Buying a property is an exciting time, but for people purchasing into a body corporate, there might be some unexpected - and unpleasant - surprises lurking around the corner. Many people don't realise that they may not, for example, have the flexibility to make certain alterations to the exterior of their unit, park their cars anywhere they like, maintain the garden in front of their unit, keep pets or, in the case of commercial properties, paint their shop windows. But body corporate properties also have plenty of benefits for owners, investors and tenants too - cost savings and a community lifestyle being prime amongst these. The pros and cons of owning, investing and living in a body corporate property are covered in this comprehensive book giving readers the opportunity to use this information to protect themselves and enhance their investment. If you are aware of the traps then you can avoid heartache down the track and ensure that you get value for your purchase dollar. The book also covers: state and territory legislation covering bodies corporate how to find and buy your ideal property how bodies corporate and executive committees operate rights and responsibilities associated with owning a strata property (and who pays for them) managing disputes selling a strata property.