Lifestyle

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Developer, World Class Global, celebrates the unveiling of the tallest twin infinity pools at their landmark development Australia 108. The momentous occasion saw the opening of the building's 'golden starburst' which is home to the tower's full suite of luxury amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=582]

Perched 212 metres above ground and cantilevered four metres over the streets below, residents can enjoy a swim while watching the entire city wake up. The dual trapezoidal-shaped swimming pools stretch 18 metres long and 5.3 metres at the widest point, with both north and south-facing outlooks across Melbourne skyline, Port Phillip Bay, Abert Park Lake and the Dandenong Ranges.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/australia-108-70-southbank-boulevard-southbank" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1732" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/australia_108_sky_garden_level_70_lr.jpg" width="1154"></a>

World Class Global CEO, David Ng, shared that The Star Club's opening was a significant milestone for the company and Australia 108's residents.

<blockquote>
"We are incredibly excited to open our spectacular Star Club at Australia 108. It is a huge milestone for the project and stellar icon for Melbourne's skyline, featuring two of the highest and most breathtaking swimming spots on the planet. The Star Club introduces a mix of social and wellbeing spaces for residents of Australia 108 situated at uncharted heights above the clouds." 
</blockquote>

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/australia-108-70-southbank-boulevard-southbank" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1154" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/australia_108_sky_gym_level_70_lr.jpg" width="1731"></a>

The Star Club offers an impressive 2,800 square metres of amenities including resident lounges, two fully equipped gymnasiums, a theatre, meeting spaces and even a vertical sky garden. 

Learn more about Australia 108 <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/australia-108-70-southbank-boulevard-southbank" target="_blank">here</a>. 
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Olivia Round

World Class Global unveils the southern hemisphere's highest twin infinity pools at landmark Melbourne development Australia 108

Local caf&eacute;s, restaurants and boutiques have defined Perth&#39;s rise as a tourist attraction alongisde the city&#39;s&nbsp;beautiful parks and beaches.

Investors, first home buyers and downsizers are all taking advantage of Perth&#39;s&nbsp;affordable residential market, which is <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/expert-insights/investing/116922-perth-is-set-for-a-property-market-boom-terry-ryder">overdue for a new property boom</a>, said Hotspotting&#39;s Terry Ryder.

&quot;The gathering forces are building a perfect storm for the next Perth up-cycle&quot;, he wrote.&nbsp;

Urban takes a look at eight of the most stylish new apartments in Perth on the market right now.&nbsp;

1. <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/the-towers-at-elizabeth-quay-1-riverside-drive-perth">The Towers at Elizabeth Quay</a> 
Address: 1 Riverside Drive, Perth WA 6000 
Two-bedroom apartments from $1,253,000

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/the_towers.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/the_towers.jpg?itok=OGVnzKr9" width="580" /></a>

Complete and ready to move in, The Towers at Elizabeth Quay offers prospective residents luxurious style in an exclusive setting. Situated in Perth&rsquo;s most prestigious riverside precinct, the mixed-use complex is anchored by the Ritz-Carlton, giving residents access to the hotel&rsquo;s podium rooftop bar, hotel spa and vitality pools.

Designed by Cottee Parker Architects, The Towers features free standing baths, floor-to-ceiling facades and views across the city to Kings Park, or up the river to Perth Hills. Just two penthouses remain in the project, which include private terraces, internal lifts and multi-level living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7854]

2. <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/the-precinct-893-canning-highway-mount-pleasant">The Precinct, Mount Pleasant</a> 
Address: 893 Canning Highway, Mount Pleasant WA 6153 
One-bedroom apartments from $470,000

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/the_precinct.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/the_precinct.jpg?itok=T9oXuzLv" width="580" /></a>

Located close to 10 kilometres south of the CBD is Mount Pleasant&rsquo;s latest development, The Precinct. Delivered by Norup + Wilson, the project is situated on Canning Highway in an area expected to be transformed with an expanded train station and revitalised town centre on par with what was witness in Subiaco.

Designed by Woods Bagot, the 22-storey smart building will offer residents electric car charging points, centralised home automation and E-keys, as well as apartment views spanning from Kings Park and the CBD in the north to the converging Swan and Canning Rivers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8514]

3. <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/the-residence-152-scarborough-beach-road-scarborough">The Residence, Scarborough</a> 
Address: 152 Scarborough Beach Road, Scarborough WA 6019 
One-bedroom apartments from $429,000

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/the-residence-152-scarborough-beach-road-scarborough-7178e575afddb5a0e907337c7c9172d9.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/the-residence-152-scarborough-beach-road-scarborough-7178e575afddb5a0e907337c7c9172d9.jpg?itok=U-GEVlhT" width="580" /></a>

If the beachside suburb of Scarborough is more your style, look no further than The Residence. Located within walking distance to Scarborough Beach and overlooking the ocean, the Residence provides style, luxury and premium living at a competitive entry price of $429,000.

Designed by the Fratelle Group, the project features a striking roof, central courtyard and spacious rooftop garden deck. Its apartments offer double-glazing, high ceilings and tailored living with unique residences and quality finishes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27884]

4. <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-townhouses/one54-154-banksia-street-tuart-hill">One54, Tuart Hill</a> 
Address: 154 Banksia Street, Tuart Hill WA 6060 
Three-bedroom townhomes from $639,000

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/one54.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/one54.jpg?itok=FdV4Mo7y" width="580" /></a>

For families who value style but are searching for spacious residences, nearby parklands and affordable living, Tuart Hill&rsquo;s One54 provides modern townhomes that are ideal for downsizers and families.

Each two-storey brick townhouse offers open-plan living, courtyard and double-garage. Set within an up-and-coming suburb, One54 still presents residents with convenience, located nearby Westfield Innaloo, Osborne Park Industrial hub and Herdsman Lake.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27416]

5. <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/vantage-60-riversdale-road-rivervale?ref=srp_listview">Vantage, Rivervale</a> 
Address: 60 Riversdale Road, Rivervale WA 6103 
One-bedroom apartments from $390,000

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/vantage_river.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/vantage_river.jpg?itok=qPSSjq1M" width="580" /></a>

Offering the amenities of a five-star hotel, Vantage on the Swan River is a 13-storey residential tower featuring bold architectural design and stylish interiors. Delivered by Edge Visionary Living, the project offers 216 residences in one, two and three-bedroom configurations and a number of luxury penthouses with private rooftop terraces.

Designed by Hillam Architects, the building includes an infinity-edged pool, a gym, sauna and a street-level caf&eacute;, as well as manicured garden elements, outdoor cinema and rooftop terrace.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7780]

6. <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/shenton-quarter-corner-of-selby-street-and-seymour-avenue-shenton-park?ref=srp_listview">Shenton Quarter, Shenton Park</a> 
Address: Corner of Selby Street and Seymour Avenue, Shenton Park WA 6008 
One-bedroom apartments from $399,000

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/shentonquarter.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="290" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/shentonquarter.jpg?itok=dm_0XuME" width="580" /></a>

Shenton Quarter delivers luxury, lifestyle and amenity for prospective buyers hoping to own a piece of Perth&rsquo;s western suburbs. From its architecturally designed loft-style townhouses to its apartments, the project is meticulously crafted with reconstituted stone benchtops, double-glazing and over 2,400sqm of landscaped areas.

Designed by Cameron Chisolm Nicol, residents in Shenton Quarter will have access to city and park views, electric charging points, a gym, solar-heated swimming pool and residents&rsquo; concierge.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=26734]

7. <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/the-crest-burswood-120-goodwood-parade-burswood?ref=srp_listview">The Crest Burswood</a> 
Address: 120 Goodwood Parade, Burswood WA 6100 
One-bedroom apartments from $380,000

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/thecrest.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/thecrest.jpg?itok=0q-AspaF" width="580" /></a>

Set in the developing entertainment area of Burswood, The Crest is yet another project delivered by Norup + Wilson in partnership with Woods Bagot. Each of the 168 residences in the 21-storey building features spacious living, extensive joinery and views of the surrounding city.

The Crest boasts stylish, bespoke wooden cabinetry and island benches, as well as amenities including a rooftop garden area, outdoor cinema and heated pool.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8515]

8.<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/perth-hub-600-wellington-street-perth?ref=srp_listview"> Perth Hub, Perth</a> 
Address: 600 Wellington Street, Perth WA 6000 
One-bedroom apartments from $429,000

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/perthhub.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/perthhub.jpg?itok=DN0CFo4Q" width="580" /></a>

Perth Hub, the latest development by Far East Consortium, offers an enriching city lifestyle in an elegant and timeless residence. Residents are welcomed into the project by a dramatic, hotel-style lobby with high ceilings and lighting features. The tower&rsquo;s exterior architecture, designed by Cottee Parker Architects, is contemporary and striking with a sculptural, geometric design.

Residents of Perth Hub can take advantage of the building&rsquo;s many amenities, including an infinity pool, garden terraces, communal orchard garden and residents&rsquo; dining rooms.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8555]

Urban takes a look at eight of the most stylish new apartments in Perth

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8 of Perth’s most stylish new apartments on the market right now

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The state of Victoria has extended its lockdown until mid-May. Kids are learning from home and adults are working from home, but even so, it seems that there is still plenty of time for activities. If you're feeling a little unproductive lately, here's a list we've compiled filled with at-home activities you can complete at any time.

<h2>LIVING ROOM</h2>

<ul>
<li>Rearrange furniture around the house.</li>
	<li>House plants are proven to be good for your health, consider placing one plant or two in the living room. </li>
	<li>Hang some artwork, prints or posters.</li>
	<li>But if you are feeling creative, paint!</li>
	<li>Try interior photography — it helps you view your house in a new light</li>
	<li>Clean the windows and blinds — dust settles very easily in those places.</li>
	<li>Clean the filters in the air conditioner.</li>
	<li>Exercise: there are tons of workout videos on YouTube.</li>
	<li>Post-workout warrants a Netflix binge-watching session.</li>
	<li>And end every busy night with a movie night.</li>
</ul>
<h2>BEDROOM</h2>

<ul>
<li>Declutter, <a href="https://shop.konmari.com/pages/about">Marie Kondo style</a>.</li>
	<li>After that, fill all unwanted clothes into bags. Take these items to charity stores once the lockdown is lifted.</li>
	<li>And after that, organise the bedside drawer and any other drawer or closet in the bedroom.</li>
	<li>Vacuum your bedroom if the floor is carpeted.</li>
	<li>Otherwise, use a lint roller to stick up all the dust and hair in every corner of the bedroom.</li>
	<li>If you are feeling extra productive, wash your pillows, blankets and bedding — sweat and dust accumulate quickly in these, so you should ideally be doing this once every fortnight!</li>
	<li>Create <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/how-to-effectively-manage-a-remote-workplace-during-social-distancing">a dedicated working space</a> for work or your child’s online classes.</li>
</ul>
<h2>KITCHEN</h2>

<ul>
<li>Try out the recipes you've been meaning to cook. Try making your own ravioli or a homemade chutney. </li>
	<li>Bake your own bread or sweet treats.</li>
	<li>Clean the stovetop — cooking oil, if left to accumulate, deteriorates the stovetop.</li>
	<li>Clean the sink.</li>
	<li>Organize the fridge. Categorise each compartment. Fruits, vegetables, frozen foods, beverages, dairy products, etc. should be in their respective places in the fridge.</li>
	<li>Clear the bins and take out the trash.</li>
	<li>If you are a Masterchef with loads of kitchen tools, check out how to create more storage for cutleries and other appliances <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/lifestyle/25-kitchen-storage-ideas-for-small-spaces">here</a>.</li>
</ul>
<h2>GARAGE</h2>

<ul>
<li>Like other rooms in the house, start by decluttering! The garage stores mountains of unwanted items, so it is finally time to officially throw these unwanted items out.</li>
	<li>Mount a pegboard wall. Hang up your home tools, e.g. hammer, wrench, scissors etc.</li>
	<li>Create storage space for sports equipment.</li>
	<li>Create storage space for gardening tools.</li>
	<li>Create <a href="https://www.bunnings.com.au/diy-advice/outdoor/garage/diy-multiple-bike-rack">a designated space</a> to park bicycles vertically.</li>
	<li>Build <a href="https://www.bunnings.com.au/diy-advice/outdoor/structures/how-to-make-a-diy-bin-storage-unit">simple mini shelves for extra storage space</a> to keep smaller accessories.</li>
	<li>For miscellaneous items that you’d still like to keep, store them in containers. </li>
	<li>Wash your car</li>
</ul>
<h2>BACKYARD</h2>

<ul>
<li>Have a backyard brunch with everyone in the house. If you live alone, organise a Skype brunch session with a friend!</li>
	<li>Mow the lawn.</li>
	<li>Water your plants.</li>
	<li>Trim bushes or weeds around the garden.</li>
	<li>Otherwise, plant and grow some flowers and vegetables.</li>
	<li>Fix the fencing.</li>
</ul>
If you have any other ideas, let us know in the comments!
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jieyee_46282

Feeling unproductive during COVID-19? Here is a master list of home activities to do during the lockdown

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Today, Stockland Research reveals that, as we enter the new decade, purchasing property is top of mind for Australians. The results also show that there is a strong desire for more social connectivity and sustainable home features becoming standard.
Stockland's 2020 property survey has shown that Australians are heading into the new decade with a positive outlook on home ownership with over 40 per cent planning to buy their own property in the next five to ten years. 93 per cent of purchases are expected to be made by those under 35 years old. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/1/20/7_STOCKLAND%20HOME%20BUY.jpg" alt="" width="593" height="360">
People are willing to look further afield with 36 per cent of those surveyed considering moving interstate, and 44 per cent respondents in New South Wales specifically entertaining the idea of crossing borders. Amongst these respondents, the main reason for considering this move include for better lifestyle, 57 per cent; better job opportunities, 42 per cent; and to buy the home you want for less, 32 per cent. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/1/20/7_RUNNING.jpg" alt="" width="592" height="360">
"It's great to see that home ownership remains a key goal for Australians with many starting 2020 with increasing optimism around achieving this" says Stephanie Vainin, general manager residential sales at Stockland. "Purchasing your own home is still seen as a sense of security for many Australians and this won't change anytime soon.
"The way in which Australians want to live will continue to evolve in 2020 and beyond with many considering that interstate move now more than ever, and an increased demand for features that encourage personal connectivity to communities and improved health and wellbeing." 
Over 60 per cent of Australians would forgo a traditional backyard for a small home with less outdoor space if it meant they were more connected to neighbours and close to community parks and green spaces. 
Survey respondents top features for a dream community of the future also included more walking paths community gardens and recreation spaces and fewer roads.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/1/20/7_STOCKLAND%20COMMUNITY.jpg" alt="" width="586" height="373"> 
Ms Vanin explains, "With 24/7 technological connectivity and busy lives, people and increasingly looking for low-maintenance homes located within communities that offer great amenity, social connectivity and physical closeness with their neighbours and wide community. 
"The actual home is still important, however, features that allow for more community living are shifting higher and higher on homeowners' priority lists. That old sense of belonging and knowing your neighbours is more important than ever before." 
Results show that Australians will be even more environmentally conscious this decade with over half, 54 per cent, of the survey respondents stating sustainable and environmental home features are more important to them than they were ten years ago, and 22 per cent stating the purchase of ethical and sustainable items for their home are important. 
A quarter of the respondents also stated they would specifically like automated recycling in their future home, with those over 55 years old the most excited about the prospect. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/1/20/7_BINS.jpg" alt="" width="588" height="357">
"Buyers are much more attuned to the benefits of sustainable home design today than they were a decade ago. The costs of many features such as LED lighting and solar panels are also much more affordable today and buyers now understand the long terms cost benefits of these features for future energy savings to them and the broader benefits to the environment," notes Ms Vanin
This week, Stockland has launched its <a href="https://www.stockland.com.au/start" target="_blank">2020 residential summer campaign</a>. The campaign is built upon the idea that "A day can change a decade" and by taking a step into the home buying journey today, you can set yourself up for the whole decade ahead. 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

How will Australians live over the next decade, Stockland Research

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The home titles, Inside Out, Country Style and homelife.com.au have been sold to Bauer Media by News Corp.
Country Style, Inside Out and Homelife.com.au and their editorial teams are said to be an "ideal complement to Bauer’s existing stable of homes titles."
"We know that they will have a strong publishing future with Bauer," the executive chairman of News Corp, Michael Miller said.
The acquisition will see Bauer’s Homes portfolio become the pre-eminent destination for readers looking for creative inspiration and expert advice in an ever-changing home environment, he added. 
The July editions of Country Style and Inside Out will be our final issues before the editorial teams make the move to Bauer Media.  
The products will be led by Bauer Homes editor-in-chief Lisa Green, who has been at the helm of House &amp; Garden since 2006, Mumbrella noted.
Inside Out acting editor Victoria Baker and Country Style and HomeLife.com.au editor-in-chief Victoria Carey will remain in their roles and move across to Bauer, but associate publisher of homes Claire Bradley will remain at News Corp for a new opportunity.
Miller said he was often approached by numerous parties interested in parts of our publishing portfolio.
"We are focused on orienting our business towards markets and categories that represent growth for us, such as our food and prestige networks, and after significant review of our magazine publishing assets, we have decided to divest our home titles, Inside Out, Country Style and homelife.com.au, in response to interest from Bauer Media."
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Inside Out and Country Style magazines off to Bauer Media

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<img src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/82069/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-advanced" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">
GUEST OBSERVER
There’s been a lot of talk about apartment living of late.
Whether it’s millennials who can’t afford to buy a house, downsizers making a lifestyle change, owner-occupiers struggling to get defective buildings fixed, or foreign investors buying into new development, there’s no shortage of opinions and interest. 
Except for one group: lower-income and vulnerable residents.
In Greater Sydney, the latest census data show that almost one in five households (17%) living in apartments and townhouses have weekly household incomes of less than A$649. 
Among this group the largest sub-group (36%) live in private rental housing. That’s more than 72,000 households living on $649 or less per week in a housing market where average weekly rents for apartments are $550. 
Our research for Shelter NSW identifies multiple challenges such households face. 
<h2>Why does this matter?</h2>
It matters because some things about apartment and townhouse living are fundamentally different to living in a house. These differences have particular impacts on lower-income and vulnerable people living in higher-density housing.
The significant differences include:
<ul>
<li>
You live closer to your neighbours, so it’s more likely you’ll see, hear or meet them.
</li>
<li>
You share services and spaces with neighbours, from gardens to laundries to lifts.
</li>
<li>
You have to co-operate with other residents and owners to manage and pay for building operation and upkeep. 
</li>
</ul>
If you live in a private apartment building then the fact that a large proportion of apartments are sold to investors and rented out will likely have three key impacts on you:
<ul>
<li>Developers often cater for investors when designing new apartment buildings, so you will likely find a limited variation in apartment designs and sizes available.</li>
<li>Resident turnover in your building may be high, as private renters move more frequently.</li>
<li>Tensions between owner-occupiers and investor-owners may result in disagreements and disputes over budgeting and maintenance.</li>
</ul>
While these unique aspects of higher-density living can be tricky for anyone, they present particular challenges for lower-income and vulnerable residents. They tend to have less choice about their living arrangements, so they can’t up and move to better-designed, constructed and managed properties if things aren’t working out.
<h2>Building flaws affects some residents in particular</h2>
Poor building quality is one of the major issues in high-density development in Australia. The problems relate to design, defects and maintenance. 
The design issues include noise disturbances as a result of poor design, inadequate solar access and cross ventilation, the availability and flexibility of shared spaces, and safety and security considerations. 
Another issue is design that fails to help meet the needs of particular groups (such as people with a disability, and families with children). 
Beyond design, the construction quality of higher-density developments is a major issue in Australia. Key concerns include the quantity and severity of building defects, as well as the difficulties owners face having defects fixed.
Among the problems are quality of workmanship, management of construction, private certification, limited warranties and the often-prohibitive cost of legal action. 
As with poor design, lower-income households are particularly susceptible to construction issues. This is because there are more incentives to cut corners when constructing more affordable housing. Examples include rushing jobs, hiring cheaper but less experienced tradespeople, or using substandard materials. 
Once residents move in, negotiating to fix defects is particularly difficult for private renters, as they typically must go through the real estate agent or landlord. This means renters may be stuck with unsatisfactory living conditions. 
Lower-income renters are also likely to be over-represented in poorly maintained buildings, as these are usually cheaper to rent. Compared to a detached house, maintenance in higher-density properties is complicated by the complexity of the buildings themselves and the governance structures. 
As a result, required maintenance work is often not carried out, or is reactive rather than proactive. This is especially true in buildings occupied by lower-income renters with no direct recourse to the strata committee. They often cannot afford to move and may fear retaliatory rent increases if they report maintenance issues.
 
<h2>Social relations can be challenging</h2>
Neighbour disputes happen everywhere, but evidence suggests disputes are more common in areas with more lower-income and vulnerable residents and with more apartments. 
Common causes of neighbour conflict in higher-density housing reflect different expectations about noise levels, parking practices, or spending on maintenance and improvements. 
Neighbour disputes can have significant impacts on health. This potentially counteracts the health benefits associated with the walkable nature of many higher-density neighbourhoods.
When disputes arise, the number of stakeholders involved complicates efforts to find a resolution. They might include renters, resident owners, investor owners, building managers, strata managers and strata committee members. 
Research with strata residents in New South Wales shows residents find formal dispute resolution mechanisms complex and slow. Most disputes are resolved informally. 
Lower-income residents, and renters in particular, are likely to have less influence over the outcomes of such processes.
Fostering positive neighbour relations can be more difficult where resident turnover is high, such as in buildings dominated by private renters. It is also more difficult in poorly designed buildings without quality shared spaces.
<h2>New norm promotes inequity</h2>
Apartment living is the new norm in Australia. As the nursery rhyme says, when it’s good it’s very, very good, but when it’s bad it’s horrid. If these homes are poorly designed, poorly built, poorly maintained or poorly managed, they are poor places to live.
The market-led housing model that underpins Australia’s compact city policies has meant that people with less money get a poorer product. Few planners or politicians have adequately acknowledged these inequities. 
The reasons why we got here will be considered in tomorrow’s piece in this series.
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/hazel-easthope-175163" target="_blank">Hazel Easthope</a> is Senior Research Fellow, City Futures Research Centre, UNSW.
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/laura-crommelin-15376" target="_blank">Laura Crommelin</a> is Research Associate, City Futures Research Centre, UNSW.
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/laurence-troy-2403" target="_blank">Laurence Troy</a> is Research Fellow, City Futures Research Centre, UNSW.
All are authors for The Conversation.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

This is why apartment living is different for the poor

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The latest NAB Consumer Anxiety Index shows consumer anxiety has eased with fewer Australians choosing to cut back spending on non-essentials.
According to the Index, one in four have refused to spend less on lifestyle purchases with young people as reluctant to cut back spending than the middle aged.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/24/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-24%20at%2011.19.06%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/24/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-24%20at%2011.19.06%20AM.png" alt="">
The Consumer Anxiety Index measures concerns about future spending and savings factoring in job security, health, retirement, cost of living and government polices. It fell to a survey low 55.9 points in Q1 2017 (58.7 in Q4 2016).
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/24/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-24%20at%2011.17.52%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/24/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-24%20at%2011.17.52%20AM.png" alt="">
Alan Oster, chief economist, NAB Group, said lower anxiety was reported across all survey measures in the March quarter. 
"NAB’s measure of Consumer Spending Behaviour improved from -13 to -10, suggesting fewer consumers cut back their spending during Q1," he said.
“This was led by an increase in the number of consumers spending more on essentials and a reduction in the number of consumers cutting back on many non-essentials, especially home improvements, entertainment, travel and major household items.
“While stress levels arising from the cost of living and government policy also fell, around 1 in 4 consumers reported “very high” anxiety in relation to both these issues.
 Consumers were also asked for the first time about their attitudes to “lifestyle spending” (e.g. holidays, coffee, eating out, etc.) and which of these they would be prepared to sacrifice in order to improve their financial position.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/24/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-24%20at%2011.20.12%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/24/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-24%20at%2011.20.12%20AM.png" alt="">
"While the majority of consumers are prepared to cut back lifestyle spending to improve their finances, almost 4 in 10 are not. 
“Surprisingly, young people are no more willing to cut back lifestyle spending than middle aged consumers."
The index said areas where consumers were most prepared to spend “much less” include transport (taxis, Uber, etc.), take-away food, fitness and alcohol and least prepared to curb their spending on internet and mobile phones.
NAB expects consumption growth of around 2 percent in 2016-17 and 2017-18 and a modest improvement to 2.2 percent in 2018-19. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/24/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-24%20at%2010.39.04%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/24/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-24%20at%2010.39.04%20AM.png" alt="">
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

One in four Australians refuse to spend less on lifestyle purchases: NAB

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Homebuyers in the 55-plus age group looking at community title projects have clear values, preferences and attitudes that largely reflect the lifestyle they desire.
The final report from Grey Matter Research and Consulting in the United States show that boomer buyers value the first impression of a community and feeling welcome.
Amenities are also huge draws, the Inman report noted. So clubhouses, pools and walking trails, plus the essentials of proximity to restaurants, shopping, entertainment.
Proximity to medical services also ranks as an important factor, according to research conducted by Hanley Wood, a real estate media firm, and national homebuilder and developer Taylor Morrison.
The following are favored design elements and features among boomers:
<ul>
<li>Open floor plans</li>
<li>High ceilings</li>
<li>Natural light</li>
<li>Integrated indoor and outdoor space</li>
<li>Sheltered areas</li>
<li>Native plants</li>
<li>Sustainable and energy-efficient technology</li>
<li>Sufficient storage</li>
</ul>
The top three factors that influence the purchase of a home are:
<ul>
<li>Area/location (50.2 percent)</li>
<li>Price/affordability (37.4 percent)</li>
<li>The layout of the home (19 percent)</li>
</ul>
These factors also led the way for buyers building or shopping for a new home:
<ul>
<li>Quality of construction (9 percent)</li>
<li>Safer neighborhood (8.4 percent)</li>
<li>Better floor plans (8.2 percent)</li>
<li>Architecture/overall design (8.1 percent)</li>
</ul>
The top three most important rooms or areas in a home include:
<ul>
<li>Kitchen (82.8 percent)</li>
<li>Master bedroom (59.2 percent)</li>
<li>Great room (36 percent)</li>
</ul>
Baby boomers would prefer a mid-size home rather than a smaller property
The results of these studies will inform the design and development of the entirely customizable <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://form.jotform.com/60818219261152">“NEXTadventure” model home</a>, which is set to debut at the International Builders Show in Orlando, Florida, in January 2017.
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