A year ago my husband bought a unit in a small strata complex. The plan given by the agent said the property came with a car space, however, the reality is there’s no way all four allocated spaces could be filled with a car and allow enough space for those in garages nearby to enter and exit. The council will not provide on-street parking permits because of this allocation on-site. The issue is coming to a head as owners are now selling and want a resolution. What do you suggest? – Angela, NSW

Question: A year ago my husband bought a unit in a small strata complex. The plan given by the agent said the property came with a car space. The strata plan indicated the placement of this car space as one of four allocated car spaces in a secured area at the back of the property. All four car spaces were marked and indicated in the back area, however, the reality is there’s no way all four allocated spaces could be filled with a car and allow enough space for those in garages nearby to enter and exit. This situation has existed for over 12 years because the garages are not used by their elderly owners and most of the young tenants in the building don’t use cars. The council will not provide on-street parking permits because of this allocation on-site. The issue is coming to a head as owners are now selling and want a resolution. What do you suggest?

– Angela, NSW

Answer: Hi Angela, the two car spaces that need to go will have to be decided by the owners corporation and at mediation if no other resolution can be made. It will need to be changed on the title before anyone sells so the new owners don’t find themselves in the same situation. Your strata manager can assist with all the legal paperwork and in organising mediation.