A stratum estate is a form of ownership of a defined three-dimensional space within a building — a "layer" of land — which is the legal mechanism…
A stratum estate is a form of ownership of a defined three-dimensional space within a building — a "layer" of land — which is the legal mechanism underpinning unit titles.
Ordinary land ownership is two-dimensional plus whatever is above and below. A stratum estate carves out a defined volume, allowing separate ownership of a flat on level six independently of the flat below it.
Under the Land Transfer framework, a stratum estate can be in freehold or in leasehold, which is why a unit title apartment can sit on either.
"Stratum in leasehold" catches people out. An apartment can be a unit title — which sounds like ownership — while the underlying land is leasehold, meaning ground rent applies and reviews will come. Check which estate the stratum sits in before assuming freehold.
Last reviewed: 1 August 2026 · General information only, not legal advice.
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