[jlousa]

$.49/psf might seem high but it's not too out of line with most buildings over time. A lot of buildings used to advertise unrealistically low strata fees which would need to shot up in the first few years to cover expenses. The fact most new buildings are starting with the real rates will negate the huge initial jump in rates and should allow them to increase at roughly the rate of inflation. I'm sure we're seeing this change due to recent changes to legislation and the requirement for depreciation reports and showing that the capital fund will account for those costs.

About pools, I've always heard it stated that's it's the first amenity an owner brags about, but it's the amenity they use the least.