Strata Facts and Information

Buying a Condo in Victoria BC - 2026

Posted on May 19, 2026 in Strata Facts and Information

By Janine Thomson - Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

Greater Victoria & Vancouver Island Real Estate

Updated July 31, 2026

Buying a condo in Victoria, BC can provide a more accessible entry into the Greater Victoria real estate market, a convenient low-maintenance lifestyle, or an appealing option for downsizers and investors.

However, purchasing a condomini...

Fire Safety in British Columbia Real Estate: What Buyers Need to Know

Posted on Apr 15, 2026 in Strata Facts and Information

By Janine Thomson | Pemberton Holmes

Fire safety in British Columbia is no longer just a building requirement, it has become a critical legal, financial, and compliance issue that is directly impacting strata corporations, property values, and real estate transactions across the province.With the introduction of the new Fire Safety Act, combined wit...

Leaky Condos in Victoria, BC: What Buyers Need to Know Before You Invest

Posted on Apr 13, 2026 in Strata Facts and Information

By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

If you are considering purchasing a condominium in Victoria, BC, there is one term you should fully understand before moving forward: leaky condos.This issue has had a lasting impact on the real estate market throughout Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland. Even today, it continues to influe...

What is a Bare Land Strata

Posted on Mar 12, 2026 in Strata Facts and Information

By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

A bare land strata is a type of strata property where you own the land itself (the lot) rather than just the interior of a building. It is still governed by the Strata Property Act, but it works a little differently than a typical condo or townhouse strata.Here’s a simple explanation:

What you o...

The Developer’s Role in a Newly Created Strata & Red Flags to Watch For

Posted on Mar 12, 2026 in Strata Facts and Information

By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

When a new strata is created, the developer is called the “owner developer.” They are automatically part of the strata corporation because they own the unsold units. The strata corporation is legally formed when the strata plan is registered at the BC Land Title and Survey Authority.At the begi...

Understanding the Responsibilities of a Strata Council in British Columbia

Posted on Oct 21, 2025 in Strata Facts and Information

By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

If you live in a condo, townhouse, or any other strata property in British Columbia, you’re part of a community that’s governed by a strata council. But what exactly does the council do? How much power do they really have, and how do they operate day to day?Let’s break down the key roles and re...

Understanding Strata Living – What You Need to Know Before Buying a Condo or Townhouse

Posted on Aug 28, 2025 in Strata Facts and Information

By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

When you’re buying a home in British Columbia, one of the most common choices—especially in urban areas like Victoria or Vancouver—is a strata property. Condos, townhouses, and some duplexes all fall under strata ownership. While strata living comes with many benefits, it also means you’re buyi...

Inside the Strata Council – How AGMs, Minutes, and Governance Work

Posted on Aug 28, 2025 in Strata Facts and Information

By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

In our first post, we explored the basics of strata living, including fees, bylaws, and what it means to own a condo or townhouse within a strata corporation. Now, let’s go deeper into how these communities are actually managed.Behind every well-run strata is its strata council—a volunteer boar...

Decoding Strata Financials – Depreciation Reports, Contingency Funds, and Strata Fees

Posted on Aug 28, 2025 in Strata Facts and Information

By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

In the first two posts of our series, we explored the basics of strata living and the role of the strata council and AGMs. Now it’s time to tackle what many buyers find the most intimidating part of strata ownership: the financials.Understanding how a strata manages its money is just as importa...

Strata Laws in BC – What Every Buyer Should Know Before Signing

Posted on Aug 28, 2025 in Strata Facts and Information

By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

In our series so far, we’ve covered the basics of strata living, the role of strata councils and AGMs, and how to interpret strata financials like depreciation reports and contingency funds. Now let’s finish with the framework that ties it all together: the laws that govern strata corporations...

The Role and Responsibilities of BC Strata Councils: Governance, Limitations, and Decision-Making

Posted on Jul 31, 2024 in Strata Facts and Information

Strata councils play a crucial role in the management and governance of strata properties in British Columbia. They act as the executive body of the strata corporation, making decisions that affect the daily operations and long-term planning of the community. This blog post will explore the responsibilities, limitations, and powers of strata counci...

Understanding Strata Fees in British Columbia: What They Are, How They Are Collected, and What They Cover

Posted on Jul 31, 2024 in Strata Facts and Information

If you're considering buying a condominium or townhouse in British Columbia, you'll need to understand strata fees. Strata fees are a crucial part of strata living, helping to ensure the upkeep and maintenance of the common property and amenities shared by all owners. Here's a detailed look at what strata fees are, how they are collected, and what...

Understanding the Contingency Reserve Fund (CRF) in BC Strata Properties

Posted on Jul 31, 2024 in Strata Facts and Information

When you own a strata property in British Columbia, a portion of your strata fees goes towards the Contingency Reserve Fund (CRF). This fund is essential for the long-term financial health and maintenance of the strata property. Here’s a detailed explanation of how strata fees are determined, what the CRF is, how it is used, and how it is managed.

D...

Understanding AGMs, SGMs, and Meeting Minutes in BC Strata Corporations

Posted on Jul 31, 2024 in Strata Facts and Information

Strata corporations in British Columbia are governed by the Strata Property Act, which mandates the holding of Annual General Meetings (AGMs) and, when necessary, Special General Meetings (SGMs). These meetings are crucial for the effective management and operation of the strata corporation. Here's a detailed look at the importance of these meeting...

Understanding Special Levies in BC Strata Properties

Posted on Jul 31, 2024 in Strata Facts and Information

Special levies are an important aspect of strata living in British Columbia. They can have significant financial implications for owners and can impact the process of selling a strata property. This article will explain what special levies are, how they are handled and paid, and the effects they have on owners and the selling process.

What Are Speci...

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