FAQs - Owners Corporation

No – Ross-Hunt Real Estate is not a franchised company. We are proud to be the largest independent Owners Corporation provider in Victoria, operating as a family business. Our single office in Surrey Hills is home to approximately 50 dedicated staff members. Despite being based in Surrey Hills; our Owners Corporation Management Team oversees properties across the entire Melbourne metropolitan area and parts of rural Victoria.

Yes – Ross-Hunt manages Owners Corporations across the entire Melbourne metropolitan area and in regional Victoria. Our portfolio includes properties from Yarrawonga to Apollo Bay and Phillip Island, ranging in size from 2 lots to over 300 lots. Regardless of the property location, we ensure each property is visited annually. Additionally, we keep updated on relevant local council information to effectively manage properties.

Yes – each of our Owners Corporations has a dedicated Owners Corporation Manager. To ensure continuity of service, we also have a dedicated Relief Manager to assist when your Manager is away on leave. Our office also boasts 2 full time Receptionists who provide support during our business hours, Monday through Saturday. Their presence ensures smooth coordination of services, especially when your manager may unavailable due to property visits or meetings. 

No – Owners Corporations are not required to use Ross-Hunt's preferred contractors for carrying out works or sourcing quotes. While we recommend our trusted, qualified, and professional contractors for the best outcomes, we are flexible and will accommodate an Owners Corporation's choice to engage a different contractor. The only requirements are that the chosen contractor is qualified to perform the proposed works and holds the necessary insurance.

No – At Ross-Hunt, we pride ourselves on our all-inclusive fee structure. As a member of the REIV Owners Corporation Chapter, our contracts of appointment do not include a schedule of extra fees commonly referred to as schedule 2.2 fees. We do not believe in adding extra charges for standard operations such as correspondence, ballots, insurance claims, or maintenance coordination. Additional fees are only applicable in exceptional circumstances, such as VCAT attendance or additional meetings.

Annual General Meetings (AGM’s) are included in our standard management fee. For Owners Corporations of 2-6 lots, there is no charge for holding an AGM during business hours. However, if a property of this size chooses to hold an AGM outside of business hours there is a fee of $407 per meeting. For Owners Corporations with more than 6 lots, there is no charge for holding the AGM regardless of the time. AGM’s can be conducted online, at our office with the option for hybrid meetings, at the property, or at a venue of your choice.

Yes – there is an initial setup fee of $400 for new Owners Corporations. This fee covers system setup as well as the cost of an OC Plaque, the Plan of Subdivision and registration with the Titles Office. This one-time fee is included in the initial budget for transparency.

The diverse capabilities of Ross-Hunt Real Estate serve as an advantage to our clients, providing access to a wider range of property knowledge within our office. When a unit is managed by both the Ross-Hunt Rentals and Owners Corporation Department, we can offer an even more comprehensive and efficient management service. Additionally, we extend special rates to all existing clients interested in utilising our services for selling or renting through Ross Hunt Real Estate.

No – Our Owners Corporation Managers and Administrative staff exclusively focus on operations within in the Owners Corporation Department. Sales and Rentals matters are managed by separate staff members in their respective departments.

While it is advantageous to report queries through the Committee for streamlined communication, lot owners are not required to do so. They are encouraged to contact the Owners Corporation Manager directly if needed, as our communication channels are open to all owners.

As both a Real Estate Agency and Owners Corporation Management Company, Ross-Hunt has elected to be a member of the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) Owners Corporation Chapter.