Strata property
Strata property is a form of ownership in BC in which a building or development is divided into separately owned strata lots, while hallways, roofs, grounds and other common property are owned by all the owners together through the strata corporation. It covers condominiums, townhouses and commercial or mixed use buildings, and is the BC equivalent of what other provinces call condominiums.
How BC law treats it
Strata property is created and governed by the Strata Property Act, SBC 1998, c 43 and the Strata Property Regulation, with each strata lot having its own registered title under the Land Title Act, RSBC 1996, c 250. Owners pay strata fees based on unit entitlement and are bound by the bylaws.
What it means for your business
Commercial strata units can be a good way to own business premises, but the bylaws and the strata corporation's finances affect your costs and use.
Risks and common mistakes
Buyers who overlook an underfunded contingency reserve fund or upcoming major repairs may face substantial special levies.
For the full explanation, see our entry on Strata property.
General information about British Columbia and Canadian law, current to October 2026. It is not legal advice.
