Short answer
Common property is property within a strata or unit title scheme that is not usually part of an individual lot, but may be shared or managed through the owners corporation or body corporate.
In valuation, common property may be relevant because it affects access, amenity, building condition, facilities, maintenance obligations and market appeal.
The valuer considers common property for valuation purposes but does not provide legal advice about ownership or strata rights.
Why this matters
Common property can influence how buyers view a strata property.
Shared entries, lifts, gardens, driveways, pools, gyms, visitor parking, building services, external walls and common areas may all affect market perception.
Poorly maintained common property or known building issues may reduce buyer confidence, while well-maintained amenities may improve market appeal.
Examples of common property
Depending on the scheme, common property may include:
- Entry foyers and hallways
- Lifts and stairwells
- Gardens and landscaped areas
- Driveways and visitor parking
- Building exterior and roof areas
- Shared services and plant
- Pools, gyms or common facilities
- External walls and structural elements
- Common storage or waste areas
- Access ways and paths
The exact legal position depends on the plan and applicable strata framework.
Exclusive use and rights
Some areas may be common property but subject to exclusive use or another right benefiting a particular owner.
This may apply to courtyards, car spaces, storage areas, balconies or other areas depending on the scheme.
If exclusive use rights are material to value, the valuer may need documents confirming the arrangement or may need to state assumptions.
How common property affects value
Common property may affect value through amenity, condition, access, building presentation, facilities, levies and buyer confidence.
Building defects, major works, special levies or poor maintenance may influence market response.
The valuer considers the evidence and information available, but does not audit the owners corporation or certify common property condition.
Documents that may assist
Useful documents may include a unit plan, strata plan, title information, strata report, owners corporation certificate, AGM minutes, special levy notices, defect reports or building reports.
Where the legal status of an area is unclear, the client should obtain advice from a solicitor, conveyancer or strata professional.
The valuation report should identify assumptions or limitations where material information is not verified.
Common misunderstandings
Common property is not usually owned like a separate private room.
The legal structure depends on the strata or unit title scheme.
Exclusive use is not always the same as lot ownership.
Documents should be checked where the distinction is material.
Common property condition can affect value.
Buyers may respond to building presentation and maintenance issues.
The valuer does not resolve strata disputes.
Legal and strata-management issues require the appropriate adviser.
Facilities are not always positive.
Amenities may add appeal but can also increase levies and maintenance costs.
Related glossary
- Common Property
- Exclusive Use
- Owners Corporation
- Body Corporate
- Unit Plan
- Strata Plan
- Special Levy
- Assumption
- Limitation
- Market Value
Related articles
- Strata Property Valuations
- What is a strata property valuation?
- How are car spaces and storage valued?
- Do strata levies affect property value?
- What documents help with a strata valuation?
- How are comparable unit sales analysed?
- Strata Valuation Documents
Related services
Prepared by:
Tigran Amiyants, Certified Practising Valuer (CPV), Managing Director, Northbourne Valuers.
Last reviewed:
July 2026.
General information note:
This page provides general information only and does not constitute valuation, legal, strata, taxation or financial advice. Strata, owners corporation, body corporate and legal matters should be considered with the appropriate qualified adviser. Every valuation depends on the specific property, purpose, valuation date, evidence, assumptions and instructions.