From drab to fab: The revolution in apartment living

Gone are the days when apartments were viewed as a compromise, with pokey dimensions and a narrow range of options that often fell short of meeting buyers’ expectations.

According to Nicola Tandy, National Sales Director at REA Group, the tides have turned, ushering in a new era of apartment living that emphasise light, lifestyle amenity, and community connection. She notes, “There’s a lot of exciting things happening in this space that weren’t happening even just a few years ago.”

For a long time, Australian apartments—including the boom of walk-up flats built during the middle part of the twentieth century— lacked variety, with amenities limited to a car park and communal laundry. Matthew Allen, Director of architectural firm Bates Smart, explains that apartments were frequently positioned as investor- friendly options for affordable rental, resulting in smaller units with limited natural light and space.

“The apartment started its life catering to a very small segment of the population, mainly one and two-bedroom apartments in inner-urban locations that were all about affordability,” he says.

The dynamics of apartment living underwent a significant transformation when owner-occupiers emerged as a key demographic, seeking a living experience comparable to standalone homes. This shift led developers to redefine their designs to cater to evolving demands.

Diversity in configurations emerged as a defining feature of the contemporary apartment landscape. While compact studios and one-bedroom apartments are still popular, a plethora of choices now cater to different family sizes and preferences. Matthew Allen underscores this development, saying, “I think over the last couple of decades, we’ve really seen a huge breadth in the number of options out there, up to very spacious multi-room family dwellings.”

Elevating the Urban Experience

The renaissance of apartment living goes well beyond size and number of bedrooms. Today, many new apartment buildings feature lifestyle facilities that could rival those of a high-end resort.

There’s also a growing emphasis on resident wellbeing, convenience, and enjoyment. From communal gardens and fitness centres to rooftop pools and co-working spaces, these facilities transform apartments into self- sufficient ecosystems that cater to residents’ physical, social, and recreational needs.

Cameron Jackson, General Manager of Development NSW at Frasers Property Australia, notes that a combination of demand-driven consumer preference, hot competition in the property market, and technological advancements in construction methodologies have allowed new ideas for apartment living to take root.

“If you take a look at the way buildings are being designed today, they’re much more in tune with what residents want to feel and do inside these spaces,” says Cameron. “From the vertical gardens that cool and beautify One Central Park in Sydney to the series of ‘outdoor’ rooms that punctuate the facade of our Treehouse building at Midtown MacPark, we’re looking for ways to enhance the lifestyle experience of apartment living.”

The appeal of apartment living is as diverse as the people who choose it. Over the years, different target markets have emerged, each finding distinct value in the benefits of apartment living. Young professionals seeking urban excitement and connectivity are drawn to the convenience and proximity offered by apartments. Empty nesters, on the other hand, appreciate the low- maintenance lifestyle and the opportunity to downsize without compromising on quality.

Community Building

Perhaps one of the most profound shifts in apartment living is the cultivation of a sense of community within developments. The days of anonymous neighbours are fading, replaced by a vibrant social fabric that connects residents. Architectural and design solutions are geared toward fostering interactions, with communal spaces, social events, and shared experiences at the forefront.

The evolution of apartment living in Australian cities is far from complete. According to Matthew Allen, innovations on the horizon will transform apartments into hubs of convenience and luxury, verging on the level of hotels in terms of service. Concierge-style living is becoming the norm, offering residents access to services such as dry cleaning, grocery concierge, and private facilities within the building, such as cinemas and pools, often through a dedicated resident app.

Changing demographic forces combined with a greater emphasis on lifestyle facilities, liveability, and a sense of community has radically redefined the concept of home in our bustling cities. As architects, developers, and urban planners continue to push the boundaries of innovation, the future of apartment living shines brighter than ever, promising a harmonious blend of style, comfort, and camaraderie.