Early Strata Planning Now Drives Developer Reputation

In a market where buyers are more discerning, buildings more complex and post-settlement expectations are higher than ever, one truth has become impossible for developers to ignore: what defines your reputation is not just the build—it’s the customer experience that follows it.

As one of Sydney’s most trusted strata firms with a benchmark-setting customer satisfaction NPS score 60 points above the Sydney average—McCormacks understands what creates an exceptional strata experience and has seen firsthand how the owner journey defines how developers are remembered.

According to managing director Hugh McCormack, that reputational moment of truth arrives far earlier than most realise.

“Developers spend years designing and building an asset. But the brand experience buyers talk about—and judge you on—comes from what happens after settlement. That’s why engaging strata pre-construction is no longer optional. It protects your reputation and enhances the customer experience.”

The message to developers is simple: early strata involvement is now best practice.

Why early strata engagement matters

Sydney’s residential projects are more sophisticated and service-intensive than at any point in history. Smart building systems, concierge services, EV infrastructure, mixed-use environments and high-end amenity packages, all demand operational planning—not just once the building is complete but long before a DA is approved.

Sirius at The Rocks (pictured top) is one such landmark building in McCormacks’ portfolio. With rooftop gardens, pools, luxury amenities and complex systems, the strata strategy didn’t begin at handover; it began well before the display suite opened.

“On a building like Sirius—or Sydney Wharf, Woolloomooloo, or the Horizon—you can’t leave owner engagement, operational planning or service delivery to the last minute,” McCormack said. “It needs to be designed-in. And when it is, everything works better—from sales to settlement to long-term owner satisfaction.”

And with new NSW strata reforms tying capital works planning, operational budgets and utility arrangements back to the developer’s initial maintenance schedule, strata is no longer a post-handover consideration—it’s a compliance requirement that starts pre-construction.

For developers, early engagement translates into fewer surprises, fewer disputes and a smoother path from construction to occupancy—backed by a strata partner who understands the building as deeply as the project team.

▲ Managing director Hugh McCormack: Early strata strategy cuts compliance risks and boosts long-term building performance.

Reputation dividend for developers

McCormacks works from a clear principle: strata is your after-sales service. It directly influences resale value, referrals and the way owners speak publicly about their building—and about the developer behind it.

When strata is engaged early, the benefits are clear.

(1) Happier owners and fewer post-settlement complaints

Clear levy expectations, realistic budgets and strong owner education reduce the friction points that so often overwhelm new buildings.

Tools like the McCormacks CONNECT app reinforce that support, giving owners clarity from day one on how the building works, what they are paying for and how to access help.

(2) Stronger brand perception and market differentiation

In a crowded market, a developer’s brand outlives the project. A building that operates smoothly reinforces that brand long after completion. Any disconnect carries risk.

Early strata planning signals professionalism, care and a premium customer ethos—the very attributes that drive buyer confidence, positive reviews and referrals.

(3) Reduced operational and compliance risk

From BMC frameworks to fire safety pathways, embedded networks, titling structures and long-term maintenance planning, early strata expertise helps developers avoid costly oversights.

With reforms placing greater scrutiny on handover documentation, utility arrangements and budget accuracy, early strata involvement now directly reduces compliance exposure.

▲ The operational demands of buildings such as Sydney Wharf show why developers now embed strata expertise before construction begins.

New best practice: Strata as part of the development team

Forward-thinking developers are embedding strata alongside architects, engineers and sales agents. McCormack describes this shift as “whole-of-life planning” for residential buildings.

“Good strata management begins before a DA is even approved. We help shape how the building will operate, how levies will be structured, how facilities will be maintained and how the owner experience will be delivered based on our lived experiences. That early involvement isn’t just better for owners; it’s better for the developer.”

The McCormacks process is a simple and repeatable four-stage rhythm:

• Pre-construction: operational modelling, budgeting and amenities cost planning, levy forecasting and governance structure review.

• Construction: regular check-ins to align with the builder and resolve design issues with future usability in mind.

• Sales and settlement: equipping sales teams, delivering owner education and reducing settlement pressure.

• Handover and beyond: proactive management supported by technology, a dedicated service model and clear communication.

Put simply: strata becomes the backbone of the developer’s after-sales delivery.

▲ The Horizon at Darlinghurst highlights how early strata modelling supports premium amenities and ensures long-term operational efficiency.

Building confidence for sales teams and buyers

One of the strongest shifts McCormacks is seeing is the confidence gained by pre-construction sales teams when strata is embedded early.

McCormacks proactively and transparently addresses buyer concerns and regulatory requirements through:

• Early consultation and a plan for how the building will operate.

• A tailored maintenance schedule and building management plan.

• A budget and estimate of expected levies.

• Technology that supports owners.

• Dedicated service model for owners committees.

With McCormacks’ leadership, buyers feel informed and secure—and that confidence supports stronger sales outcomes and a smoother settlement journey.

A new standard developers can own

As we head into 2026, buildings have become more advanced and tightly regulated and owner expectations continue to rise. For developers, the message is clear: early strata integration isn’t just best practice—it’s a competitive advantage.

“Developers want earlier sales, a frictionless post-settlement and stronger reputations,” McCormack said. “Early strata involvement delivers all three.”

For McCormacks, that’s the standard: a partnership that elevates the building, enhances the owner experience and strengthens the developer’s brand—making the common good exceptional.

If you’re planning a new project or reviewing your handover process, get in touch for a consultation to ensure your building is set up for success from day one.

solutions@mccormacks.com.au | 1300 991 825

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