The well known, and accepted, Australian dream of the quarter acre block is making a change. With many families choosing location over space, or just wanting the chance to get onto the property ladder, apartment living is becoming increasingly more popular, even when there are little people involved.
With our love of social gatherings, watching our little ones at play, and the “status quo” of owning a home with land, what are the real benefits of apartment living with children?
Let’s get social
Multifamily living encourages socialization not only amongst children, who can’t resist joining in on playtime in the hallway, but for the adults as well.
Friends on the floor – Imagine your child going to a play date just down the hall.
How about finding a neighbour next door or upstairs, who can babysit?
Many apartment complexes have pools, play areas, and gyms available to residents- a social hub and play area for the children, as well as a place to keep fit all under the one roof.
How absolutely convenient!
The number crunch
Let’s face it, the cost of an apartment is going to be less than that of a freestanding home (of similar size, quality and location).
For those wanting to buy a home for their family, but cannot yet afford a house, purchasing an apartment can be the next best thing.
Depending on what services the block offers- concierge, pool, gym, and the age of the premises- the amount payable to the strata levy will vary.
Those living in a freestanding home know that there is a constant need for maintenance, lawn mowing, replacing roofs, guttering, gardening as well as rates and land tax to be paid.
A massive outside deck is an added bonus for this three bedroom penthouse apartment.
401/7 Gladstone Parade, Lindfield
Playing it safe:
We all want our children to not only feel safe and secure, but to be safe and secure.
Did you know that an apartment has less chance of being robbed?
Houses are often attractive targets—with greater rewards—and are more difficult to secure because of multiple access points. In general, greater accessibility presents opportunities to offenders.
While living in an apartment may deprive you of that outdoor space and privacy, the community and sense of security within your apartment building can more than compensate for the loss.
A home is more attractive for possible burglary if it appears to be unoccupied or vacant, if there are no cars in the driveway, no lights on in the evening, and mail piled up outside. These factors either don’t exist, or are minimized when living in an apartment block.
The close proximity of your neighbours is an added bonus when it comes to security – more watchful eyes, more movement around the building, and neighbours who can make the call to report any suspicious activity or even the fire brigade if they smell or see smoke coming from your apartment.
The best of both- apartment living with your very own backyard!
1/57 Delmar Parade, Dee Why
Making time
Without the outdoor maintenance such as mowing lawns, weeding gardens, and pool cleaning, your weekends are suddenly a lot more time rich.
More family time, more time to enjoy- now that’s a major plus!
Just like your own resort – without any physical input from you
51-55 Old Castle Hill Road, Castle Hill
Out and about
Apartment living with children will encourage you to get out a whole lot more.
Without the space of a yard to play in, regular outings to run off excess energy become more important.
Instead of being a hindrance, it is an excellent opportunity to explore your ‘hood, enrich yourself culturally, and become more active as a family.
We’d love to know what you think about kids in flats.
Would you? Could you?