Company Titles vs Strata Plans: How Ownership Works

What is a Company Title?

A Company Title is an older form of property ownership that dates back to the 1920s and 1930s. Rather than owning a specific unit, residents own shares in a company that owns the entire building. These shares give them the right to occupy a particular unit.

Strata Plans (also referred to as Unit Plans in some states) became the preferred model from the 1960s onwards.

Where Company Titles Exist Today

Company Titles are most often found in:

Older apartment buildings (pre-1960s)
Legacy retirement and seniors housing developments
Developments where Strata Plan approval is difficult under current planning requirements

Ownership Model

Strata Plan: Owners hold the legal title to their lot.
Company Title: Occupants are shareholders, not titleholders.

Governance Structure

Strata Plan: Managed by a group of owners who volunteer to be elected to an Executive Committee.
Company Title: Managed by a board of directors, typically appointed from among the shareholders.

How are Company Titles Regulated?

Company Titles are not governed by strata legislation, but are instead regulated primarily under corporations’ law, their constitution, and general property and planning laws.

Decision‑making authority often rests more centrally with company directors, subject to the company’s constitution and shareholder approvals. They are not required to appoint a licensed Strata Managers (although many do).

Shareholders can also be vetted before purchase or lease, giving greater control over new residents.

How Civium Supports Company Titles

Though the structure differs, Strata Managers can provide valuable support to Company Title buildings.

We work directly with company directors and shareholders to manage:

Financial Reporting
Invoicing and Payments
Meetings and Compliance
Insurance
Repairs and Maintenance

Not all strata companies offer this service due to inexperience with the legislative and operational differences of Company Titles – but at Civium, we do.

Company Titles may be less common today, but they remain an important part of Australia’s property landscape. If you’re part of a Company Title building, or considering one, it’s essential to work with a management team that understands its unique structure.

Want to learn more or need help managing your Company Title property? We’re here to help.