Who this article is for
Lot owners requesting an Expert (Building Insight) Report for their own building
Committee members wanting a clearer view of their building’s records
Owners preparing for an AGM, EGM or major decision (insurance, works, levies, etc.)
Anyone who wants to understand what an Expert Report actually contains
What is an Expert Report?
An Expert Report in Cohabit is a Building Insight Report prepared by a strata inspector / strata expert who reviews the records for your building and provides clear, plain-English insights.
Their job is to:
Review the strata records they’re authorised to access
Translate what they find into simple, easy-to-read explanations
Highlight risks, concerns, or areas that may need attention
Each Building Insight Report currently costs $49 including GST.
(Screenshot: top of an Expert Report showing building name, “Building Insight Report”, date and expert name)
What does the expert actually do?
When you purchase an Expert Report as an owner, the expert will:
Use authorised access to your building’s strata records
Review important documents including financials, minutes, insurance, compliance and maintenance records
Identify patterns, risks and issues that matter to owners
Write a clear, plain-English summary — not a legal or technical document
They are not just summarising or re-attaching documents.
They are providing their interpretation of the building’s strata history and what it means for you as an owner.
Think of it as:
“I’ve reviewed the strata records for your building.
Here’s what you should know, and the key areas that may need attention.”
The 12 categories your Expert Report covers
Your Expert Report is structured around 12 key categories.
In each one, the expert gives a short, plain-language view of what they’ve seen in the records.
1. Building Profile
Overall context about the building — age, size, type and any notable characteristics.
2. Lot Profile
Any findings relevant to your specific lot (if applicable).
3. Contacts
Who manages the building (e.g. strata manager, committee) and any notable observations.
4. Financials
Whether the building’s funds appear healthy or under pressure (levies, arrears, special levies, etc.).
5. Compliance
Whether key obligations appear current or if records show gaps or unknowns.
6. Sustainability
Any sustainability initiatives or upgrades visible in the records.
7. By-laws
Key by-laws that may affect how the building is managed or how you use your lot.
8. Meetings
What the meeting minutes show (e.g. recurring topics, governance patterns).
9. Works & Maintenance
The story behind maintenance: completed works, recurring issues, and future plans recorded.
10. Defects
Any documented defects or defect-related items found in the records.
11. Issues
General concerns that don't fit into other categories.
12. Historical Documents & Files
Whether the historical records seem complete or contain notable gaps.
(Screenshot: side panel showing the 12 categories with icons/labels)
You don't need to understand strata law — the expert’s commentary is written for everyday owners.
A “snapshot in time”, not live data
Your Expert Report is based on the documents that were available at the time of the inspection.
It is accurate as at the most recent inspection date shown in the report.
It does not update automatically when:
New minutes are released
New levies are issued
New certificates or reports become available
For ongoing building information, you can use your:
Cohabit Building Profile, and
Building Snapshot
The Expert Report provides interpretation; the Snapshot provides live building data.
What an Expert Report is not
It’s important to understand what this report does not do:
It is not live data from the strata manager
It is not a guarantee that no issues exist
It is not legal, financial or tax advice
It is not tailored to your personal circumstances
You should use it alongside advice from:
Your strata manager
The committee
External specialists (engineers, planners, financial advisors)
Your own legal or financial professionals (if applying the report to a sale or major decision)
How this fits into your ownership journey
As an owner, your Expert Report can help you:
Understand how your building is performing
Prepare for AGMs and committee discussions
Identify risks or issues early
Gain clarity on finances, compliance and upcoming maintenance
Compare your building’s history to others
Make informed decisions about future works or levies
For help reading your finished report, see:
👉 How to read your Expert Report