Today, more people than ever are opting for apartment blocks and townhouses as their preferred living spaces, with government policies shifting to encouraging more urban density due to the mounting costs of urban living.

In light of this, it is our firm belief that the concept of strata living in Australia should be focused on developing communities, not just complexes.

Living in a strata property comes with its complications. Naturally, living close together and often sharing facilities can lead to conflicts arising from time to time.

To a large degree, our modern-day lifestyles of long working days and an increased amount of time spent on technology has inadvertently contributed to a decline in social interaction and empathy within society.

So, with population density increasing and empathy levels decreasing, the number of conflicts internally for strata companies has been on the rise.

It’s up to strata companies themselves to change this, but why should they?

By bringing occupants together, encompassing both owners and tenants, strata complexes have the opportunity to cultivate an environment of harmony.

This, in turn, increases the likelihood that people will be able to resolve individual differences more easily, reducing the number of issues a strata company and its council of owners will have to deal with.

Additionally, it empowers owner participation on important issues within the complex.

We wholeheartedly encourage council of owners to embrace the challenges of transforming their strata complexes into cohesive communities. Here are five tips to get you started:

1. Organise a social gathering: Arrange a community event such as a BBQ on shared property, meet-and-greet nights, even a community garden.
   For larger complexes, consider forming a social committee to keep the residents involved and active.


2. Help your new neighbours out: Introduce new owners and residents to the intricacies of the strata complex through an informative booklet or video. This presents an opportunity to lay out some house rules, introduce your committee of owners, educate them about the facilities and encourage their participation.


3. Promote effective communication: Establish a noticeboard, website or maybe even a newsletter. Don’t be afraid to let people know about ongoing developments and initiatives within the complex. This offers residents a sense of ownership in the complex as a whole, and not just their lot.


4. Ask for feedback: Encourage all occupants to provide suggestions and feedback on what will make strata living better for them. This reinstates the crucial sentiment of belonging.


5. Encourage participation: Champion engagement on the important issues. Tap into the diverse expertise of residents by involving them in decision-making processes. Most complaints pertaining to property works and projects come from those not actively involved.

By fostering unity, transparent communication, and active participation, strata companies can effectively transform challenges into opportunities for growth and cohesion.

It is our sincere hope that councils of owners will embrace this vision and embark on the journey towards a more vibrant and harmonious strata living experience.