and underground parking.
Factors that raise fees:
- More amenities (pools, gyms, party rooms)
- Older buildings (more repairs)
- Higher insurance costs
- Larger shared utility bills
Benefits of paying strata fees
- Predictable maintenance: common issues get fixed without surprise bargaining among owners.
- Faster repairs: pooled money means immediate action when something breaks.
- Protection of property values: well-maintained common areas keep units desirable.
Common misconceptions
- “I already pay my mortgage, why pay strata?” Mortgage covers your loan. Strata pays for shared property and services.
- “Strata fees are wasted money.” Good management and a healthy reserve fund protect your investment. Poorly run corporations waste money — that’s why you must review minutes and budgets before buying.
- “Strata fees never change.” They do. Annual budgets and special assessments can increase fees. A large unexpected repair can trigger a special levy.
How to evaluate strata fees when buying
- Ask for the last 3 years of budgets and minutes.
- Check reserve fund balance and a recent reserve study.
- Review special assessments history.
- Compare fees per square foot to similar buildings.
If you want clear, local advice on a specific building, get a trusted local agent who reads budgets and asks the right questions. I help buyers decode budgets, spot risk, and forecast future fees so they avoid surprise costs.
Contact for a free review of a strata budget: tony@sousasells.ca | 416-477-2620 | https://www.sousasells.ca
