How to Estimate Strata Fees When the Budget Isn’t Public

8/24/2025

When you’re browsing MLS listings or new pre-sales, it’s common to see “strata fees TBD” or a vague monthly figure with no supporting detail. Without the official budget, how can you plan for this cost?

Why strata budgets matter

Strata fees are based on the building’s annual operating budget and how much of that budget is allocated to your unit (via unit entitlement).
Without the budget, you’re left guessing — but you can make an informed estimate using some practical methods.

Method 1: Use square footage as a proxy

The most common approach is to apply an average fee per square foot:

Low-rise condo: $0.45 – $0.55 / sq. ft.
High-rise condo: $0.55 – $0.70 / sq. ft.
Townhouse: $0.25 – $0.40 / sq. ft.

Example:
A 900 sq. ft. high-rise unit × $0.60 = ~$540/month.

Method 2: Compare similar buildings

If you can’t find the budget, check:

Other units in the same building (often disclosed in past sales listings).
Neighboring properties of similar age, construction type, and amenity level.
Online forums or owner groups — buyers sometimes share actual fees.

Method 3: Watch for risk signals

Some “low” fees may hide problems:

Underfunded contingency → special levy risk later.
Amenities overload → pools, gyms, concierge services can spike costs after the first year.
New builds → developer-disclosed fees are often set low to attract buyers, then rise sharply once the strata takes over.

Planning tip

It’s better to budget conservatively than to be surprised later. If your estimate comes in lower than the actual fee, that’s a bonus.

👉 Try the Strata Fee Calculator to estimate your monthly fee using your unit size and building area, even when no budget is published.

📌 Bottom line:
Without a published budget, use sq. ft. estimates + comparable buildings to set expectations. Always verify with the official strata documents (Form B, AGM minutes) before making a purchase.

Need a quick estimate? Try the Strata Fee Calculator.