Encyclopedia
Bare land strata
A strata plan where the strata lots are parcels of land rather than units in a building. Owners usually own and maintain what's built on their lot.
For example: A recreational vehicle (RV) resort set up as a bare land strata sells individual sites, with roads and amenities held as common property. (Illustration only, not a real deal.)
Official source: Strata Property Act (BC Laws)
Example only, not a real client. Say you buy a lot in a bare land strata industrial park. You own your lot and build on it, while sharing roads and services with other owners through the strata.
What I’d tell a friend
With bare land strata, you own land but share common costs and rules. Read the bylaws.
Why it matters to you
You own your lot, but the strata's bylaws and fees still apply. Check them before you buy, because they can limit what you build and what you can use the land for.
How to use it in your deal
Buyers should review the strata plan, bylaws, rules, Form B, minutes, budget and depreciation report, just as with any strata. Check who maintains roads, water and sewer systems, which can be costly in rural developments. Bylaws may limit building size, use, rentals, or how long you can stay each year.
For campgrounds and RV resorts, check zoning on occupancy, since some don't allow year-round living. Lenders may treat bare land strata differently, especially in recreational properties. Owners are responsible for their own buildings, so insurance arrangements differ from building stratas. Ask for the strata's water and sewage permits and any health authority orders.
Talk to the strata manager about upcoming infrastructure projects and levies, and ask owners how well it's run. Read the bylaws and the latest minutes before you write an offer.
Mistakes I see
Assuming it's like a building strata. Ignoring infrastructure costs. Missing occupancy limits.
In BC and Vancouver
The Strata Property Act governs bare land strata; local zoning limits occupancy.
Official sources: Strata Property Act (BC Laws) · Strata housing (Government of BC) · Drinking Water Protection Act (BC Laws)
What it is
A bare land strata is a strata where the strata lots are defined by land boundaries rather than building walls.
Owners share common property such as roads, utilities or amenities.
What to check
Read bylaws on building design, use and maintenance.
Check strata fees, the reserve fund and any upcoming projects in the minutes.
Ask a BC lawyer to review anything unusual.
Questions to ask before you sign
- What does the strata maintain?
- What do the bylaws allow?
- Can I live there year-round?
- What infrastructure work is planned?
Keep reading
Related terms: Strata corporation, Strata Property Act, Industrial strata
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General information for British Columbia only. It isn’t legal, tax, accounting or financial advice, laws and rates change, and reading it doesn’t make you my client. Any numbers or scenarios are hypothetical. Check the linked official source and talk to a lawyer, accountant or other qualified professional before you act or sign anything. See the terms and disclaimer.