Embracing Apartment Living: A Strategy for Sydney’s Families
Liam Apter, a strategic planner at Canterbury Bankstown Council, recently proposed a series of measures aimed at encouraging young families to consider apartment living in Sydney. This push comes at a critical time as the city anticipates a significant increase in medium and high-density dwellings over the next decade.
Increasing Families’ Comfort in Apartments
One of Apter’s key suggestions is the provision of more two and three-bedroom apartments, coupled with increasing the minimum floor size standards. Improved amenities in recreational areas and adaptable spaces can make apartment living more family-friendly.
“Finding a family-sized apartment is like looking for a needle in a haystack,” Apter remarked. His insights reveal a preconceived notion of apartments as temporary or investment-focused rather than suitable for families—a sentiment he describes as market failure.
For instance, as of last month, only 23 three or four-bedroom apartments were listed for sale in Canterbury-Bankstown, compared to 325 units of studios or two-bedroom dwellings.
Rethinking Regulatory Frameworks
Apter is calling on the NSW government to revisit its strata regulations to better reflect the evolving needs of high-density family living. This he describes as an “overdue conversation starter” essential for providing young families with diverse housing options. Studies support this view, highlighting the potential benefits of regulatory adjustments on family housing availability.
Fostering a City That Welcomes Families
The vision is clear: to transform Sydney into a family-friendly city that prioritizes inclusivity for young residents. “We want to give our residents the choice to raise their grandchildren right here,” Apter said.
Cities like Vienna have successfully integrated family-friendly policies in high-density living, serving as a case study for Sydney. Vienna focuses on extensive public spaces, childcare facilities, and traffic-calming measures around apartment complexes.1
FAQs About Apartment Living for Families
Q: What makes an apartment suitable for families?
A: Key features include larger apartment sizes, family-centric amenities such as playgrounds and communal spaces, and policies facilitating play areas and shared resources.2
Q: How can governments support family living in apartments?
A: By revising regulations to allow adaptable living spaces, enhancing public transportation, and prioritizing the construction of family-oriented amenities.3
Did You Know?
According to a recent UBS real estate report, researchers predict that many middle-class families could face increased pressure from rising property costs, making multi-unit dwellings an attractive option for affordability.
Pro Tip: Searching for Family-Friendly Apartments
When searching for a family-friendly apartment, prioritize proximity to public transport and amenities, and inquire about the neighborhood’s family-friendly activities and facilities. Check for communal areas designed with families in mind to ensure a comfortable living environment.4
Engage with the Future of Urban Living
Do you have thoughts on how apartment living can evolve to better cater to families? Share your experiences or additional ideas in the comments below. For more insights on urban living trends and real estate, explore our other articles or subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates.
