Living in close quarters with others requires some adjustment, but there are also great benefits to community living. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
It’s the cardinal sin of community living.
That surreptitiously stolen spot in the communal car park.
Parking in someone else’s parking space is a big no-no when it comes to strata living, according to Civium Property Group’s Residential Sales Director Wayne Harriden.
The other thing guaranteed to get your neighbours complaining is watering pot plants on your balcony and allowing the water to overflow onto the balcony below, he says.
And it appears Canberrans are actually more likely to complain to their building manager about such issues than their communal living counterparts in other states, according to Wayne.
He says the city is relatively new to strata-style developments compared to cities like Melbourne or Sydney, given that historically there has been plenty of land available in the ACT.
“You couldn’t give away apartments 20 years ago,” Wayne says.
However, with an ageing population, rising living costs, and space at a premium, it has become an accepted way of living here, he says.
“Now it’s massively well-received and we have developments that cater to everyone, from one-bedroom apartments through to penthouses.”
One of the most attractive parts of strata living is the “lock up and leave” lifestyle, Wayne says.
“Most people find that aspect thoroughly enjoyable – there are no hours spent mowing or raking up leaves at the weekend,” he says.
“For investors, with that strata in place, you know things like the gardens, general upkeep and maintenance of the common property areas are all taken care of. It’s a relatively worry-free investment.”
Civium Property Group Residential Sales Director Wayne Harriden encourages those making a move to a communal complex to make the effort to get involved. Photo: Civium.
But living in closer quarters with others can take some adjustment, Wayne concedes.
That’s why he urges anyone moving to a communal complex to make an effort to get involved – get to know your neighbours, utilise shared facilities like pools, gyms, or libraries, and attend at least one body corporate meeting after settlement or signing a lease.
As a general rule, the body corporate is responsible for managing and maintaining the common property and shared facilities, including the exterior of the building, shared stairwells, corridors, and facilities such as swimming pools and gardens, according to Wayne.
They also enforce bylaws and manage strata finances, including insurance and levies.
One of the most significant benefits of strata living is the sense of community that’s fostered when you interact with neighbours in shared spaces and participate in the management of the complex, he says.
From young professionals and first-home buyers to empty-nesters and retirees, the occupants of a shared living complex can be a wonderfully diverse group.
“But if you don’t make an effort to become part of the community, it can be isolating,” Wayne says.
“And if people are unhappy, they are more likely to complain.”
Owning or living in a strata community doesn’t have to be stressful – it’s about consideration and co-operation, Wayne says.
Take the time to read the ‘house rules’ (you’ll be furnished with a copy of the bylaws before you move in and you can also clarify issues with the strata manager), which covers things such as parking (including visitor parking rules), noise, renovations, pet ownership, balconies and the use of common areas.
Any issues that arise can be taken to a member of the strata executive committee or the complex’s managing agent, who should be able to help, he says.
“Strata schemes are self-governing and there are clearly outlined guidelines available for owners or occupants who want to raise an issue or matter for approval, or propose a potential improvement.”
In addition to the big no-nos, such as stolen car parks, leaky pot plants, and noisy or unruly pets, double-check any regulations regarding how you can utilise space, such as balconies, according to Wayne.
“Balconies cannot be used as an extra store room, for example,” he says.
“And while you can put out a drying rack, you can’t string up a full clothesline to hang out your Sunday best.
“If you’re unsure, you can go to the strata and ask; they are there to assist property owners and the people living there.
“The strata rules are there so everyone can enjoy the space in the same way. At the end of the day, it’s about having consideration for others.”
