31 December 2025 | JM (John Martin)
2025 Reflections: A Year of Foundations and Growth
As we close out 2025, I’m proud to reflect on Bettr Strata’s first six months in operation, a period defined by our unwavering commitment to transparency, simplicity, and people-first service.
(1) We launched Bettr Strata with a clear promise: no hidden fees, no commissions, no fine print. This wasn’t just a marketing line; it’s written into every agreement and reflected in every client conversation.
(2) Our brand and reputation grew quickly. Website visits and social engagement rose steadily, with LinkedIn and Instagram communities expanding and engagement rates climbing. More importantly, we saw committees and owners corporations respond to our “No BS Exit Plan” and plain-English contracts, seeking out clarity and genuine service.
(3) We focused on relationships, not just transactions. Our team prioritised ethical practice, open communication, and long-term partnerships. We continued to support local community initiatives, reinforcing our belief that strata should serve people, not just processes.
(4) Operationally, we built strong foundations. From launching a new website and automating lead generation, to refining our marketing campaigns and reviewing performance monthly, we set ourselves up for sustainable growth and impact.
(5) We faced challenges and found opportunities. While digital engagement was strong, we identified areas to further integrate our campaigns and website, and saw the need to diversify our content, especially with more video and practical resources for committees.As we move into 2026, Bettr Strata stands on a solid foundation, with a growing reputation for integrity and a clear commitment to leading the industry towards genuine transparency.
The uncomfortable truth
While I wouldn’t characterise this as industry wide, I do know of a few organisations actively seeking loopholes and promoting “transparency” frameworks that protect revenue while telling owners (and the industry) a different story. That’s marketing, not reform. The feedback is clear: talented people are leaving for firms like Bettr Strata because they’re tired of the BS “leaders” are trying to sell their teams.
The tide is turning
There’s progress to welcome. From 1 January 2026, the Strata Community Association (NSW) will begin phasing out insurance commissions in member contracts, shifting to fee-for-service and clearer remuneration. It’s a milestone moment, and it’s the direction owners have been asking for.
Reform isn’t a headline. It’s conduct. If someone shows you how they operate, believe them.
What true transparency looks like (a quick checklist for your owners corporation)
(1) Plain-English fees: Your agreement should show what you pay and why, without footnotes that change the meaning. If it’s not understandable at first read, it’s not transparent.
(2) No commissions – period: No direct or indirect insurance remuneration via brokers, related parties, or “alternative labels.” If fees replace commissions, they should be disclosed and agreed with owners, not smuggled in elsewhere.
(3) Governance in the open: Budgets, levies, repairs, defects, and insurance decisions documented in minutes – no backroom calls. Owners deserve an audit trail that stands up in a meeting, at Fair Trading, or, if needed, at NCAT.
(4) People over process: Strata exists to keep homes safe, maintained, and fair. That means respectful communication, clear routes for motions, and timely responses—especially during disputes or defects.
How Bettr does it (and has since launch)
(1) No hidden fees. No commissions. We removed insurance commissions from day one and disclose fees plainly, in writing, before appointment.
(2) Transparent agreements, not clever workarounds. Our agreements and service schedules spell out costs and processes in clear language, reviewed with the committee before engagement – so you know where every dollar goes.
(3) Community first. For every property we manage, we support Wollongong Homeless Hub and Housing Services, because strata should strengthen the community it serves.
We’re not perfect, and we don’t claim to be, but we are relentless in our pursuit of transparency and clarity in our agreements. If there’s something we can improve, we act on it immediately. We don’t wait; we move.
The industry’s challenge for 2026
SCA (NSW)’s move to commission-free contracts is welcome. The next test is delivery: closing related-party loopholes, writing plain-English agreements, and proving transparency in daily practice – budgets, repairs, defects, and insurance. Owners will notice the difference.
The Transparency Series → starts Monday, 5 January
Beginning Monday, I’ll share practical, plain-English steps committees can adopt immediately – fees, insurance, defects, and meeting practices – so your owners corporation is simply sorted, not stuck in noise.
-Week 1 (Foundations): spotting hidden fees and conflicted arrangements
-Week 2: budgeting & levies (templates included)
-Week 3: insurance without commissions (what to ask, what to record)
-Week 4: defects & repairs (clear processes, better outcomes)
-Week 5: committee confidence (minutes that matter)
-Week 6: people over process (community outcomes, local impact)
Closing thought
To my colleagues: make transparency more than a slogan. Actions beat well-crafted words.
People first.
Community always.
Wishing my network and the LinkedIn community a healthy, happy, and prosperous 2026.
Disclaimer: This blog reflects the views and experiences of Bettr Strata as at 31 December 2025. The information provided is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, readers should seek independent advice tailored to their specific circumstances before making decisions. Bettr Strata’s policies, procedures, and commitments are subject to ongoing review and may change over time as part of our commitment to continuous improvement.