The report also points out that 4.2 million Australians, about 15% of the national population, reside in strata-titled properties. This marks an increase of 200,000 residents since 2022. Strata living is particularly significant in urban locales, where it has become an integral part of the lifestyle for many.
The composition of strata properties is varied, with half of all buildings containing fewer than 20 lots. In contrast, larger complexes with a minimum of 100 lots accommodate 21% of strata residents. The demographic distribution shows that nearly half of the apartment inhabitants are aged between 20 and 39, and a similar proportion were born overseas, underscoring the diversity within these communities.
As considerable portions of Australia's urban population opt for strata living, the need for sustainable management and upgrades of older buildings becomes apparent. Nearly half of these structures are over 25 years old, prompting calls for enhanced maintenance, quality assurance, and regulatory measures. With strata developments serving as a 'way of life for millions,' ensuring their long-term viability is now more crucial than ever.
The Strata Community Association, in collaboration with the University of NSW City Futures Research Centre, underscores the necessity for concerted efforts among government, industry players, and stakeholders to uphold the quality and standards of strata properties. Proactive solutions are needed to address the challenges of older buildings and the expectations of a diverse population increasingly choosing strata living for its convenience and communal benefits.
The focus is now on implementing strong regulatory frameworks and advocating for improvements in building quality and insurance protections. The Strata Community Association calls for unified action to shape the future of strata living in Australia. This entails a strategic approach involving policy adjustments and innovations in building management practices to cater to the evolving needs of the strata sector.
As the majority of privately-owned apartments and certain townhouses and houses in planned estates are now strata-titled, the role of strata communities is set to expand further. Future developments may include legislative updates, investment in infrastructure improvements, and educational initiatives to guide property owners and managers in fostering sustainable and thriving communities.
Published:Tuesday, 8th Apr 2025
Source: Paige Estritori
![]() | Climate Change Threatens Australian Suburbs with Unaffordable Insurance 17 Apr 2025: Paige Estritori More than 4% of Australian properties are currently facing heightened risks from natural hazards exacerbated by climate change, rendering insurance coverage often unaffordable or unavailable, according to recent findings by Climate Valuation. An analysis of over 15 million properties across 15,000 suburbs also highlights that an additional 10% are at moderate risk from disasters such as floods, bushfires, tropical cyclones, coastal inundation, and extreme winds. - read more |
![]() | Insurer Rejects Claim Over Diesel Fluid Mix-Up 16 Apr 2025: Paige Estritori A contentious insurance claim has ended unfavourably for a motor policyholder after her husband mistakenly poured diesel exhaust fluid into her car's fuel tank. Although the policyholder initially received assurances from a Suncorp representative that the use of AdBlue fluid wouldn't be considered improper fuelling – supposedly an excluded scenario under her policy – the claim was later denied. This decision has sparked debate around policy definitions and customer service communication. - read more |
![]() | ASIC Takes Hollard Insurance to Court Over Significant Claim Handling Issues 14 Apr 2025: Paige Estritori The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has initiated legal proceedings in the Federal Court against Hollard Insurance, alleging a breach of the duty of utmost good faith. This action is in response to what ASIC describes as Hollard's 'egregious' handling of a home and contents insurance claim filed by a couple from regional Victoria. - read more |
![]() | Suncorp to Slash Jobs and Offshore Work in Motor Claims 11 Apr 2025: Paige Estritori Suncorp, a leading Australian insurer, has announced plans to reduce its workforce by cutting 30 of the 70 positions within its motor claims assessing coordinator team, with an intention to offshore some of these functions. This decision has prompted a response from the Finance Sector Union (FSU), which is currently gathering feedback from its members and intends to challenge the proposed changes. - read more |
![]() | Life Insurance for Young Adults: Why It’s Never Too Early to Get Covered Life insurance might not be at the forefront of your mind, especially when you're young and healthy. However, understanding the essence of life insurance early on can significantly impact your financial future and provide much-needed peace of mind. - read more
|
![]() | Who Needs Disability Insurance? If you are like most people on this planet, you are not financially free. You would not be able to stop working and still support yourself and your family from your financial resources. Your continued ability to work to earn an income would therefore be one of your greatest assets. - read more
|
![]() | Income protection insurance It's trite but true to say that, for most people, their most valuable asset is their ability to earn an income. But how relevant is income insurance to most Australians? - read more
|
![]() | How Income Protection Insurance Can Safeguard Your Financial Future Income protection insurance is a type of insurance policy designed to replace a portion of your income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury. This financial safety net can help cover essential living expenses, such as mortgage repayments, utility bills, and daily costs, ensuring you maintain your standard of living during tough times. - read more
|