1st Edition

Strata Title Property Rights Private governance of multi-owned properties

By Cathy Sherry Copyright 2017
    284 Pages
    by Routledge

    284 Pages
    by Routledge

    Multi-owned properties make up an ever-increasing proportion of commercial, tourist and residential development, in both urban and rural landscapes around the world. This book critically analyses the legal, social and economic complexities of strata or community title schemes. At a time when countries such as Australia and the United States turn ever larger areas into strata title/condominiums and community title/homeowner associations, this book shows how governments, the judiciary and citizens need to better understand the ramifications of these private communities.

    Whilst most strata title analysis has been technical, focusing on specific sections of legislation, this book provides higher level analysis, discussing the wider economic, social and political implications of Australia’s strata and community title law. In particular, the book argues that private by-laws, however desirable to initial parties, are often economically inefficient and socially regressive when enforced against an ever-changing group of owners. The book will be of particular interest to scholars and legal practitioners of property law in Australia, but as the Australian strata title model has formed the basis for legislation in many countries, the book draws out lessons and analysis that will be of use to those studying privately-owned communities across the world.

    Preface  Introduction  Part 1  1. The Social and Legal Genesis of the Strata and Community Title Acts  2. A Property Theory for Strata and Community Title  3. United States’ Law and Homeowner Association Practice  Part 2  4. The Economic Implications of By-Laws  5. Privacy and Personal Autonomy: The Social and Political Implications of By-Laws  6. By-Laws Effect on Well-Being: A Case Study in Children’s Play  Conclusion

    Biography

    Cathy Sherry is a professor in the School of Law, Macquarie University, Sydney, and a leading international expert on the law relating to high density and master planned properties.